Port Vale Vs Fleetwood Town

Matchday 45 presented a stadium conveniently located for a midweek excursion, with an estimated journey time ranging from 55 minutes to 2 hours, contingent upon traffic conditions.

We departed around 16:15, allowing ample time in case the M6 proved troublesome. Surprisingly, the journey was relatively smooth, encountering minor congestion only on the approach to Stoke On Trent. Arriving near the stadium in approximately an hour and 20 minutes, we found parking nearby, affording us plenty of time to explore the stadium, club shop, and surrounding areas. After purchasing our customary scarf and program and grabbing a bite to eat, we entered through the turnstiles at 18:45.

Navigating towards the ground, the layout reminded me of our earlier visit to Sheffield United during our 92 Challenge. However, upon approaching the entrance, our simple request for seat directions left us baffled as two staff members struggled to assist us. Eventually, a senior steward instructed us to sit “anywhere” devoid of a “season ticket holder” sticker. This arrangement puzzled us, marking a first in my stadium experiences.

Undeterred, we set out to find three seats, anticipating the arrival of fellow 92 challenger Dan. Seeking access to the lower part of the stand (The Paddock), we encountered another steward who suggested we simply climb over the wall. Such instructions seemed utterly bizarre.

In retrospect, we should have been directed back to the upper tier of the Railway Stand. What astonished me was the provision of porta-loos outside the stadium for Paddock attendees, requiring re-entry permission. This seemed archaic and raised concerns regarding crowd control and safety in the modern age.

Refreshments near this area were equally disappointing, with a pricey £4.50 for a subpar instant coffee and hot chocolate. Unfortunately, Dan was unable to join us due to the confusion over seating, leaving him isolated in the upper tier of the Railway Stand amidst a sparse crowd.

Despite the disjointed experience, the view was commendable, and the atmosphere, though lacking in numbers, was surprisingly vibrant.

The match unfolded in two contrasting halves, with Port Vale dominating the first and securing a 2-0 lead by halftime. However, they faltered in the second half, allowing Fleetwood to stage a late comeback, with Port Vale’s goalkeeper making several remarkable saves.

Justifiably, fans voiced their disappointment with boos at the game’s conclusion, holding the players accountable for the lackluster performance.

Post-match, exiting the area was relatively straightforward. With a stop at Sandwell And Dudley for Dan, we arrived home just after 23:30.

Club Formation: Port Vale Football Club was founded in 1876 and is one of the oldest football clubs in England.

Home Ground: The club’s home ground is Vale Park, located in Burslem, Stoke-on-Trent. It has been the club’s home since 1950 and has a seating capacity of over 19,000.

Promotions: Port Vale has had its fair share of success over the years, including promotions to higher divisions. The club has competed in both the English First Division (now the Premier League) and the English Second Division (now the Championship).

Cup Success: Port Vale has had some notable successes in cup competitions. The club reached the semi-finals of the FA Cup in the 1953-1954 season, a significant achievement in its history.

Community Engagement: Port Vale has a strong presence in its local community and is involved in various outreach programs and initiatives aimed at engaging with fans and supporting local causes. The club’s community trust delivers projects related to health and well-being, education, social inclusion, and more.