Thetownend.com

2nd leg.

A few Vale fans think they have it in the bag for the second leg. Seeing as we have already battered them 3-1 at their place, plus we are the top away side in the league, I'm not so sure.

I think it will be a bit scrappy again, hope we overcome their tactics.

Have we sold out?
No tickets available online, unsure if they've taken them down for some unknown reason.

There was quite clearly more than 1,659 Vale there. We sold more on the first day of sales. Absolutely no chance another 600 could fit in there. Definitely looked more like 1.9 to 2k on TV.

Have they Swindon sold there allocation if so can someone take the roof off and if not raining use a hosepipe and there lot be drenched like we were today .
Not bitter just think you should have some of your own medicine .

Impetus is with the Vale pulling the deficit back to a single goal, so go on to put the game to bed without extra time and penalties.

They were nothing special today. Yes the probably deserved a one goal lead but that's about it. So my dream for Thursday is Mckirdy scoring a late own goal to send us to Wembley. That would make me so happy

Hopefully little mardarse Jonny dives in his own area and knocks the ball into his own net.
Then McTurdys 525th spit goes into the keepers eye and Wilson taps it in
2-0 game over

It will be a completely different game Thursday, today we had 1600 fans in an away end with no roof so crap acoustics, also they were soaked to the skin so not very enthusiastic, Thursday there will be around 11/12000 so a 12th man for sure.

Swindon didn’t look all that good to me, but obviously McKirdy is dangerous, as well as being quite annoying.

I came out that ground thinking can do them 4-2 on Thursday

I think we’ll do it. Their players and fans will get a huge shock by the noise. They aren’t noisy even at home.

Swindon were crying out for the final whistle today, lets not do ourselves down we were hurting them late on.

I think the arrogance of Swindle beggars belief.
Sticking out fans in an uncovered shitehole of a stadium with broken seats and 10 portaloos. Is this acceptable? No
Then there's the after match interviews. Again...full of arrogance.
Swindle think they've beaten us already.
However I look forward to their millions of fans travelling on a Thursday night. And the one turnstile open. And the one kiosk. And the one set of toilets.
On the pitch? We need to give everything as it's the last home game of the season.
Off the pitch? Irrespective of the team selection we also need to give everything as it's the last home game of the season.
We're still in the tie and there's no reason why we can't win

We should have brought someone, who we can afford to have suspended and told them to make sure Mckirdy isnt fit for the second leg.

Hopefully being behind will work in our favour and we will be on the front foot from the off. We need that early goal to put the tie level and hopefully we can get the job done with the crowd behind us and we can keep the back door shut.

One stat that dosnt make good reading though is that we have only managed 2 home wins against teams in the top 11 this season, that was mansfield and sutton and Swindons away record is fantastic. We do though tend have more success against teams who come to attack like mansfield so reasons to stay positive and hoping for a 3-1 vale win.

Wonder if sky will have a more favourable pundits toward the Vale , went the match yesterday and seeing some of the post match coverage it was very biased towards Swindon!!

Swindon have sold out and want more tickets.

****ing whistle Swindle.

If they use the sprinkler machine before kick off they should turn it on the bycars and soak the feckers , now you know how we felt

We’re a better side than these. 3-0

Don’t know why, but the first thing I thought when I saw this pic of where Town fans will be housed at VP is Selhurst Park

"Swindon didn't look that got to me"

kind of agree, we can play much better

"Swindon didn't look that got to me"

kind of agree, we can play much better

Some early thoughts from Vale fans.

I had nothing in particular against PV (the other one  ;) ) before the game, but the mix of the neolithic, the embittered, the precious and the downright delusional has put me right off them.

You don't get to be hard northern bastards and whine about the state of other people's shitholes too.  :Ride On Fatbury's Lovestick:

What's the weather forecast for Thursday night in Stoke? A balmy late evening sunset 15C would suit our game nicely thanks. And serve them right.

How do yellow cards work from semi finals in case we get to final?

Just a little geography lesson.....no way is PV a northern club....its just a non-entity from the West Midlands. Just saying.....

Fucking hell, some football fans (and I include some of ours) are pearl clutching whinging pathetic twats. Jesus if our 9 year old came out with some of that I would tell her to grow up!

Had a look on the ELF website and not found anything on it yet. I would imagine it's treated like a league game in that regard, with a red card or the usual totals of yellows leading to a suspension.

I have a spare adult ticket available (face value £20 cash only) for Thursdays match as I am unfortunately unable to go due to a medical procedure that has been arranged at short notice.

My son and his partner are travelling up from Bristol and will have the spare ticket with them. DM me if you want the ticket (first come first served) he can meet up with you before the game.

Had a look on the ELF website and not found anything on it yet. I would imagine it's treated like a league game in that regard, with a red card or the usual totals of yellows leading to a suspension.

What was Will Ferrell saying about it? :)

What about cumulative yellows leading to a 1 game ban for the final?

Iandolo must be close to a ban with the amount of yellows this season he has racked up?

If we don't have any players close to the ban amount then its not an issue.

Iandolo's had 11, same as McKirdy. The limit is 15 so nothing to worry about.

Fucking hell, some football fans (and I include some of ours) are pearl clutching whinging pathetic twats. Jesus if our 9 year old came out with some of that I would tell her to grow up!

