Exeter City FC

Exeter City will be looking to continue their unbeaten start to the 2019/20 EFL Sky Bet League Two season under the floodlights on Tuesday, September 14 as we take on Port Vale.

Here’s everything you need to know about Tuesday night's opponents…

• Founded: 1876
• Nickname: The Valiants
• Honours: Third Division champions: 1929/30 & 1953/54. Fourth Division champions: 1958/59. Football League Trophy: 1993 & 2001

One of the oldest clubs in England and second only to Notts County, Port Vale were founded in 1876 and took the name ‘Port Vale’ from the name of the meeting venue where the club was born. After a move that transpired eight years later, they adopted the name ‘Burslem Port Vale’ and it was not until 1907 that they reverted to their former name.

Their nickname is quite simply the Vale, while they are also known by the more thrilling ‘Valiants’. The Vale’s first piece of silverware came in 1930 when they won the Third Division title, straight off the back of relegation the season prior.

A year later they finished 5th in Division Two which would represent their highest ever finish to this date. Port Vale had to wait over 20 years for their next cup triumph, which saw them claim the Third Division title once more in 1954.

A Fourth Division title followed suit just five years later, though that is the last occasion the Vale have won a league title in any division. They have had more joy in the cups though by winning the Football League Trophy in 1993 and 2001.

Last match

Port Vale picked up an impressive 1-0 victory over Plymouth Argyle last time out thanks to Nathan Smith's second-half header. The win was Vale's third at home so far this season.

The manager:

John Askey

John Askey took charge of Port Vale in February after taking over from Neil Aspin.

In his playing days Askey was a dangerous winger, who forged a career very much in the image of a one club man. A former product of the Port vale academy, Askey went on to enjoy an illustrious 19-year career at Macclesfield, making over 500 appearances for the Silkmen.

He retired in 2003 after winning two Conference titles and two Player of the Year awards and went on to enhance his legendary status by managing the side for five years between 2013 and 2018. That five-year stint included National League glory, before joining Shrewsbury Town at the beginning of the season.

The dangerman

Richie Bennett

Port Vale's top scorer this season with three strikes to his name so far. Richie joined Port Vale in June 2019 after leaving Carlisle United. The 6ft4in target man scored his first goal for Vale on August 17, three minutes after coming on for Pope in a 1–1 draw at Salford City.

Three days later he was given his first start for the club and this time scored after four minutes in what ended as a 2–1 victory over Forest Green Rovers at Vale Park.

Season so far

Take a look at the Key Stats ahead of Tuesday's clash at St James Park.

Previous meetings

Exeter City 2-0 Port Vale (Sky Bet League Two – April 13, 2019)

Nicky Law’s early penalty and Hiram Boateng’s spectacular volley ensured Exeter City returned to winning ways in Sky Bet League Two.

Law converted a second-minute penalty kick before Boateng gave goalkeeper Scott Brown no chance with a jaw-dropping volley as City bounced back from their loss at Macclesfield in fine fashion.

Port Vale 1-1 Exeter City (Sky Bet League Two – September 29, 2018)

Idris Kane scored a 97th minute equaliser for the hosts, to serve a devastating blow to the Grecians, as the visitors suffered a blow in their title-charge by dropping to third place.

Nicky Law broke the deadlock shortly after the interval, but the two teams had to share the spoils at the full-time whistle. Port Vale dropped to 16th position.

Head to head

Exeter City wins: 18
Draws: 12
Port Vale wins: 24