Port Vale vs Emirates FA Cup – Match Preview
Port Vale is set to host Bristol City in the Emirates FA Cup Fourth Round on Tuesday, March 3rd, at 7:45 pm. This highly anticipated clash comes after a delay of over two weeks due to a waterlogged pitch at Vale Park. More than 2,000 Bristol City supporters are expected to travel for the match. Fans can purchase tickets on the night from turnstile 25, although only card payments will be accepted. Advanced ticket sales will conclude at 11 am on the day of the game.
Port Vale’s Current Standing
Currently languishing at the bottom of League One, Port Vale faces significant challenges in their relegation battle. They are 10 points from safety, trailing 20th-place Blackpool. Managed by Jon Brady, who recently took over from Darren Moore, the Valiants will seek to harness the magic of the FA Cup to upset their higher-ranked opponents.
Despite a turbulent season, Port Vale has shown improvement lately. They remain unbeaten in their last three matches, recently securing a win against Northampton Town and drawing with Reading and Luton Town. Their FA Cup journey has been impressive, having beaten Maldon & Tiptree, Bristol Rovers, and Fleetwood Town to reach this stage for the first time since the 2013/14 season.
Match Details
- Date: Tuesday, March 3rd
- Time: 7:45 pm
- Venue: Vale Park
- Competition: Emirates FA Cup (Fourth Round)
- Referee: Elliot Bell
- Assistant Referees: Mathew Sowerby, Connor Brown
- Fourth Official: Dale Baines
Player to Watch
Ben Waine
One player to keep an eye on is Ben Waine. The New Zealand international began his career at the Wellington Phoenix Academy before making the leap to first-team football. In 2022, he signed with Plymouth Argyle, where he made nine appearances in League One.
Currently with Port Vale since June 2025, Waine has made 24 appearances and netted six goals, with a crucial equalizer against Luton Town recently. He has also represented New Zealand on several occasions, including the 2019 Under-20 FIFA World Cup and the 2020 and 2024 Olympic Games.
Historical Context
Historically, Bristol City holds a slight edge over Port Vale with a significant record in their head-to-head encounters. They have won 41 matches against Vale and lost 31, with their largest victory recorded as 5-0 on March 25, 2014. The most recent encounter ended with a 3-1 victory for Bristol City on February 10, 2015.
The upcoming match promises excitement as both teams vie for a place in the next round of the Emirates FA Cup.