Just a little geography lesson.....no way is PV a northern club....its just a non-entity from the West Midlands. Just saying.....

Fucking hell, some football fans (and I include some of ours) are pearl clutching whinging pathetic twats. Jesus if our 9 year old came out with some of that I would tell her to grow up!

They will target our players and wind them up Thursday for sure

Have we ever been in a div4/league two play off before this season?

have we ever successfully defended a 2-1 first leg lead without penalties ?

Anybody popping to a pub to watch this? Might be good for a meet up.

I remember when these match day threads had something about them.

RIP Reg.

Shit. Don't think I could cope with 10 goals on Thursday.

v Blackburn in 1990 as well.

I remember when these match day threads had something about them.

RIP Reg.

a bit grim
a funny accent
weird food

You describing Burslem or Swindon?  ;)

So we’ll get a huge shock from the noise on Thursday will we? How exactly do they know what the atmosphere will be like on Thursday as they’ve barely had it a third full for the majority of the last decade. They are making out like Vale Park is La Bombonera FFS!

You describing Burslem or Swindon?  ;)

So we’ll get a huge shock from the noise on Thursday will we? How exactly do they know what the atmosphere will be like on Thursday as they’ve barely had it a third full for the majority of the last decade. They are making out like Vale Park is La Bombonera FFS!

I remember when these match day threads had something about them.

RIP Reg.

Confirmed VAR for the final

Sky Sports have now confirmed that VAR will be used in All 3 upcoming play off finals.

If we get there of course.

Morecambe

It's true - some old fart used to put real research into the opening MDT post. How are you holding up?

I’m doing good, thank you.

I have something called Fibromyalgia, which is a chronic pain condition, also chronic fatigue syndrome, and a rancid lower bowel.

First 2/3 years was difficult, spent most of it in bed watching reruns of Only Fools and Horses, Gavin and Stacey, and Friends. I blame the opiates.

Used to get regular hand cramps, so using a phone or a laptop was difficult, also get brain fog (I’m 46).

Did the riches to rags thing, went from Shaw to temporary accommodation in Toothill for 5 years, moved away from West a few years ago, now quietly living on the northern edge of the borough.

Health is better, meds have improved, things are considerably brighter than a few years ago.

Sorry to bung it all on here, only just remembered how to reply to people :)

I'm not familiar with your name but you seem a decent guy and I feel the pain you have been going through which is hopefully now under control.

Shaw Rosso is THE original match day thread starter.

Shaw Rosso is THE original match day thread starter.

Shaw Rosso is THE original match day thread starter.

Who was the poster who was increasingly ennobled as we kept winning games, was that you SR or someone else?

A league two title with Di canio after I took great care to start MDTs after getting in at 3am from the SU, and it’s all been forgotten.

Being stripped of my knighthood was the ultimate humiliation.

Burslem has some wonderful architecture and Victorian Parks. Both of which are in close proximity to the football ground. Triple Screw brewed by the Titanic Brewery is/was one of my all time favourite Real Ales. Can one of the experts amongst you tell me what year the Towns game was called off about an hour before kick off due to a frozen pitch. There was no snow/frost the night before so was in my view called off for other reasons. I also remember so many Town fans staying in the Vine pub for hours afterwards drinking Archers Ale kindly put on for visiting fans.

Hi all,
Wishful thinking, I know, but just checking on the off chance that anyone has a spare Port Vale ticket going? Was awaiting general sale, but seems we are far too good for that as a fanbase.

Burslem has some wonderful architecture and Victorian Parks. Both of which are in close proximity to the football ground. Triple Screw brewed by the Titanic Brewery is/was one of my all time favourite Real Ales. Can one of the experts amongst you tell me what year the Towns game was called off about an hour before kick off due to a frozen pitch. There was no snow/frost the night before so was in my view called off for other reasons. I also remember so many Town fans staying in the Vine pub for hours afterwards drinking Archers Ale kindly put on for visiting fans.

Burslem has some wonderful architecture and Victorian Parks. Both of which are in close proximity to the football ground. Triple Screw brewed by the Titanic Brewery is/was one of my all time favourite Real Ales. Can one of the experts amongst you tell me what year the Towns game was called off about an hour before kick off due to a frozen pitch. There was no snow/frost the night before so was in my view called off for other reasons. I also remember so many Town fans staying in the Vine pub for hours afterwards drinking Archers Ale kindly put on for visiting fans.

You just missed one that was posted on here earlier. Suggest keeping a regular eye on here and twitter.

I think that there has been more than one late call off v Port Vale.
Remember getting the news once just as the train was leaving Stafford.  >:(
A couple of beers & breakfast in Stoke then about face.

i cant remember the year but lets say naughties. i ended up watching west brom as it was the nearest ground we could get to at such late notice. was a farce cancellation- sun was beaming down on the pitch lovely.

Didn’t realise we had two different games called off. The one I can remember was I think 2004.

They will, we just have to make sure our players don't let it get to them. McKirdy especially so.

I’m doing good, thank you.

I have something called Fibromyalgia, which is a chronic pain condition, also chronic fatigue syndrome, and a rancid lower bowel.

