Vale's game with Stockport off as league fixtures keep piling up

Vale of Lune will have to fit yet another fixture into their busy schedule after their game at Stockport was postponed on Saturday due to the weather conditions.
Vale of Lune's game with Stockport at the weekend was called off. Picture: Tony NorthVale of Lune's game with Stockport at the weekend was called off. Picture: Tony North
Vale of Lune's game with Stockport at the weekend was called off. Picture: Tony North

With every available Saturday already pencilled in until the end of April another game has to be squeezed, the latest batch of postponements being moved to Easter Saturday, before the play-off date early in May, which is usually carved in stone.

In the meantime another blank Saturday leaves not only players and supporters frustrated but it has an impact on a club’s finances with home games being a valuable source of income.

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The cancellation of yet another fixture for the Vale now puts the run-in for the rest of the season under the microscope.

Their position at the top of North One West confirms a 12 point lead over their nearest rivals and they are in the enviable situation of not only having these points in the bank but have three games in hand.

Out of the nine fixtures remaining only three are at home, the away date for the Wilmslow game has yet to be confirmed, meaning that an advantage, however slight, might, in some instances, 
favour the host club. Vale have proved to be an exciting, free running team, posting a total of 737 points thus far, but they have also displayed qualities to grind out wins against tenacious opponents, twice against Firwood Waterloo and more recently at Northwich.

However, there have been two defeats, one at home to Douglas and away at Rochdale where the absence of key players for those games must be taken into consideration.

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Also to be thrown into the mix is that their opponents will be out to put one over on the pace setters and bask in the kudos such an achievement brings. As it happens Vale’s Odyssey begins on Saturday when the Argonauts travel over the water to play Douglas as they begin their search for the Golden Fleece, and like Jason there will be Dragon Teeth Warriors, Bird’s of Ares, Amazons and Sirens to battle with, as well as 
negotiating a passage between the crashing, crushing rocks of the opposition.

It is hard to visualise a Greek Tragedy unfolding in nine acts for the Vale, but the theatre that is sport is quite capable of producing unexpected drama before the curtain finally falls.