The Spireites’ second game of the Jersey Mike’s Trophy sees Port Vale visit North Derbyshire. With a strong 5-3 win against Manchester City U21s in the last game of the competition, Paul Cook’s side will hope to keep their place at the top of Northern Group D. With a positive finish to the League Two win against York City which ended 2–0 to the Spireites after a stunning goal from Dilan Markanday, confidence is high as the side look to keep the wins running against recently relegated Vale.
The Valiants have not had a great start to there first season back in League Two, with only one win in seven, their last match being a 2-0 defeat away in Walsall.
In the spotlight
Port Vale midfielder George Byers will look to be a shining star for the Valiants season having scored two crucial goals in four matches. Both matches being on home soil; one being a penalty against Tranmere Rovers as well as a winning penalty against Exeter City in the 86th minute. The Scotsman has had a good career having started at Watford and playing in the championship for Swansea City and Sheffield Wednesday.
Head to head.
The Blues’ history against Port Vale in the past has been positive, winning seven and drawing three of the last 14 stand-offs. However, the Spireites’ most recent encounters with the Vale in the 24/25 season saw a 1-0 loss away and a tense match ending in a 1-1 draw at home; Vale opened the scoring after two minutes, before Armando dobra managed to get an equaliser with ten minutes to spare.
Man in the middle
The referee this evening is Richie Watkins. His only other game officiating the Spireites was against Salford – a 1-1 draw in August 2024 after James Berry’s second-half goal was cancelled out by a Kelly N’Mai 86th minute equaliser. The match was fiery with 9 cards being shown, two yellows were shown to Ollie Banks and Tom Naylor whilst Salford’s Curtis Tilt saw red.
Danny Webbs thoughts
“There is still lots of work to be done, it’s not a finished article but we’ve got a good looking squad now, everyone’s looking healthy and all the lads knows know that their jersey isn’t safe.
“We’re still in the early days of the season, but you’ve got to focus on the positives, so enjoy the win over York City but we’re all focused on Port Vale on Tuesday night.”
By Kristan Kirk