First 2/3 years was difficult, spent most of it in bed watching reruns of Only Fools and Horses, Gavin and Stacey, and Friends. I blame the opiates.

Used to get regular hand cramps, so using a phone or a laptop was difficult, also get brain fog (I’m 46).

Did the riches to rags thing, went from Shaw to temporary accommodation in Toothill for 5 years, moved away from West a few years ago, now quietly living on the northern edge of the borough.

Health is better, meds have improved, things are considerably brighter than a few years ago.

Sorry to bung it all on here, only just remembered how to reply to people :)

Being stripped of my knighthood was the ultimate humiliation.

Just seen that stand. Its fucking massive. Could easily give us more.
.

It seems Port Vale are struggling to sell tickets

Posted 24 minutes ago
Just checked the online situation as my daughter wants a ticket and as it stands it looks as though we heading for about 8k max.

You cannot check the hamil but it would appear with the technical issues most season ticket holders have jumped in there.

Looks load more seats left than a normal game?


Posted 8 minutes ago
  47 minutes ago, Family Stand Terrier said:
8k Vale for this would be shocking. Truly embarrassing. Oh well. I'll be in the Hamil End making as much noise as possible
I think we will do well sell 7,000 home tickets by the looks of it. Pretty poor effort if this is the case for a huge huge game.

I think the bycars is about 3700, of which they've given us 2200.

they'd rather have empty seats and a sense of 'advantage' and 'fairness'.

To be honest the stupid way the playoff money is divvied it doesn't hurt them as much financially as you'd think

What's the pub(s) options for those travelling?

Sent from my XQ-AD51

I don't know, but I've been told by a Vale fan that the Bulls Head is usually the away friendly pub.

Great to see Shaw Rosso back.

Which stand is the Bycars? As I'm looking out from the away end, is it to my left or right?

Also I must say LarfyCake is the best new name I've seen on here in a while. Best Lardy Cake purveyor?

King of Tonga (Mex). :)

Is it extra time and pens, or straight to pens?

I did go on a ridiculous winning streak but fuck me I forgot my reign in the pacific

Am I right in remembering that there was some sort of Danny Baker connection to the King of Tonga? Did he use it as a social media pseudonym?

Legends Lounge showing the Vale game. Maximum numbers of 400 - free entry.

2-2

Att: 11,997

Percentage of post-match posts containing the word 'tinpot' - 37.5%

2-2

Att: 11,997

Percentage of post-match posts containing the word 'tinpot' - 37.5%

Well yours is the first.

Just before he replies it's not yet Post-match mate :)

don't worry I am unlikely to attend as I would not want to jinx things, albeit it could be interesting finding a pub in Witney showing it!

Post match is irrelevant mate :) 1st mention of tinpot goes to JBZ.

Post match is irrelevant mate :) 1st mention of tinpot goes to JBZ.

Good post

If this is being used to describe Vale then china pot more appropriate surely.

Thank you, I thought so too.

Where's everyone headed pre-match? The usual away pub (Bulls Head) isn't allowing away fans

Spotted on Twitter this morning. Advice from Stoke Plod on parking/access to ground, pubs:

https://twitter.com/Police_PVFC/status/1526447402021961728?s=20&t=lWCbrmNS4mWf13xSkiFGhw

https://twitter.com/Police_PVFC/status/1526456399835934720?s=20&t=lWCbrmNS4mWf13xSkiFGhw

Tinpot bus station?

don't forget to add your reg kinky

just booked parking. thanks for heads up. they are releasing them in batches (the irony) so keep checking if it says sold out

yup, more available now

https://portvaleparking.co.uk/

yup, more available now

https://portvaleparking.co.uk/

Did you receive a confirmation email straight away?

it's the other end behind goal from the normal away end.

but  Bycars is Thursdays away end. they've switched it so they can fail to sell even more seats

Yeah. They’re saying it’ll be about 2,000 less for a home sell out.

McGirty is doing his stuff on Twitter. Sucking up to Stoke fans who are lapping it up.

Just booked my parking also. Couldn't get into the Dimensions leisure centre but managed to get a spot in the second place they advertised. Only 5 minutes walk from Vale Park so just need something to do between about 6pm and kick off!

Hardly the intimidating cauldron they have made it out to be

I’m starting to think that all this petty stand swapping stuff has played into our hands a little for Thursday and backfired on them a little. It looks like the majority of their normal support have gone for tickets behind the other goal and as a result the 2 side stands are currently half empty.

So effectively there is going to be noise from our end, noise from there’s (albeit with greater numbers) and not a lot else on sides. Hardly the intimidating cauldron they have made it out to be. I’m guessing they just assumed it would quickly sell out so wouldn’t be an issue if the side stands were still packed.

I haven't seen it say including our fans

Just booked into Haywood Academy. No indication what time the car park is open from, and no idea what we're supposed to do in the 2 hours before kick off with no pubs open... Suggestions?

Screenshot from their forum

After what happened at the City Ground after the match ended last night, I’d get off the pitch pdq.

After what happened at the City Ground after the match ended last night, I’d get off the pitch pdq.

Not much to it but a Luton player thanking away support at Huddersfield also got jostled after home pitch invasion and had a couple more idiot Terrier fans giving him the big come on.

Completely unacceptable.

