Johnstone’s Paint Trophy R2: Port Vale v Rochdale
Vale Park, Tuesday 8th October, 7.30pm kick-off
Manager Keith Hill says Tuesday night’s Johnstone Paint Trophy (JPT) match against League One side Port Vale is an important game.
Dale enter the competition at the second round stage after being given a bye in the first round, while the Valiants saw off Bury 2-1 last month to book their place.
JPT rules state that Hill must name six players who played in Dale’s last outing, and speaking after Saturday’s game at Portsmouth, he ruled out making too many changes.
He told Dale Player: “It’s an important game for the football club and the players, and I don’t intend on making too many changes. I don’t see any reason why we should because we’re still early in the season.
“I think the players have been absolutely superb on creating this run [four league wins in September] and we will bounce back. I said during the week that we’re not going to win every game but our response to losing is really important.”
Skipper Peter Cavanagh will again be unavailable selection as he continues to recover from an achilles problem, while George Donnelly will serve the last of his three match ban.
MATCH OFFICIALS
Referee: Scott Mathieson
Assistant referees: Andrew Fox and Nicholas Gibbons
Fourth official: James Wilson
LAST MEETING AT VALE PARK
November 6th 2013: Port Vale 2-2 Rochdale
Dale came from two goals behind to secure a point when the two sides met at Vale Park for a League Two encounter last season.
Tom Pope had put the home side two up (27, 62 mins), but goals from Bobby Grant (73 mins) and Andrew Tutte (87 mins) turned the match on its head to ensure a point from a 2-2 draw.
You can watch the goals from the game on our official YouTube channel.
ADMISSION
The admission prices for the match at Vale Park can be found HERE.