According to various social media postings, it appears that Port Vale will be bringing one of the largest away following that Bescot has seen, especially in recent times, but can we dampen their spirits and quieten what will be a big following?
When we played them in December, Vale were favourites, sitting above us in the league, and off the back of some good results, very similar to how Saturday shapes up. However, we managed to limit their attack, with some solid defending, to zero shots on target, and score a goal early in the 2nd half to win 1-0, and really annoy Tom Pope, who’s childish social media outburst’s, gave us all something to laugh about.
Vale are unbeaten in their last 5 matches, winning 4 and drawing 1, and currently sit 11 points above us in 6th place. 2 of their wins have come against Forest Green and Northampton, both of which we have played, and beaten too, which gives us some hope, however their other two have been convincing wins against Exeter and Colchester, both of which are clubs who are doing very well this season. Their draw was against Salford.
It is not going to be an easy game, however if we can perform to our best, and keep our defence tight, then we do, of course, have chance. Bescot will no doubt be rocking, with Vale’s away following, there will undoubtedly be a lot of chants flowing back and forth. My hope is that the Saddler’s faithful get down there in their numbers, are loud, and cheer the team on to send all those Vale fans home a lot quieter than when they arrived.
Our season may well be over, but games like this give us all something to look forward to, and a win on Saturday, will make many Walsall fans, very happy, and a certain Tom Pope, very annoyed.
