Stevenage host Port Vale in a League Two clash at the Lamex on Tuesday evening seeking an elusive victory to stop their dispiriting slide into the relegation trapdoor.

Alex Revell's side have struggled this season in the fourth tier - and prior to kick-off tonight against the Valiants sit in the relegation places, in 23rd spot.

With supporters still absent from grounds, even if hopes are high spectators will be allowed back after lockdown, Boro need to get their campaign back on track as soon as possible.

It has been a miserable season so far for Boro

Stevenage's current form has seen them pick up three points from the last 15 on offer, which included a 2-1 defeat to fallen giants Bolton at Broadhall Way on Saturday.

In mitigation to Revell and his squad, until late July, the club were not even sure whether they would be a league club or not, such was the uncertainty created by Macclesfield's financial problems.

Eventually, the Silkmen's appeal against deducted points was thrown out by the authorities, meaning Stevenage would once again start the season in League Two.

Yet, it is no real surprise that with one of the smallest budgets in the league, Stevenage have been struggling.

In comparison, moneybags Salford spent millions on bolstering their squad - at the very same time Boro were signing players in the expectation that they would be plying their trade in the National League.

So, while it is understandable fans are frustrated, within the game at least, there is considerable sympathy for former Boro striker Revell.

However, Revell understands more than anyone how vital a win against Vale would be for his side.

In a big week of football, with League One leaders Hull City travelling to the Lamex on Sunday for their FA Cup second clash in north Herts, the Boro boss knows a win tonight could kick-start their season.

Team news

Speaking to Nub News, Revell shared the latest injury updates.

"We've lost Elliot Osbourne, we've lost Jack Aitchison for a while," he said, adding: "Luther [James-Wildin] is still coming back which is why he wasn't ready for Bolton - whether he's ready for Port Vale, we still don't know. We need to get him fit."

John Askey's Vale, for their part, will have experienced former Crewe striker Tom Pope out, having missed their narrow defeat against league leaders Newport at the weekend as he is self-isolating. David Amor may also be absent due to a hamstring problem.

Asked has concerns about his midfield, with Luke Joyce serving the final game of his three-match ban, while Danny Whitehead is out with a foot injury.

Former Stevenage youngster Tom Conlon could miss the clash against his former club with a Achilles problem.

Port Vale

Askey's Valiants sit in ninth place, a point off the final play-off spot, currently held by Colchester.

Ten man Vale narrowly lost to leaders Newport through a late winner by 41-year-old veteran Kevin Elison, to make it three league defeats in a row.

They will be keen to get back to winning ways against Boro after having taken six points out their last 15.

Ones to watch

Revell will be hoping his attacking players can finally make a mark in a year lacking goals. Boro have only scored 40 in the calendar year 2020, with ten of those coming in three games.

He will be hoping talented QPR loanee Aramide Oteh can help Boro to what would only be their second league win of the season.

"We've got a lot of strikers that weren't involved against Bolton," Revell told Nub News, adding: "We are asking them to show us their quality and force my hand in terms of making me chose which ones to pick. To make a point for themselves.

"If someone scored goals, I'd be picking them every week - but it's hard to do that when we're not taking our chances.

"When you're waiting for someone to do that it can be frustrating. Oteh showed in parts against Bolton he can be a good player for us. He looks dangerous when he goes in behind and creates chances - but it's finding that balance between creating and scoring goals yourself.

"This is the group we've got. This is what we have to work with. Yes, we had a difficult summer, but that is gone now. We have to keep working hard."

Tom Pett shines

One player who has shone since arriving back at the Lamex is Tom Pett.

The popular midfielder grabbed an outstanding goal against the Trotters at the weekend and has settled in seamlessly after his return from Lincoln.

Pett scored 22 goals in 159 appearances during three and a half years with Stevenage, before joining the Imps for an undisclosed fee in January 2018.

"It's good to be back", Pett told Nub News, adding: "But we need to start winning games of football."

Stevenage vs Port Vale head to head

Boro hold a slight advantage in the history of this fixture with four wins, six draws and three defeats.

Since the sides first played each other in 2009, in an FA Cup clash the sides have played each other 13 times in the intervening 11 years.

Despite the Valiants winning two out of the three FA Cup clashes since then, their 1-0 victory at the Lamex was their first victory in north Herts.

The boss on possible future additions:

Revell hinted at possible additions in the aftermath of the Bolton defeat, but with such a small budget any new players have to be the right fit.

"There might be players out there that are free agents - but are they coming for the right reasons?" asked Revell, adding: "Why are they out of contract in the first place?

"It's not easy to come into a tight knit group - and you can't say everyone in my team has not given their all for the cause. But, for example, when you look at our front players against the likes of Bolton, there is a difference in quality.

"There were a few home truths said after Bolton. It took us to go down to 2-0 to deliver the effort and intensity I expect - but Vale is another game."

Did you know?

Port Vale hold the record for the most seasons in the second tier without making it to the top flight.

How to watch Stevenage vs Port Vale

With the game being played behind-closed-doors, the only way to watch the game live is with an iFollow video match pass from Stevenage FC.

Season ticket holders don't have to pay anything to watch the game but the only way for non-season ticket holders to watch the action is with an iFollow video match pass, available now for just £10.

Read Nub News for our match report, reaction and ratings from the Lamex later.

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