Phil Yelland delves into the Club's archives to find out how The Bluebirds have got on during previous away trips to Port Vale.
Last season was the first time we had met competitively with Port Vale since 1967. They are not a club we have met regularly during our years in the Football League and our record away from home against them until last season did not feature a win.
On Boxing day last year, with Rob Kelly in caretaker charge, we recorded our first victory at Vale Park with a goal from Scott Quigley in the first half and one from Patrick Brough after the break.
The first meeting in the Potteries took place in September 1929 and, sadly, the 5-0 thrashing was a sign of things to come. Vale went on to win promotion that season.
The next meeting took place just over seven years later in December 1936 when we gave a much better account of ourselves. However, despite two goals from Willie Ouchterlonie, we headed home on the wrong end of the 3-2 defeat.
Our next three tips to Burslem, either side of World War Two, were not enjoyable either - as the score line of no goals scored and 11 conceded shows.
All of those early games were played at the Old Recreation Ground in Hanley.By the time of the next visit, in March 1959, Vale had moved to Vale Park.
That visit, in the 1959/60 season, saw Vale again win promotion as champions at the end of the first season of Division Four football. At least we scored through Bob McIlvenny – Vale netted four times, however.
The start of May 1966 marked a landmark for us in meetings against Vale in the Potteries as thanks to a fine defensive effort and great performance by goalkeeper Lionel Duffin, we took a point in a 0-0 draw. Our first and last point until last term.
Our jinx returned in our promotion winning year of 1966/67 when, despite a goal from Jim Mulholland, we lost 2-1 in the February of that campaign.
So, our nine visits to date have brought one win, one draw and seven defeats. Let’s hope our 10th visit produces win number two!