Have to say again, I thought police and stewards handled the end of the match at Walsall very well. But then we are classier pitch invaders.

Not much to it? Billy Sharp was assaulted, knocked to the ground and needed stitches.

pitch invasion idiots are spoiling it for the pitch invasion connoisseurs.

don't really have a problem with it. well didn't. last night will see a heavier hand being dealt

There have been more than a few comments on the Vale forum about a certain Swindon player, some hoping he gets injured and some more complimentary. This is a recent post:  :)

Hello admin,any chance you could make a separate thread for those who want to comment on a certain horrible opposition player ? Then we can just post on here about the Vale and Thursday night,cheers.

Not much to it? Billy Sharp was assaulted, knocked to the ground and needed stitches.

Anyone know if the away end will be accessible via Hamil Road or will we have to detour along the lane at the back? Ta.

I listened to the swindon equivalent of ale & the vale today as was interested in how swindon fans see it.

Was pretty condisending stuff tbh, saying that they were going to send us a certificate from their local agricultural colleague due to our style of play. In fairness they did then go on to say we were hard but not dirty, and that swindon are overly snide with gamesmanship.

Thought it was interesting how they did think our midfield nullified theirs. They also went on a big old bit about flitcroft and his swindon team being solid/pragmatic with little flair which they think is basically the vale blueprint.

Ultimately I got the feeling that they think they are at wembley. Kind of an arrogance / dismissive undertone to it all.

The fact of the matter is we didnt play great in the first leg. It leads me to think that maybe they might underestimate us.

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Just watching 1000s of Forest fans on the pitch. Just hope Swindon fans stay off the pitch should they go through on Thursday.

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Turn the sprinklers on.
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They come across as a really cocky club and the comments from their side do suggest they think job done. Maybe it is… but we’ve got to make sure we use those comments as huge motivation to try and turn it around. We finished above them so it’s hardly like we are not capable of getting a result is it.

Strange strange club… their comments on twitter and stuff. Really bizarre set of fans.

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It's called delusions of grandeur.

The entitled.

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We need to be faster to the ball, quicker to close them down, and make sure we cut their pace as they are much faster and slick, the crowd needs to intimidate the girly ponytailed egotist each time he receives the ball, and ensure he's close marked and never given chance to move more than two feet, otherwise it don't bear thinking about cus they ain't no pushover, there's to much at stake

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Their manager, fans and players definitely have a whiff of arrogance about them. I'm convinced that they think they've done enough. Get them panicking and all this 'Man City of league 2' stuff will go out of the window. Even their better players are still league 2 players, so apply pressure and we have a chance.

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However I think on the day we are the most dangerous side to be facing we have enough quality absolutely thrash them unfortunately lately bar Exeter we have been very slack at the back and before we know it have found ourselves with a mountain to climb due to poor play .

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‘Show Pony’s’ footballing ability was not the reason he was let go from Vale and let’s make that perfectly clear, he didn’t leave we let him go .
He has arrogance issues, he doesn’t have the human criteria required to be employed at the Vale . Basically he doesn’t fit in, he’s a ‘non conformist’, pretty much like the ‘naughty kid in class’ , difficult to handle unless you’re prepared to put up with his antics which obviously Swindon are however quite a few others haven’t been .

Will be interesting to see how or not his career goes after this season .

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Swindon are confident, and have every reason to be. They have a superb away record and a style of play that suits this sort of game; they have a lot of pace on the counter, and when needed can kill games through possession and going down easily. It's very effective. I do find some of the Vale fans obsession with their playacting a tad hypocritical considering we've been awful for it all season. Remember Lucas' weekly hamstring tears? It's football lads. Calm down.

Everyone seems obsessed with McKirdy, and he must appear in over 50% of this thread's posts. He's completely wound up most Vale fans, and he'll be delighted. Every touch will be booed and the fans, instead of chanting about Vale, will probably devote most chants to that dreadful "Vale boys, on a bender..." chant. Give him ammunition and he'll punish us. Half the lads on here are doing deep psychological analyses, wishing him genuine injury, deep-diving on the reasons he was released, or banging on about him spitting. If you're that emotionally incontinent that you can't handle a young lad doing a daft machine-gun celebration, having silly hair, and being quite good at football, then seek help. He's got you on strings at present. He played 8 games ffs, move on!

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So already their manager is putting pressure on the officials and trying to influence the game.

I can't remember Andy Crosby ever talking about the refs. Hopefully football will do the talking.

All last season,we had 1 more booking than Swindle.....

And clamp down on the diving and play acting.

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They also over-acted/dived a fair bit. I definitely don't think the ref was overly-poor for either side. He certainly had very little to do with the result.

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I think Mckirdy was like a five year old and trying to wind up Connor Hall and tge ref should have had a strong word with him: luckily Hall is more of a strong personality than the squirt is but we have to be very careful that it doesn’t start again on Thursday?

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I cringe when I see those posts about McKirdy. I was rooting for him when he played for Vale, I remember watching him against Mansfield, last game of the season last year and I got the impression he knew he was on his way out, Clarke has no patience for liabilities and he would never have flourished under him.

The whinging about his celebrations and wanting to injure him are pathetic. We need to focus on our own players rather than theirs. If they sense it is winding you up they will do it even more. We are still in this tie and anything can happen.

