Darrell Clarke welcomes back old side Port Vale to Cheltenham Town in what is for both a fight for League One survival

Cheltenham Town look to continue their unbeaten run this weekend as they host Port Vale at the Completely-Suzuki Stadium in Sky Bet League One.

Cheltenham come into this game after back-to-back wins against Blackpool and Cambridge United. Despite an abysmal start to the season the Robins have picked up form and now just sit three points below the drop. Another good result would be another huge step closer to safety.

Another team who are fighting for League One status next season is Port Vale who sit just one point above Cheltenham with a game in hand. The Valiants come into this fixture having had Tuesday nights match called off. The Vale are still not to win a game in 2024, They’ll be looking to change that this weekend.

Port Vale appointed Darren Moore as their manager on the 13th February meaning Saturday’s fixture will be the first one under Moore. Vale’s director of football, David Flitcroft identified him as a “primary target to come in and galvanise and energise the club.” Moore will be looking to make a good impression for Vale fans who’ll be sat in the Hazlewood’s stand behind the goal net.

Darrell Clarke welcomes his old side back to the Completely Suzuki Stadium. Clarke was the manager of Port Vale from February 2021 to April 2023, Within that time he promoted them out of League Two through the Play off Final in 2022. "Port Vale and it's incredible fanbase will always hold a place in my and my families hearts" said Clarke after his sacking after just two wins in 18 games.

Clarke later joined the Robins in late September 2023. A job in which many wouldn't have taken up due to Cheltenham's atrocious start to the season, with just one point on the board and not a single goal. Since Clarkes appointment the Robins have picked up 28 points from 21 games (8 wins & 4 draws).

Cheltenham's top goal scorer so far this season is Liam Sercombe who's at his fourth season with the club, this season he's tallied up seven goals and two assists.

Despite the Valiants also poor season, they're top scorer Ben Garrity is having his best ever season in football having netted 10 times assisting twice. The attacking midfielder was bought on an undisclosed fee by Darrell Clarke for Port Vale in June 2021, Clarke described him as a "young, hungry and ambitious footballer with great energy and fitness levels."

The two sides have played each other on 26 different occasions, with the Robins having the better of the results. The teams played each other most recently in October at Vale Park when Cheltenham came away 2-1 winners after a Sean Long brace, making that the Robins first away win of the season.

The two sides have played each other on 26 different occasions, with the Robins having the better of the results. The teams played each other most recently in October at Vale Park when Cheltenham came away 2-1 winners after a Sean Long brace, making that the Robins first away win of the season.