Port Vale Faces Exeter City: Match Preview
Port Vale is set to face Exeter City at Vale Park this Saturday. This match marks a significant milestone, as the club celebrates its 150th anniversary. The Valiants previously met the Grecians in September at St James Park, where they secured a 2-0 victory thanks to first-half goals from Ruari Paton and Devante Cole.
Previous Match and Recent Form
Following their triumph in September, Vale comes into this anniversary game after losing to Mansfield Town last weekend. Manager Jon Brady reflected on the defeat, noting, “We had a very good first half but weren’t clinical enough. In the second half, we lost too many duels.”
Manager’s Thoughts
Brady expressed optimism for the upcoming match against Exeter City. “We want a large crowd at home and aim to perform well to lift spirits. We have prepared all week, but Exeter is on a good run. This league is relentless, and we must face the challenges head-on,” Brady stated.
About Exeter City
Exeter City, based in Devon in the South West of England, has been competing in League One since their promotion from League Two in 2022. This was the same year Port Vale also earned promotion via the Play-Offs. The Grecians experienced a significant setback when they dropped out of the Football League in 2003. However, the club was revitalized after the Supporters Trust became majority shareholders, leading to back-to-back promotions and a return to League One.
Current Standing
- Position: 13th in League One
- Points: 33 from 25 games
Exeter arrives in this match after a commanding 3-0 victory against Stevenage last week.
The Man Behind Exeter City
Gary Caldwell has managed Exeter City since 2022, overseeing 175 matches and securing 66 wins. Before this role, he served as an assistant manager at Hibernian in Scotland. Caldwell is a former professional player with a successful career, having played with Newcastle United and won titles with Celtic. He was also part of the Wigan Athletic squad that defeated Manchester City in the FA Cup final in 2013.
Player to Watch
Fans should keep an eye on Exeter’s Jayden Wareham. The young forward, aged 22, is the team’s top scorer, with nine goals and one assist this season. He has recently netted three goals in his last four league matches, including a crucial equalizer against Huddersfield.
Fixture History
Reflecting on past encounters, one notable match occurred on January 28, 2020, when Port Vale defeated Exeter City 3-1. After falling behind early on, Vale mounted a comeback with a penalty scored by Richie Bennett, followed by two additional goals to secure the victory.
This upcoming clash promises excitement as both teams aim to leave a mark in the 150th-anniversary celebration of Port Vale.