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If he's arrogant then he's found a club where he belongs...same as the supporters

Oh I do hope that their fans spend the game booing and trying to wind up Harry Mc. He'll bloody love it!

Im finding the port vale fans unbareable. That Ale and Vale podcast previewing the match is hillarious. Such a chip on their shoulder and Mckirdy living rent free in their heads

Haywood Academy parking is from 5pm onwards- confirmed with the parking company.

Understand from PVPolice twitter Dimensions is from 4pm.... incredible planning to tell Town fans to park here 3-4 hours ahead of kick off and offer nowhere to go pre-match.  :hmmm:

Also seen a lot of comments from PV fans about the time it takes to get into the Bycars Stand.... only 1 turnstile apparently... allow yourself plenty of time not to miss ko.

Below pub confirmed on the phone they will be allowing away fans, bit closer than Newcastle-under-Lyme.

https://www.sizzlingpubs.co.uk/findapub/eastandwestmidlands/themoorlandinnburslem#/

UTFR

Nice find, thanks! The only potential issue is the location of that pub is kind of the opposite end to where we'll be housed so we'll be walking against Vale fans going towards the ground but I assume as long as people are sensible there should be no issues.

The reference to the Loathed Strangers podcast being condescending is odd... there was quite a balanced chat about Vale being a different type of team to us but equally effective in L2.

They seem to be offended by absolutely everything. That vlog that was posted on here calling us the dirty team as well. Hilarious lack of self awareness.

to quote the man of the moment HM.... 'you sound like a pussy, geezer'  :D

This will be in unbearable if they turn the tie around and win.

The reference to the Loathed Strangers podcast being condescending is odd... there was quite a balanced chat about Vale being a different type of team to us but equally effective in L2.

Anyone ever do that thing where you see an absolutely clueless driver on the road and try to get a peek at them to see if they look at stupid as they drive?

Having the build up to the game Sunday and then seeing the video of their finest trying to goad our fans on Stratton Bank after their goal was a footballing version of that.

Not on here :) I wont accept any new registrations in the next 4 or 5 days win or lose :)

Two weeks hiatus should suffice. By the the play offs will be over.

Meanwhile which ever team gets through to the final their club and supporters only have a week to sort out ticket & travel arrangements on a massive scale😀

I'm sure 8k Vale fans to Wembley won't be too big a problem.

What was the video?

One thing not mentioned is with the risk of extra time tomorrow we need to be clever with our substitutions. We desperately need Egbo to actually last more than 60 minutes and same with Williams. I remember at their place under Wellens we ran out of players as we ended up with at least 3 injuries and were down to 9 or 10 players at the end as a result. Need to make sure we have subs available for as long as possible assuming it’s tight.

https://twitter.com/Eth2nWFC/status/1525951427100782595?s=20&t=VRMnOL_xqjF4GedAbpQ0mg

https://twitter.com/Eth2nWFC/status/1525951427100782595?s=20&t=VRMnOL_xqjF4GedAbpQ0mg

One thing not mentioned is with the risk of extra time tomorrow we need to be clever with our substitutions. We desperately need Egbo to actually last more than 60 minutes and same with Williams. I remember at their place under Wellens we ran out of players as we ended up with at least 3 injuries and were down to 9 or 10 players at the end as a result. Need to make sure we have subs available for as long as possible assuming it’s tight.

https://twitter.com/Eth2nWFC/status/1525951427100782595?s=20&t=VRMnOL_xqjF4GedAbpQ0mg

Haha, one looks like he was in Bo Selecta  :Ride On Fatbury's Lovestick:
The one with the big man bag too  ;D

I see they had to wade through that big pile of empty seats to get in the corner.

That's actually a really good point. We've been doing well managing Williams and Egbo and they seem to be able to play 70-75 minutes at the moment. Do teams still get an extra sub in extra time? You would think both Williams and Egbo wouldn't be able to play more than 90 minutes so hopefully there are no other injuries during the game.

That's actually a really good point. We've been doing well managing Williams and Egbo and they seem to be able to play 70-75 minutes at the moment. Do teams still get an extra sub in extra time? You would think both Williams and Egbo wouldn't be able to play more than 90 minutes so hopefully there are no other injuries during the game.

Given the assault on Billy Clarke last night, I rather hope we're 2 nil up and able to get Harry Mck off at 70 minutes so none of those terrifying mob think its a great idea to try to do the same.

I wouldn't back any of them to connect.

I was castigated by some TEF posters for my criticism of the pitch invasion at Walsall.
I remain of the view that fans should not come on to the pitch, and events At some play off games this week have done nothing to change my view (they probably suggest I’m right). The players of both sides deserve the opportunity to show respect for the opposition, to acknowledge the support of their fans, and in the case of the winners to celebrate victory on the pitch and without the fear of assault from idiots invading the pitch.
Fans’ should stay off the pitch and behind the barriers to enable that to happen, and in the case of the winners to enjoy their players celebrating in front of them.

Was anyone successful in getting 1 of the 50 online tickets this morning? Was refreshing the ticket page every 30secs, then the link appeared but all tickets gone. Looks like Sky for me or going in with Vale fans!!

It’s all relative.

