PREVIEW ‘No Stopping at Port’ Port Vale (A)

Mansfield Town are in good form – it could be better had we turned draws into wins, but with two league wins and two clean sheets on the spin in our last two matches, there’s no room for rest as we head for Port Vale tomorrow.

The Stags have games coming thick and fast, a fiery show down with Chesterfield and then a welcome return for two club icons in the cup, to name but two – Steve Evans men have a real chance to progress but have to remain focussed.

Port Vale on paper should be an easy game, after being relegated last season, they’ve hardly set league two alight – but since the appointment of Neil Aspin a month or so ago, they are starting to turn a corner.

Tom Pope is firing again and Vale are putting together some momentum of their own, so it will be a far harder game than many anticipate – the Port Vale legend Aspin and former FC Halifax boss has the club at heart and I think that goes a long way in getting a club out of murky water.

With the games coming quickly, it’s key to rotate legs – Danny Rose has served his suspension so will surely be back in, however following good performances from Hemmings and Spencer, Rose may have to settle for a place on the bench.

A big thing may be the difference in atmosphere, the last two matches in particular we’ve had a very vocal following but on a Tuesday night away from home, the numbers may be less – however it’s not like a trip to Barnet so as away games go, a vocal support may be on the cards after all.

​On the pitch, let’s pick up where we left off and continue with the same control and determination we had on Saturday and we’ll be just fine – small steps, one game by one, and three points by three points – the rest, is just a bonus!