Port Vale v Carlisle United, Saturday 26 August, Vale Park, kick off 3pm
The Valiants started the season in the worst possible way - with a seven-goal away tanking at Barnsley.
But their response since that sobering episode has been exemplary, with two wins and a draw to reset the balance.
Their win at Charlton on Saturday was earned thanks to a late strike from Funso Ojo, after the teams had battled out a tense second half. It was, incidentally, a first away win since 1 January for the Valiants.
The summer started with good news for Vale as Andy Crosby was appointed to the manager's role on a permanent basis.
He made his first signing within a matter of days when free agent midfielder Tom Sang penned a two-year deal, having moved on from Cardiff.
Defender Alex Iacovitti signed a similar deal when he exited Ross County, and former Shrimps stopper Connor Ripley also entered the building.
Midfielder Conor Grant became summer arrival number four, having parted company with Plymouth.
Another stopper was captured when Jayson Leutwiler made the switch from Oldham, and there was a flurry of activity when Mitch Clark, Ethan Chislett and Jason Lowe headed to Burslem.
Kofi Balmer agreed a loan deal from Palace midway through last month, and Oliver Arblaster did the same thing as he came in from Sheffield United.
And there was a u-turn from forward James Wilson when he gave the nod to a six-month stay having initially turned down a new contract offer.
Forward Ethan Chislett has hit the ground running this term with three goals and one assist from his five appearances with his new club.
He's one of those who can play in a number of positions and who causes problems from all of them.
He'll be looking to add to his tally, so he's our weekend one to watch.
Click HERE to purchase a match pass which will allow you to listen to this fixture via our match streaming service.
With match commentary provided by BBC Radio Cumbria, this is a fantastic way to follow your team through the season.
Match audio passes are available for ALL EFL league games - click HERE to find out more about this season’s iFollow United service.
| Carlisle wins | Draws | Port Vale wins | |
| League | 14 | 10 | 11 |
| League Cup | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Cup | 0 | 1 | 2 |
| FA Cup | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Total | 15 | 12 | 15 |
Vale took all three points away from Cumbria in February 2022 when Dave Worrall, James Wilson and David Amoo netted for the visitors. Owen Windsor's solitary response was little more than a consolation.
These teams liked a 0-0 draw, and that's how it ended in August 2021 down at Vale Park.
Watch the highlights from that game here:
It was a tight encounter in Cumbria in April 2021 when both sides kept plugging away without quite managing to pick a way through.
Watch the highlights from that game here:
The trip to Port Vale in October 2020 brought a 1-0 away win for the Blues courtesy of a second half goal from Jon Mellish.
Watch the highlights from that game here:
These sides met just once in the 2019/20 season as the Covid-19 outbreak wiped out their April meeting here at Brunton Park.
Vale took the honours at their place in November 2019 as Dave Worrall and Mark Cullen cancelled out a first minute strike from Ryan Loft.
Watch the highlights from that meeting here:
The last meeting between these teams prior to that was in January 2019 when United put the 10-man Valiants to the sword courtesy of a late goal from striker Connor Simpson.
Watch the highlights from that game here:
We were at Brunton Park in August 2018 when the Blues secured a 2-1 home victory. Goals either side of the break from Danny Grainger and Tom Parkes gave United a comfortable cushion, but Luke Hannant had hearts fluttering when he bagged a Valiant consolation with just two minutes left on the clock.
Watch the highlights from that game here:
Back at Vale Park in March 2018 and second half goals from Ashley Nadesan and Hallam Hope handed the Blues a hard fought victory. Dior Angus had given the home side a first half lead, but Antony Kay was sent off for the hosts as tempers flared late in the game.
Watch the highlights from that game here:
The Blues had made heavy weather of the game earlier in that season, just before Christmas, when they allowed Tyrone Barnett and Tom Pope to give the visitors an unexpected two-goal cushion. A late strike from Richie Bennett did little to prevent the away side from taking the spoils on the day.
Watch the highlights from that game here:
Referee - Tom Reeves
Assistant Referee 1 - Stephen Wade
Assistant Referee 2 - Mark Jones
Fourth Official - Christopher Ward
Observer - Edward Tarry
Coach - Alan Wiley
Our referee this weekend is Mr Tom Reeves. He has taken charge of gour games so far this season showing 20 yellows and no reds.
Click HERE for our Ref Watch article.
Tickets will be available to purchase on the day of the game from 9am.
Supporters will need to scan the QR code at the Bycars Away ticket office and set up an online account.
Match day parking is available and must be pre booked online. Alternatively, supporters can park at the Dimensions Leisure Centre which is a short walk to the stadium.
Prices
| Adult | £25 |
| Over 62 | £20 |
| Young Adults 18-21 | £17 |
| Young Youth 13-17 | £12 |
| Under 13’s | £2 |
Disabled supporters who receive a medium or high rate of care are entitled to a free carer.
Disabled supporters will pay the relevant age category.
Port Vale have a dedicated stand for wheelchair supporters - this can be booked directly through port vale on 01782 655 821.
Dates of sale
| Date | Time |
| Thursday 24 August | 10am – 4pm |
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Methods of purchase:
- In person – come to the Pioneer ticket office at the designated time. Sales on home match days will be from the west side ticket office (from 5.30pm on a midweek home match day).
- Phone – ring the ticket office 03300 945 930 option 1 at the designated times and pay with a credit / debit card.
- Internet – buy online HERE.
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If you wish to purchase bus travel you can organise this by calling CUSAT on 07563 700 987.
Click HERE for departure times and prices. Please note - these are subject to change.