Management thoughts on The Vale tonight.

Posted on Tuesday, August 24th, 2010

Mike says -

“Tonight is the first league meeting between The Vale and ourselves for a number of seasons but let’s hope we do better than we’ve done in cup-ties over the last couple of years. Two seasons ago we only played tonight’s opponents once and that was in the League Cup 2nd round down at Innerleithen where the home side won 2-1. Last season we only met at the Academy on 12th December and The Vale once again came out on top 2-1 in the semi of the Image Printer’s Cup.

What does that tell us? The Vale have done well recently in cup-ties against us at home or away. It also tells us that those players who played against us last December will be coming here knowing they have turned us over in the past and will run out and play with no fear. Also with Robbie Horn in charge for the first time either as caretaker or in a permanent position, The Vale players will have an extra spring in their step as they try to impress the new man in charge.

Sam and I will have to wait until the last minutes before picking our side. Danny is almost back fit while Alex is struggling. Donal, Cloudie, Sivie and Chris Smith all had knocks or strains going into Saturday’s game at Gala and may not be 100% depending on the reaction to their ailments. I’ve kept in touch and they all think they will be available but we’ll get them out for a run and kick of a ball before Sam and I make our final decision on tonight’s team.

Wee Sammy said on Saturday after their victory over Whitehill that the Uni had won another yellow jersey. They did that and after three wins they currently lead the pack. We can’t take that off them this evening but we can get a bit closer to them in the title race. A very good Vale side stand in our way and it’s up to us to raise our game and go for the win. We hope our players can rise to the occasion and Sam and I are looking forward to watching them try.”

Mike