Port Vale will be looking to strengthen their push for automatic promotion in League Two when they host Harrogate Town at Vale Park on Tuesday night.
The Valiants currently sit sixth in the table with 56 points, five behind third-placed Doncaster, who occupy the final automatic promotion spot and have played two extra matches, while Harrogate are in 20th place with 36 points.
Match preview
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Port Vale battled to a 1-1 draw away to 22nd-placed Tranmere on Saturday—a result that will feel valuable given that Darren Moore's side were second best in most key statistics, including possession, attempts, and shots on target.
That result extended the Valiants' unbeaten league run to nine matches, a sequence that includes five wins and four draws, and covers all their League Two fixtures in 2025 so far.
Since the turn of the year, their only defeat has come in the EFL Trophy, a 4-1 home loss to Wrexham, but their league form remains strong, and with promotion in sight, this momentum could prove crucial in the final stretch of the season.
Crucially, among the teams chasing promotion, Port Vale have played the fewest matches (32), and they will be keen to make that advantage count, which is why returning to Vale Park on Tuesday presents the perfect opportunity, as Moore's men have been formidable at home.
The hosts are currently unbeaten in their last six home league games, winning the last four in succession, and while Moore highlighted his side's lack of ruthlessness in the draw with Tranmere, boasting the second-best defensive record at home in the league means they can back themselves to get the job done this time.
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Harrogate, meanwhile, have never won this fixture in five previous meetings, losing three and drawing two, and given their struggles away from home, that record seems unlikely to change.
The Sulphurites have the fourth-worst away record in the division, picking up just 13 points from a possible 51, and they have lost each of their last five away matches, four of which were in League Two.
Simon Weaver's side endured a five-match winless run between January 21 and February 8, but they have since shown signs of improvement, winning two of their last three fixtures, with a 1-0 victory over Swindon and a 2-1 win against Accrington coming either side of a 2-0 defeat to Bromley.
This recent upturn in form has helped Harrogate move 10 points clear of the relegation zone, and Weaver has praised his players' resilience in overcoming a tough spell, a trait they will need to show if they are to take anything from Tuesday's clash against a high-flying Port Vale side.
Team News
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Port Vale received a boost as Ronan Curtis' red card against Salford City was overturned, allowing him to feature against Tranmere, where he scored the equaliser, and now he is expected to start again in a front two alongside Antwoine Hackford.
However, the hosts remain without captain Ben Garrity, left wing-back Jaheim Headley, and experienced forward Jayden Stockley, who are all sidelined through injury.
Youngster James Plant has also been ruled out for the remainder of the season after suffering a recurrence of a hamstring injury while on loan at National League side Yeovil Town.
For Harrogate, captain Josh Falkingham has been out since early December with a lower leg injury but has now returned to training. However, this match may come too soon for his full return.
Josh March, who netted a well-taken volley to secure three points against Accrington, is expected to lead the line once again, partnering Jack Muldoon in attack.
Port Vale possible starting lineup:
Amos; Smith, Hall, Debrah; John, Croasdale, Harper, Byers, Hart; Hackford, Curtis
Harrogate Town possible starting lineup:
Belshaw; Burrell, Moon, O'Connor, Sims; Fox, Morris; Hill, Taylor; March, Muldoon
We say: Port Vale 2-1 Harrogate Town
Given Port Vale's strong form and the fact that they have yet to concede in two previous home meetings with Harrogate, this match heavily favours the Valiants, and anything other than a home win would come as a major surprise.
However, with the visitors showing newfound resilience in recent weeks, the contest could be tighter than many might expect. Nonetheless, we anticipate a narrow victory for the hosts.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
