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!