Match Summary
Blackpool defeated Port Vale 3:2. The match was played in League One 2025. Goals were scored by D. Brown 2′, N. Ennis 46′, R. Walters 59′, A. Fletcher 72′, R. Walters 81′. 3 yellow cards were shown. Blackpool had 54% possession while Port Vale held 46%. Blackpool had 14 shots (4 on target) compared to 12 (5 on target) for Port Vale. Blackpool made 5 substitutions, Port Vale made 5.
Match Events
Key match events between Blackpool and Port Vale — 5 goals and 3 cards recorded during the match.
assist: J. Bowler
assist: J. Shipley
assist: T. Bloxham
assist: J. Husband
Match Statistics
Blackpool had 54% possession against Port Vale's 46%. Blackpool registered 14 shots (4 on target) while Port Vale managed 12 (5 on target). Corner kicks: 6–5. Fouls committed: 11–13.
Lineups
Blackpool lined up in a 4-2-2-2 formation under Ian Evatt, while Port Vale deployed a 3-5-2 under Jon Brady.
Squad Ratings
The overall squad rating for Blackpool is 6.80, compared to 6.77 for Port Vale. This metric is derived from each player's average match rating across all league appearances this season — anything above 7.00 is considered strong, while below 6.50 signals inconsistency. Blackpool's highest-rated starter is A. Fletcher (7.04), while Port Vale's best-rated player is E. Campbell (7.05).
Attacking Output
The starting XI of Blackpool have contributed 19 goals and 12 assists this season, led by A. Fletcher (15G). Port Vale's starters account for 3 goals and 5 assists, spearheaded by C. Hall (1G). Goals reflect clinical finishing and chance creation, while assists highlight the ability to unlock defences through through-balls, crosses, and set pieces.
Defensive Solidity
Blackpool deploy 4 defenders rated 6.73 on average, against Port Vale's 3-man backline averaging 6.97. Higher defensive ratings suggest better positional awareness, fewer individual errors, and a greater likelihood of keeping clean sheets. The rating accounts for tackles won, interceptions, aerial duels, and blocks throughout the season.
Midfield Control
Blackpool field 4 midfielders averaging 6.73, versus Port Vale's 6 rated 6.73. Midfield ratings reflect passing accuracy, interceptions, key passes, and overall control of possession — the team that dominates midfield typically dictates the tempo and territory of the match.
Forward Threat
Blackpool start 2 forward(s) averaging 7.04, compared to 1 for Port Vale averaging 6.51. Forward ratings capture shot accuracy, movement off the ball, dribbling success, and involvement in build-up play — they indicate who carries the greater goal threat on the day.
Passing & Build-Up
Passing accuracy averages 69% for Blackpool and 70% for Port Vale. Higher passing accuracy generally indicates a possession-based style with patient build-up through the thirds, while lower figures may suggest a more direct, counter-attacking approach with long balls and quick transitions.
Discipline
Blackpool's starters have collected 28 yellow cards this season, compared to 15 for Port Vale. Yellow cards reflect how aggressively a team presses and tackles — a high count may indicate a physical, high-pressing style but also risks suspensions and late free-kicks in dangerous areas.
Age & Experience
The average age of Blackpool's starting XI is 28.2 (youngest: J. Brown (24), oldest: M. Ihiekwe (33)), while Port Vale average 25.8 (youngest: R. Walters (20), oldest: F. Ojo (34)). Younger squads typically offer pace, energy, and pressing intensity, while experienced lineups bring composure, game management, and the ability to handle high-pressure moments.
Squad Depth
Blackpool's starters average 32 league appearances each, versus 20 for Port Vale. High appearance counts indicate an established, well-drilled unit that the manager trusts week in and week out. Lower figures may suggest rotation, injuries, or emerging players still earning their place in the team.
Substitutes
Substitutes
Recent Form
In their last 6 matches, Blackpool have recorded 1 wins, 2 draws and 3 defeats. Port Vale show 2 wins, 1 draws and 3 losses from their last 6 outings.
Blackpool
Port Vale
Head to Head
Blackpool and Port Vale have met 2 times — Blackpool won 0, Port Vale won 2, with 0 draws. Their rivalry dates back to 2025. Port Vale leads the head-to-head with 2 victories from 2 meetings. A combined 7 goals have been scored across these fixtures, averaging 3.50 per match (1 for the home side, 6 for the visitors). Both teams scored in 1 matches (50%). Over 2.5 goals landed in 1 games (50%), making it a fixture that tends to produce goals. The highest-scoring encounter finished 5–1 in 2026.
0
Blackpool
0
Drawn
2
Port Vale
Recent Meetings (2)
API data: 22 Mar 2026