Port Vale: Vital statistics
by Steve Shaw
PREVIOUS MEETING
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Marc Richards was sent off the last time these sides met
December 20, 2008
Port Vale 0
Chesterfield 1
(Downes 54)
VALE handed their League Two rivals an early Christmas present when skipper Marc Richards, right, received his marching orders during the first period.
Richards had gone close to breaking the deadlock but his cultured effort crashed against the bar.
The 26-year-old was given an early bath though after clashing with a Chesterfield defender just before the break. His crime earned him a three-match festive ban, but worse was to follow as the visitors secured victory in the second half. The goal came from a 54th-minute corner, swung over by Darren Currie. Defender Aaron Downes left centre-half Gareth Owen trailing to power his header beyond keeper Chris Martin from eight yards.
Port Vale: Martin, Griffith, Owen, Collins, McCrory, Davidson, Brown, Howland, Glover (Dodds, 74), Richards, Thompson (Perry, 53).
Chesterfield: Lee, Gray, Hall, Downes, Picken, Currie (Austin , 87), Harsley, Lowry, Robertson, Lester, Ward.
Attendance: 5,011
FORM GUIDE
Vale: DLWLW
Chesterfield: WDWLW
WHO WE'D LIKE TO BUY
Jack Lester. The 33-year-old striker has hit 19 goals this season and is full of confidence after netting a brace in their 3-0 midweek win against promotion hopefuls Rochdale.
WHO TO BOO
Lester's strike partner Martin Gritton has scored 10 goals this term. He scored one against the Valiants at Vale Park for former club Macclesfield in November as part of the Silkmen's 3-1 victory in the FA Cup.
MAN IN THE MIDDLE
Michael Oliver (Northumberland). Only his second season on the league list. Last officiated a Vale game in January last year when they beat League One rivals Millwall 3-1.
PROBABLE TEAMS
Port Vale: Anyon, Stockley, Prosser, McCombe, Collins, Richman, Griffith, Howland, Marshall, Edwards, Richards.
Chesterfield: Lee, Wilson, Hall, Downes, Robertson, Lowry, Niven, Montrose, Talbot, Lester, Gritton.
PREDICTION
Marc Richards grabs a consolation as Vale to stumble to a 2-1 defeat.
Other Port Vale stories today
Glover ready to shield youngsters from fan anger
Griffith relishes surprise return to centre ground
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