Match Preview | Port Vale (H)

21 February 2023

Morecambe are back at the Mazuma Stadium for the second time in a week as they take on Port Vale on Tuesday 21 February in Sky Bet League One.

The Shrimps look to bounce back following Saturday's defeat at the hands of Peterborough United, whereas Port Vale tasted victory at the weekend, beating Exeter City by a goal to nil.

The Opposition

The Valiants sit 12th in League One with 11 wins, seven draws and 14 defeats from 32 games this season.

Port Vale were promoted from League Two last season following a fifth place finish. The Staffordshire side were promoted to the third tier after a successful play-off campaign. Vale beat Swindon over two legs in the semi-finals and earned promotion at Wembley after beating Mansfield Town 3-0 in the final.

Manager Darrell Clarke spent his career playing as a midfielder for Mansfield Town, Hartlepool United and Salisbury City. The 45-year-old began his managerial career in 2014 when he took charge of Bristol Rovers. After four years at the Memorial Stadium, Clarke became the Walsall manager before taking the Port Vale job in February 2021.

Key Players

Striker Ellis Harrison is the top scorer at Vale Park this season with eight goals as well as one assist. The Welshman worked under his current boss at Bristol Rovers. During his seven years in the West Country, the 29-year-old scored 44 goals in 185 appearances. Since leaving Rovers, he has spent time with Ipswich Town, Portsmouth and Fleetwood Town before moving to Staffordshire in 2022.

Winger David Worrall has been the centre of creativity for the Valiants this season with five assists and one goal so far. The Mancunian has been at Vale Park since 2017 and has made over 200 appearances for Vale. Before that, he featured 143 times for Bury and had spells with Southend United and Millwall.

Attacking full-back Mal Benning is one of the main reasons Port Vale are in League One this season having scored their third goal five minutes from time in last season’s League Two play-off final. This season, the 29-year-old has contributed with three goals and an assist.

Derek Adams’ Thoughts

Derek Adams wants his side are full of belief ahead of Tuesday night.

“We’ve got to be on the front foot,” he said.

“We’ve got to get at them and create opening’s which we can do, we’ve shown that at home.

“The players have got good belief because we’ve been on a run which has enabled us to get more points on the table.”

Team News

The gaffer has a fully fit squad to choose from on Tuesday night; Both Donald Love and Ryan Cooney, who came off against Forest Green Rovers, featured in last Saturday's squad.

Meet The Officials

Ross Joyce will referee Tuesday’s fixture and will be assisted by Joe Simpson, Matthew Parry, and fourth official Martin Woods.

Joyce has officiated 20 games so far this season, eight in League One and League Two, two in the Carabao Cup and one in the Papa John’s Trophy and FA Cup respectively.

The official last refereed a Morecambe game on April 2 2022 when the Shrimps beat Burton Albion 2-0 at the Mazuma.

Watch Live

If you're unable to make it to the Mazuma Stadium on Tuesday night, you can purchase an iFollow Shrimps video match pass for just £10.

Click here for more information!

Match Reports

Report | Morecambe 1 Port Vale 0

21 February 2023

Morecambe got back to winning ways at the Mazuma Stadium on Tuesday night with a 1-0 win over Port Vale.

After a tightly contested first half, the Shrimps took the lead when Adam Mayor found the net from a tight angle.

Derek Adams’ side created the first opening of the game on 25 minutes when the ball was worked nicely to Mayor on the edge of the penalty area, but the youngster’s effort curled over the crossbar.

Vale came close to taking the lead moments later when a cross from the right found Tom Conlon who headed just over.

Morecambe put together some nice play of themselves down the right when Donald Love fizzed in a low cross looking for Michael Mellon who couldn’t quite get the vital touch ahead of Vale goalkeeper Aidan Stone.

Mayor came close to giving the Shrimps the lead in first half stoppage time when his effort from range flew inches over the Valiants net.

Half-time: Morecambe 0 Port Vale 0

Morecambe started the second half brightly with more good work from Love who sent in a low ball across the box which found Mellon who was unable to apply the finish.

Shrimps goalkeeper Connor Ripley was called into action for the first time moments later when he came rushing off his line to deny Ben Garrity.

Morecambe took the lead five minutes into the second half when Dan Crowley fed the ball to Mayor on the left who rifled his effort into the bottom right-hand corner to put the Shrimps ahead.

Port Vale came close to an equaliser with 23 minutes to go when the ball fell to Tom Pett on the edge of the area whose volley was tipped onto the bar by Ripley.

Ripley made another excellent save 15 minutes from time to keep out Matty Taylor’s effort from a tight angle.

The visitors thought they were level when Taylor found the net from close range but the assistant’s flag was raised for offside.

Morecambe kept their one goal lead intact to secure a thoroughly deserved three points at the Mazuma.

Full-time: Morecambe 1 Port Vale 0

Morecambe: Ripley, Love, Gibson, Rawson, Bedeau, Weir (Simeu, 79’), Mellon, Shaw, Crowley (Taylor, 71’), Mayor, Stockton (Gnahoua, 34’).

Subs not used: Smith, Cooney, Austerfield, Hunter.

Goals: Mayor (51’).

Bookings: Bedeau.

Red cards: None.

Port Vale: Stone, Donnelly, Smith, Forrester (Proctor, 85’), Worrall, Robinson, Pett, Conlon (Butterworth, 64’), Garrity, Massey (Harrison, 64’), Taylor.

Subs not used: Stevens, Agyakwa, Benning, Holden.

Goals: None.

Bookings: None.

Red cards: None.

Attendance: 4,360 (857 away).

Ticket News

Ticket Details | Port Vale (H)

6 February 2023

Tickets are now on sale for our rearranged Sky Bet League One home clash against Port Vale on Tuesday 21 February, 19:45 KO.

Ticket Prices

	Standing	Seating
Adult	£20	£25
Concession	£15	£20
Young Adult 18-22	£10	£15
Junior 14-17	£5	£7
Child Under 14*	£3	£5

*All children under the age of 14 must be accompanied by a responsible adult (over 18).

*All tickets purchased for the original fixture will be valid for the rearranged game.

Disabled/Ambulant Supporters

We have a limited number of wheelchair spaces available, please contact the club shop directly to purchase these spaces along with carer tickets. All disabled and ambulant supporters will pay the price stated above and will be entitled to one complimentary carer ticket. To purchase a disabled or ambulant ticket with a complimentary carer, please contact the Morecambe FC Club Shop directly.

Additional Information

Sales deadline: Tuesday 21 February, 19:45.
Refund deadline: Monday 20 February, 17:00.

All tickets purchased for the original date will be valid for the new fixture date and time.

FAQs

Tickets are sold subject to availability.
Supporters will notice a new points section as part of the purchasing process. This is for internal use only.

Fans are strongly advised to purchase tickets in advance of the fixture to avoid delays on the day of the match.