Like if you being promoted last game of the season and aren’t playing someone who by beating are missing out it’s fine. Or getting the play offs away at playing for nothing Walsall

Play Offs are different because one side will be the direct loser. It will be much more emotionally charged. It’s best left alone in that case imo

Whilst I agree with you, some of us remember a rather good natured pitch invasion at Prenton Park.

I was castigated by some TEF posters for my criticism of the pitch invasion at Walsall.
I remain of the view that fans should not come on to the pitch, and events At some play off games this week have done nothing to change my view (they probably suggest I’m right). The players of both sides deserve the opportunity to show respect for the opposition, to acknowledge the support of their fans, and in the case of the winners to celebrate victory on the pitch and without the fear of assault from idiots invading the pitch.
Fans’ should stay off the pitch and behind the barriers to enable that to happen, and in the case of the winners to enjoy their players celebrating in front of them.

Mind you I did see Reed dive into the crowd first time round to see people to the right of the goal :-)

If we go one nil up, I would be tempted to take McKirdy off to rest. Not long back from injury, and can imagine him being a 'target' tonight.

If we go one nil up, I would be tempted to take McKirdy off to rest. Not long back from injury, and can imagine him being a 'target' tonight.

I was at Walsall and was ok with the initial invasion. But when they cleared the pitch so the players cud walk round and applaud etc, when they got to about 2/3 of the way along the long stand, people just invaded and mobbed them, so they cudnt finish off applauding the remaining 1/3 plus the behind goal stand. That was f---d up really, and I could see some of the players were not happy with that.

I was castigated by some TEF posters for my criticism of the pitch invasion at Walsall.
I remain of the view that fans should not come on to the pitch, and events At some play off games this week have done nothing to change my view (they probably suggest I’m right). The players of both sides deserve the opportunity to show respect for the opposition, to acknowledge the support of their fans, and in the case of the winners to celebrate victory on the pitch and without the fear of assault from idiots invading the pitch.
Fans’ should stay off the pitch and behind the barriers to enable that to happen, and in the case of the winners to enjoy their players celebrating in front of them.

If you’ve got to final or promotion, you run on that pitch

Good luck to all who managed to get one of the few tickets today, safe travels, I wish I was going too.

As for the game, we know we are better away than at home, we played our poorest in the home game than we have in the last 5 games yet still won.

McKirdys on fire....their defence is terrified.....McKirdys on fire....

Not overly nervous yet but I am sure I will be come KO, we are doing amazing this season just to be in the Play Offs after having virtually no players at the start of the season and being favourites for relegation.

No matter what the outcome its been a great season.

Come on you mighty fucking reds!!!!

I’m convinced we’ll concede early and go onto lose the game.

Too much crap about attendances and style of football - two things in football that count for exactly fuck all once the whistle blows and the game starts.

Certain sections of our support have spent the last couple of weeks digging a massive grave and I can’t help but think karma will mean we will all have to lie in that grave later on tonight….

Unfortunately this is exactly my thoughts too.

I’m convinced we’ll concede early and go onto lose the game.

Too much crap about attendances and style of football - two things in football that count for exactly fuck all once the whistle blows and the game starts.

Certain sections of our support have spent the last couple of weeks digging a massive grave and I can’t help but think karma will mean we will all have to lie in that grave later on tonight….

I’m convinced we’ll concede early and go onto lose the game.

Too much crap about attendances and style of football - two things in football that count for exactly fuck all once the whistle blows and the game starts.

Certain sections of our support have spent the last couple of weeks digging a massive grave and I can’t help but think karma will mean we will all have to lie in that grave later on tonight….

Vale fans got their panties in a twist again about our ‘arrogance’. Quoting Conroy saying we’re better footballers than them, don’t  need to use elbows etc.

Personally, I think confidence is a good thing. Doesn’t always turn out well, but you can’t go into a game thinking you’re going to get beat.

Haven’t they been doing exactly the same? So karma works both ways…

My thoughts are polar opposite to yours. I can understand why he's said what he has said. Get under the skin of the Vale players and they play without control. However one of Dion's problems earlier in the season was over confidence where he would make silly gaffs and he needs to be properly concentrated over the course of the game. I really really hope his comments don't come back to bite him in the arse. Personally i'd rather he said something bland and vanilla but if the gamesmanship works, then fantastic.

Hoping to bump into some reds at Stafford Services later if time allows. Starting to get a little bit excited now, clock watching already. A couple of work calls should kill a bit of time to 4 ish.

But we aren’t going to win or lose on the basis of what Conroy said. If he makes a gaff he’ll still have made that gaff irrespective. As I said earlier, I’m sure a lot of Garner’s man management is telling them they are, indeed, better than the opposition. Too much bland, cliched crap spouted.

It’s a long drag for me - KO here is 9.45pm. I’m off for some early beers and a bit of nosh to pass the time.

May be for the best that!

Strange comments from some of them. Not that impressed by us on Sunday so they should do us tonight, and the goals we scored were down to them and not us.  Firstly, that's the worst we have played in the last 5 games. Secondly, what does that say about Vale? Arrogance? Seems to be a lot of it from them convinced they are going to batter us.

good news, it's on sky.

presumably you'll have to find another source?

