Vale have cracked 3000 home sales. Stoke have sold out 4200. The local park had gates shut at half four incase incidents occurred. Burslem pubs are for home fans only. Police vans have been patrolling since dinner time. All for a Checkatrade game featuring a kid side. Racing Post are tipping Stoke kids to win. The first time in 16 years they have played each other if you can call this a meaningful game.
7200 ticket sales helping to support a struggling club can't be a bad thing regardless of whether it's Checkatrade
It's one of the most under-played derbies in the league with the last first team game being in 2002 I believe. Back then Port Vale were the better side which shows how football has changed. I think the large crowd is indicative of the lack of games between them and the fact that they probably won't meet in the league at least for a good time yet. It is the Checktrade though and clearly that still puts loads off as a proper game between these two would see at least 15,000 you'd expect or even a full house. It's a pretty vicious fixture off the pitch, bit like the Bristol derby, so a lively atmosphere is likely.
To be fair they don't get many chances to kick lumps out of each other - Port Vale isn't for the faint hearted
Only been to Port Vale once, in the Clarke promotion year. 3-2 defeat. Stoke is a bit of a **** hole, although it had a good northern soul club back in the day.
I was there for that one too. Other than the result, I can't remember much about it except that the ground seemed really big and open, compared to other grounds I'd seen up to that point.
Talking of kicking off it is in the stands too..... Port Vale is probably second to only Maine Road for not feeling safe at an away ground for me.