The Reds head to Port Vale on Saturday and are hopeful of making it seven without a win for the hosts who have just parted company with Manager Micky Adams.
Vale have lost six on the spin and are yet to win a league game at home so far this season, with the Reds currently unbeaten on their travels.
Barnsley’s last victory over Port Vale on their own turf was way back in October 1996 as John Hendrie, Arjan De Zeeuw and Clint Marcelle secured a 3-1 victory for Danny Wilson’s side.
Barnsley Player subscribers can watch the goals from the game by clicking here.
John Hendrie scoring his first Barnsley goal - the first of Barnsley's three on their way to three points at Vale Park in October 1996.
The Reds’ last visit to Vale Park ended in defeat – a 3-2 scoreline courtesy of a 73rd-minute winner from Sam Togwell, who would, incidentally, join the Reds the following season after Andy Ritchie’s side won promotion.
Team News
The Reds are hopeful midfield duo Keith Treacy and James Bailey can make the squad but Reds Assistant Manager Chris Hutchings told the press yesterday that Danny Wilson is in no rush to bring them back into the fold. The pair have trained this week, as has goalkeeper Ross Turnbull – but the weekend may prove too soon for the shot-stopper.
The Reds are also monitoring the progress of striker Kane Hemmings who was nursing a slightly tight calf following Wednesday’s 0-0 draw at Fleetwood Town.
Meanwhile, youngster George Smith is the only long-term absentee as he continues his recovery from a broken toe.
Former Wales international Rob Page takes caretaker charge for Vale and his side are only missing striker Achille Campion through a thigh problem.
The Reds will be up against ex-Tyke Carl Dickinson who became a real fans' favourite at Oakwell during his 29-game loan spell of 2009/10.
Man in the Middle
Dean Whitestone
Dean Whitestone last took charge of the Reds in November 2012 as Cardiff visited Oakwell. So far this season, the Northamptonshire official has taken charge of four League One fixtures and two Capital One Cup fixtures and has given out 12 yellow cards.
Their Star Man
Tom Pope in action for Vale
In his ten appearances so far this season, striker Tom Pope has netted five times for the Valiants. A powerful target man, he struck 16 goals last term for Vale and 33 the season before as his side were promoted from League Two. The 29-year-old recently made his 170th appearance for Vale and has 62 goals to his name.
Mutual Man
Sam Togwell in action for the Reds
Sam Togwell joined Barnsley from Crystal Palace in the summer of 2006 and would go on to make 73 appearances for the Reds. The defensive midfielder had impressed Reds boss Andy Ricthie in Port Vale’s 3-2 victory over the Reds in January 2006. Togwell made 30 appearances for Vale whilst on loan from Palace after loan stints at Oxford United and Northampton Town.
‘Togs’ departed Oakwell for Scunthorpe United where he would feature over 180 times for the Iron before moving to Chesterfield four years later. The 29-year-old is now playing for Barnet after a short stint with Wycombe.
During his time with the Reds he helped the Club reach the semi-finals of the FA Cup and scored what was believed to be the quickest Barnsley goal at Oakwell after just 15 seconds against Southampton in December 2007. Ricardo Vaz Te went on to score an even faster strike – just over eight seconds - against Crystal Palace in December 2011.
Going to the match?
Port Vale play at Vale Park, its full address is as follows:
Port Vale Football Club
Hamil Road
Burslem
Stoke-on-Trent
Staffs
ST6 1AW
How to get there
From the North:
Leave M6 at junction 16 and take the A500 south to Stoke-on-Trent. In approx 6 miles take the exit signposted Tunstall (A527). At the roundabout take a left turning, second exit signposted Tunstall A527. After 0.5 miles turn right on to the B5051 (second exit, Newcastle Street) at the small roundabout. Carry on up to the next roundabout and go straight across to the cross-roads. Go straight across the cross-roads into Moorland Road. Take the second left on to Hamil Road and Vale Park is on the left.
From the South:
Leave M6 at junction 15 and take the A500 north to Stoke-on-Trent. Continue on this road until you come to the exit signposted Tunstall A5271. Take the fourth exit, and after 0.5 miles turn right on to the B5051 (second exit, Newcastle Street) at the small roundabout. Carry on up to the next roundabout and go straight across to the crossroads. Go straight across the crossroads into Moorland Road. Take the second left on to Hamil Road and Vale Park is on the left.
From the West:
Follow the A500 east and take the exit signposted Tunstall A527. At the roundabout take a left turning second exit signposted Tunstall A527. After 0.5 miles miles turn right on to the B5051 (second exit, Newcastle Street) at the small roundabout. Carry on up to the next roundabout and go straight across to the crossroads. Go straight across the crossroads into Moorland Road. Take the second left on to Hamil Road and Vale Park is on the left.
From the East:
Enter the City via Uttoxeter bypass (M1/M6 link road) and through Meir and the new Meir Tunnel. Continue on the road until you pass Stoke City's Britannia Stadium. Get in the middle or the right hand lane and turn right at the roundabout on to the A500. Continue on the A500 and take the exit signposted Tunstall A5271. At the roundabout turn right (fourth exit signposted Tunstall A527). After 0.5 miles turn right on to the B5051 (second exit, Newcastle Street) at the small roundabout. Carry on up to the next roundabout and go straight across to the cross-roads. Go straight across the cross-roads into Moorland Road. Take the second left on to Hamil Road and Vale Park is on the left.
By Rail:
Trains run to the main Stoke-on-Trent station. From there, you can catch a bus to Burslem town centre. The Ground is situated on Hamil Road (By the traffic lights, go past the Red Lion on your left and Hamil Road is the second left turning.)
You can also catch the train to Longport station which is a 25 minute walk to Vale Park. Head up Station Street then head onto Newcastle Street until you reach Burslem town centre. Hamil Road is then on your left.
Parking:
Hamil Road car park (Zone C)
Bus:
98/98A: Run regularly from Newcastle Bus Station to Burslem town centre.
20/20A/29/21/21A: Run regularly from Hanley Bus Station to Burslem town centre.
7/7A/7B/7C: Run regularly from Stoke-on-Trent Bus Station through to Hanley Bus Station and then to Burslem town centre.
Reds supporters can pay on the day at the away ticket office:
Adults £25.00
Seniors (Over 62) £20.00
Young Adult (aged 18-21) £20.00
Junior (aged nine to 17) £13.00
Under 9s: £3
Can’t make it to Vale Park?
Barnsley Player subscribers can listen to full match commentary from Vale Park. Special guest summariser Stephen Foster will join Adam Brammer in the commentary box for all of the action.
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A full match report will also be published soon after the final whistle. Don’t forget that Barnsley Player will have all of the video interviews from post-match as well as a full match replay later in the week.