Strange comments from some of them. Not that impressed by us on Sunday so they should do us tonight, and the goals we scored were down to them and not us.  Firstly, that's the worst we have played in the last 5 games. Secondly, what does that say about Vale? Arrogance? Seems to be a lot of it from them convinced they are going to batter us.

Not sure why we lose sight of the fact that football supporters consider their side to be ace and usually regard their opponents with disdain.

I've seen people on twitter saying these two pubs will accept Town fans tonight:

The Moorland Inn (a few minutes walk from what's normally the away end)
https://www.sizzlingpubs.co.uk/findapub/eastandwestmidlands/themoorlandinnburslem#/

------

The White Horse (1 mile from the away end, parking available)
141-143 Brownhills Rd, Tunstall, Stoke-on-Trent ST6 4JU

Matty Crockett

An important point raised Godd002, but your quoting skills need work!  :D

An important point raised Godd002, but your quoting skills need work!  :D

Vale fans still moaning about our arrogance as a club, fans, players, ex players etc.

Football club in "full of confidence" shocker.

What sort of a club and fanbase would we be if we were going into a 2nd leg at Vale without confidence of winning the tie? we son the 1st leg 2-1, we are better away from home, we can play way better than we did in the first leg, we beat them 3-1 at their place a few months ago, we have the form player in the league in McKirdy, we are taking a sell out away attendance and would have sold near double the amount if given the tickets.

Why the fuck wouldnt we be confident?

…because we are Swindon.
Enough reason to not be confident.

https://twitter.com/Eth2nWFC/status/1525951427100782595?s=20&t=VRMnOL_xqjF4GedAbpQ0mg

We're Swindle innit.
Of course everyone wants us to lose.

We're Swindle innit.
Of course everyone wants us to lose.

We are Swindle.  We are Swindle.  No one likes us.  We don't care.

Hope it's not going to be another Bolton league Cup 95 again.

Hope it's not going to be another Bolton league Cup 95 again.

I'd be intereteted to know if they still park the coaches behind the away end.

They won’t be parking by the end we are in that’s for sure as there’s no car park.

Harry McKirdy, Harry McKirdy,
He hates Carlisle, he hates Port Vale,
He loves fucking Swindon

Don't go on the STFC Facebook page there's a guy selling a ticket outside the ground selling a ticket😅

What’s the record number of pages for a reg prematch thread? Only fitting we get to Wembley after his passing this year.

Same team for us.

No Proctor in the squad for them...suddenly a bit more confident.

Last year

Great words Tom. What's the tune?🙂

Sorry you pedantic cunt…this season

Anyone else sat patiently waiting but bricking it?

Anyone know of any live streams? Assumed it’d be on totalsportek but it’s not.

Maybe it's because I'm a pensioner but I'm more nervous for this than any of the previous 8.

Good luck men,see you all at Wembley. Mkirdy wins a pen in 1st 15mins Payne converts and swindon get an easy 4-0 win .400/1 "BOOM".Wembley paid for ."WE GO AS WARRIORS "

because i dont remember...was it northhampton that was knocked out of the autos by that crazy 7-0 game?

Poor atmosphere at the moment from the massive Vale fans, not much of a roar more a meow.

really shit passes by town...

Fucked by the officials already

Was onside

Wasnt.

Turning off already.

This is fucking garbage.
I hope those going on about attendances the last few weeks eat humble pie. Dickheads

Never mind, found one.

1-2.

You seem to have a peculiar theory of causality. Unless you're suggesting match officials hang around on can forums and make suit decisions to punish can overconfidence?

The space we are giving them is criminal

Wasnt.

Egbo played him ONSIDE

We have been abysmal...looks like they don't want to win

It appears that the empty seats have not dampened PV's attacking intent.

Didnt you call them tinpot?

This is setting up like the second half on Sunday. McKirdy 93rd minute winner  :D

This is setting up like the second half on Sunday. McKirdy 93rd minute winner  :D

This is setting up like the second half on Sunday. McKirdy 93rd minute winner  :D

I would take pens at the moment TBH.

I would take pens at the moment TBH.

Egbo is having a mare defensively and getting no help!

Agreed. He looks to be ambling round the pitch too.

Could be all over at half time.

Could be all over at half time.

What the fucking shit is going on 😡

Its called a game of football, but at the moment we're not involved.

PV are doing what they need to do. As long as we hold them off, they'll run out of steam eventually

Worst half this season

Don't get the gloom. Yes,first 20 shocking but we've settled reasonably well. Final ball is all

Some positive spin.  To go in only 1-0 down is a result for us.  Still level on aggregate, and a chance to recover & rebuild.  Most important HT talk now of Garner's career.

Sky saying we've had 56% possession - really ?.

Ben's just texts me apparently  the plan was to play shit 1st half but to concede no more than 1 goal  get all his birthday money on now they are 6/1,2nd half will be a  different game and he will be surprised if we don't get at least 4."come on you reds" time for another spliff I think

Agreed, that was far from the worst half of the season, yes we were poor but we are still in it and ended better.

Did Vale score 2 goals that I missed or something?

Fuck me you'd think we were 3 nil down from the sound of you lot. WE ARE NOT EVEN BEHIND FFS!

When was the last time we didn't before away?

Town outsinging a quiet Vale.

It has always occurred to me that, if you are in div 4, it is probably a stretch to proclaim vociferously that you are 'the greatest team the world has ever seen'.

It has always occurred to me that, if you are in div 4, it is probably a stretch to proclaim vociferously that you are 'the greatest team the world has ever seen'.

Wrongly thought jack Payne would have the most composure on the pitch

Steve Hale saying Payne has been our best player😀

That’s why I’m sat on me sofa

:clap: :clap:

Love ya jimmy

It's not the scoreline but the performance that is annoying supporters!!

Yes it is only 1-0 but should be 4 or 5 nil

Super attendance figure for the home side

Att, 11,600 sit down in your empty seats😀

Att, 11,600 sit down in your empty seats😀

So we could have took 4500 had they given us the proper away end 🙄

Cleared off the line from Reed!

Their Loss.

I'm not sure what their true capacity is

I'm not sure what their true capacity is

Or was it a foot save from Ward?

Wiki says 20,552

Wiki says 20,552

It used to be but it seems conflicting on their forums and somewhere between 13,500-15,000

Wondering how much longer Williams can last?

It’s been a good season. Play offs suck when you lose. Feels inevitable now.

This is setting up like the second half on Sunday. McKirdy 93rd minute winner  :D

I dont understand the lack of urgency....they players have to know there is nobody on the bench to come in
if this goes to OT it is over

Back to being shit again

A better half but not creating and too many players bottling the chance to shoot. Davison really needs to sort his first touch as this game literally nothing has stuck to him.

A better half but not creating and too many players bottling the chance to shoot. Davison really needs to sort his first touch as this game literally nothing has stuck to him.

Poor game for our strikers tonight. McKirdy has been quiet.

Poor game for our strikers tonight. McKirdy has been quiet.

Not okay from Clarke that. Feel for the guy, he's been through a lot but that's just not on.

Iandolo hurt. He's been excellent.

This is one of the worst games of football I've seen in a while.

This is one of the worst games of football I've seen in a while.

Extra time always is, everyone is properly fucked.

God this is tense. Still feel there's a McKirdy moment coming, for good or bad.

Don’t want penalties.
Can’t take it.

Shame there is no one on the bench to change the game.

i wish you were right....he doesnt want any part of this match for some reason

We have been nervous. Port Vale have nullified all of our threats.

Davison can’t move, basically down to 10 men, surely we need to change to at least have some mobility? I wouldn’t back him taking a penalty with his finishing anyway so not worth just keeping him on incase of pens.

i wish you were right....he doesnt want any part of this match for some reason

Davison has been manhandled all game yet got nothing given in his favour.

Extra time always is, everyone is properly fucked.

God this is tense. Still feel there's a McKirdy moment coming, for good or bad.

Extra time always is, everyone is properly fucked.

God this is tense. Still feel there's a McKirdy moment coming, for good or bad.

I wish they would stop showing Flitcroft, I feel sick enough as it is

Missing a penalty…in front of the Vale fans..:

Missing a penalty…in front of the Vale fans..:

maybe McKirdy hasnt gotten good service and/or defense is good...but look at his face....he looks scared..

Davison doesn't have any speed/quickness

Teddy Sheringham

Davison doesn't have any speed/quickness

touch, football intelligence....but he does try   :D

TBF davison does keep going as he gets the shit kicked out of him..you have to admire that

It's 113 minutes into the game, nobody has any speed/quickness!

just quite a bit shitter

It's 113 minutes into the game, nobody has any speed/quickness!

Missing a penalty…in front of the Vale fans..:

Win or lose it doesn't matter its been a good season, nothing to lose TBH for Town, nobosy expected us to be here back in August.

Well done no matter what.

Well here we go, COME ON YOU MIGHTY FUCKING REDS!!!!

Well, fuck. Fucking fucking fuck. Fucking fuck off. Fuck.

Really feel for Ellis. It shouldn't have been him.

Ah well, we did superb this season.  Push on next year, see you in August Vale, no chance you'll beat Mansfield. Rather have heartache here than on May 28th.  :girlgiggle:

Why the fuck did Davison think he could take a pen? Barely able to move for last 15.

i assume the manager makes that decision????  neither striker should have been in first 5 tonight

Clem you will now need to splash the cash.

Deflated.  Well done, my team.  You did us proud.

Harry and Josh were the two I was worried about in the shootout.

Think squad depth/injuries were the bridge too far tonight. No way Davison finishes that game if we have anyone other than Parsons on the bench. Gladwin essentially the only senior attacking player available outside the starting XI.

Sorry you didn't score your pen, Harry.  It doesn't define your season.  You've been a breath of fresh air.  Please carry on.

I’m find it very difficult to understand McKirdys reaction after his penalty miss.

God Vale are scum. Manager assaulting Conroy, fans assaulting players on their pitch, players spent 2 games trying to kick the shit out of us.
We weren't good enough in the first half, but we should have had a penalty at 0-0. Refereeing has been awful all season and it's typical we are at the wrong end of such a blatant decision. Better team after half time but as per much of the season, just lacked the ability to put it in the net.  
Hope Mansfield stuff them.

I’m find it very difficult to understand McKirdys reaction after his penalty miss.

What happened?