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Match Previews

Preview: Barrow v Port Vale

20 April 2021

A photo of Holker Street Mark Fletcher (MI News & Sport)
Holker Street

Take a look at all you need to know ahead of tonight's game with our full and in-depth preview of Port Vale's visit to The Progression Solicitors Stadium.

Barrow v Port Vale
Tuesday 20th April 2021, 7pm
The Progression Solicitors Stadium
Sky Bet League Two

In Opposition
Port Vale have stormed clear of relegation trouble on the back of an astonishing six-game winning run engineered by new boss Darrell Clarke.

The Valiants turned to Clarke in February following the departure of John Askey and it looks to have been an astute appointment with the former Walsall and Bristol Rovers boss already making an impact.

While Vale may have left it just too late to put together a charge on the play-off places, the recent run of brilliant form means they can play with a sense of freedom during the run-in.

Indeed, after Saturday’s goalless draw at Carlisle United, Clarke hinted that he may look to rotate things during the final four games to have a more thorough look at the squad he’s inherited.

However, whatever team is selected this evening, Vale will be keen to pick up a result in Cumbria to avenge The Bluebirds’ 2-0 victory at Vale Park on Boxing Day.

One To Watch
Devante Rodney has enjoyed an excellent first full season of playing in the Football League and is Port Vale’s top scorer with 12 goals in all competitions during 2020/21.

The pacey and athletic front man arrived at the club during the summer following his departure from Salford City and is comfortable playing through the middle or out on the right hand side.

Rodney spent his youth days on the books of Manchester City and Sheffield Wednesday before winning a deal at Hartlepool United at the start of 2017.

Head To Head
Tonight’s game will be the 18th time the two sides have locked horns in competitive action and Vale have the edge historically having won nine of the previous 17 meetings.

This will be Vale’s first visit to Barrow since October 1966 when the sides drew 2-2 in Division Four, while our Boxing Day triumph at Vale Park was our first win over them since way back in 1938.

Referee
It’s a second visit of the season to The Progression Solicitors Stadium for Andy Haines as he takes charge of this evening’s League Two encounter with Port Vale.

An experienced official who has been on the EFL’s list of referees since 2007, Haines was also in the middle for our 1-1 draw with Leyton Orient back in October.

He has taken charge of 27 games across the various competitions so far this season, with his latest appointment coming ten days ago when he saw Salford City beat Stevenage 2-1 at The Peninsula Stadium.

Betting
The bookies are struggling to separate the two sides ahead of tonight’s contest with Barrow rated an 8/5 shot for three points and Port Vale given odds of 8/5 on taking victory in Cumbria.

Click here now to take a look at Sky Bet’s range of odds on this evening’s action.

Live Streaming
Match Passes to watch tonight’s game live on iFollow Barrow are now available so you can see all the action in our clash with The Valiants as it unfolds online.

Season Ticket holders are still able to enjoy complimentary access to home games and your iFollow accounts should now have been upgraded.

Click here now to buy your Match Pass for this evening.

Live Commentary
We will also provide an audio commentary of Tuesday’s game when we link up with BBC Radio Cumbria’s Chris Stott and John Goodwin who will describe all the action as it unfolds.

You can purchase an Audio Match Pass for £2.50, an Audio Monthly Pass for £4.49 or sign-up for Audio Season Pass which provides all live commentary and video news for just £45.

Click here now to subscribe to iFollow Barrow.


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