Port Vale keeper dismisses manager move

Port Vale goalkeeper Stuart Tomlinson says the speculation linking manager Micky Adams with a move to Sheffield United is having no effect on the team.

Adams, 49, a Blades fan as a boy, has been linked with the job after Gary Speed left to become Wales boss.

Tomlinson told BBC Radio Stoke: “It’s speculation, I don’t think it’s affecting the gaffer or our team.

“They haven’t got a manager and ours is doing well so I suppose it makes for good reading.”

Micky Adams

Tomlinson admitted that the rumours have been discussed in the Port Vale dressing room but added that the squad see it as a compliment to how far they have come in a short space of time.

He said: “A couple of the lads have mentioned it but newspapers always need something to write about.

“He’s a good manager so obviously clubs are going to try and headhunt him but he’s doing his thing at Port Vale.

“He’s not been here that long and he’s obviously turned the club around and I’m sure he’s going to want to continue the success he’s having,” the former Barrow stopper said.

Vale sit second in League Two, two points behind leaders Chesterfield going into the Christmas period.

Port Vale dump Accrington Stanley out of FA Cup

Port Vale progressed through to the lucrative third-round of the FA Cup with a 1-0 victory over fellow League Two side Accrington Stanley.

Freezing conditions had put the fixture in jeopardy but a first-half goal from Justin Richards soon warmed the home fans up.

Micky Adams named an unchanged side from that which mauled Stockport County 5-0 midweek.

Vale started the better of the side’s and an early goal nearly came from an unlikely source in Adam Yates but the right-back fired wide.

Micky Adams

Accrington’s Ray Putterill looked dangerous for the visitors and blasted over from 25 yards, and shot again moments later stinging the palms of Vale goalkeeper Stuart Tomlinson.

Vale’s breakthrough and the only goal of the match came on 24 minutes. A right-wing cross from Gary Roberts was passed back across the face of goal by Rob Taylor, and Richards pounced on the opportunity to bury the ball into the roof of the net.

Vale chanced their luck on 39 minutes as Putterill’s effort beat Tomlinson but was denied by the framework of the goal.

The second-half didn’t give either set of fans much to cheer about as Vale were content at absorbing any Accrington pressure sent their way.

But the visitors could have forced a replay in the dying minutes thanks to Chris Turner’s strike, but Vale were indebted to Kris Taylor’s goal-line clearance and book their place in the third-round with the potential for a money-boosting Premier League tie.

The third-round draw will take place on ITV1 at 6pm with ties to take place over the weekend of January 8th and 9th 2011.

Who would you like to see Vale play in the next round – Manchester United, Chelsea, a lower league team – or Stoke City? Let North Staffs Football know by leaving a reply.

Burton Albion through but Vale scrape late equaliser

Burton Albion and Port Vale have made into in the draw for the second-round of the FA Cup this weekend, writes North Staffs Football’s James Hale.

Aaron Webster struck late to secure victory for Burton Albion as they knocked out fellow League Two side Oxford United.

Left-back Webster met Scott Malone’s cross to power his header home five minutes from time.

His goal means the Brewers will now face Chesterfield at the Pirelli Stadium, game to be played over the weekend November 27/28.

Albion had the better of the first half, but the U’s defence stood strong, with Steve Kinniburgh clearing off the line from James Collins effort.

Pirelli Stadium

Webster was then introduced in the 70th minute and his header secured the victory.

Oxford had a great opportunity late on but Tom Craddock saw his shot deflected wide.

Burton boss Paul Peschisolido told BBC Sport of his delight at seeing hard work prevail.

He added: “The first half we showed patient build-up and played some great stuff.

“They put bodies behind the ball and we passed it for fun, created opportunities and were unfortunate not to hit the target.

“But I told the guys to keep patient and in the second-half all the hard work would pay off – and it did.”

Albion’s attention now switches back to League Two, and a weekend trip to Chesterfield as both side’s eye each other up ahead of their FA Cup clash in three weeks.

Meanwhile, Port Vale salvaged a late equaliser to earn a replay against non-league minnows Dartford.

Dartford opened the scoring in the 39th minute when Darts’ skipper Elliot Bradbrook slotted home past keeper Stuart Tomlinson.

This appeared to be the winner until the 85th minute when McCombe was on hand to bundle the ball over the line to deny Dartford a famous victory.

It was perhaps a harsh result on the home side who really took it to Micky Adams’s men, but Vale will breath a sigh of relief as the two sides will battle it out again at Vale Park.

The victors will then face a home tie against Accrington Stanley in the second-round of the competition.

For highlights of Vale’s trip to Kent click below: