It's been nearly 20 years since the Bulls and Port Vale were combatants in the same league, and only slightly less since the two sides last met in the LDV Trophy - being paired up three times in the 1980's with Port Vale gaining narrow 1-0 wins on two occasions, with the third being a 1-1 draw in the old format group stage.
Overall Port Vale shade the historical meetings 14 wins to 11, with 10 draws. The last meeting in all competitions was 17 years ago almost to the day, on 21st November 1988, in the then Sherpa Van Trophy Preliminary Round Group 6 (South) tie. While that game was 1-1 thanks to a Gary Stevens goal, the Bulls had the last laugh - qualifying from the group after Port Vale were demolished 5-1 by Graham Turner's Wolves.
Port Vale have been in League One since being relegated from the Championship in 2000, and currently lie 11th in the table, two points from a play-off place. However the club is still in tough financial times after emerging from Administration in 2002 and have recently allowed captain Sam Collins and striker Billy Paynter to join Hull on loan ahead of permanent moves in January, and have five players in on loan to shore up an injury hit squad.
Hereford United vs Port Vale, LDV Trophy Round Two, Edgar Street, Tuesday 22nd Nov, 7.45pm.