Oxford v Port Vale

It's another trip to the Kassam for me tomorrow to see whether Oxford can build on Tuesday night's 5-1 drubbing of Plymouth.

Oxford have lost only one game in their last ten fixtures (1-0 against Gillingham) and so are in a good run of form, but tomorrow's opponents Port Vale shouldn't be taken too lightly as they've only lost once on their travels this term.

I know striker Tom Pope quite well and he has secured a move to the club he has supported all his life. He's a Vale nut (a bit like Robbie Williams, but without the voice!) and is one of those players we all like to see turing out for our respective clubs. Whole-hearted and prepared to die for the cause. Pope has scored four goals this season and co-striker Marc Richards has found the net five time - suggesteing a partnership has been formed.

But it isn't just the front two who Oxford need to keep an eye on. Midfielders Sean Rigg, Gary Roberts and Doug Loft have shared thirtenn goals as well.

In Mickey Adams, Vale have a very experienced man at the helm and it will be interesting to watch the tactical battle with Chris Wilder in the opposite dugout.

Wilder played for Adams at Brighton and it is obvious that the Vale boss rates him. He said:

"When there's talk about young managers being promoted up to the Premier League and the Championship levels, then I think clubs should be looking at the likes of Chris.


"Forget the team, if Oxford's board look at their assets I hope they recognise the fact he is their number one asset.That's how highly I rate him, but because he does his job in a quiet and proficient manner and is not as high profile as other managers, he can fall by the wayside when other jobs are talked about.

"But one thing I know about Oxford with Chris in charge is that they will be fit and organised."

More later as and when ....