Wrexham vs. Port Vale EFL Trophy Match Postponed Due to Safety Concerns

Wrexham‘s EFL Trophy third-round tie against Port Vale, scheduled for Tuesday evening at Vale Park, was postponed due to safety concerns surrounding the stadium. The decision was made at approximately 14:00 GMT, just five hours before kick-off, as snow and icy conditions rendered the areas around the stadium unsafe for attendees.

In a joint statement, both clubs confirmed that while the pitch itself had passed an earlier inspection, the surrounding areas were deemed hazardous. “The Vale Park pitch passed this morning’s inspection, but the condition of the surface was deemed doubtful, with further snow forecast later this afternoon and into the evening,” the statement read. “A decision to postpone the fixture was taken due to safety concerns relating to the areas surrounding the stadium, which remain dangerous for those expected to attend.”

The match, part of the EFL Trophy’s round of 16, is now set to be rescheduled, with a new date to be announced in due course. This marks another disruption in Wrexham’s cup campaign, as the Red Dragons have already been eliminated from the Carabao Cup and FA Cup earlier this season.

Wrexham advanced to the knockout stages of the EFL Trophy after finishing second in their group, which included a draw against Port Vale in the final group game. They later secured a 1-0 victory over Crewe Alexandra in the second round on December 10th. Manager Phil Parkinson had hinted at rotating his squad for the match, emphasizing the need to rest key players who have been carrying injuries.

Parkinson also provided an update on striker Jack Marriott, who has been sidelined since October with an injury. Marriott, who scored five goals in 10 League One matches before his injury, is reportedly close to returning to action. “He’s not far away,” Parkinson said, though Marriott was not expected to feature in the postponed match.

The postponement adds to the challenges Wrexham faces in their pursuit of silverware this season, with the EFL Trophy now their only remaining opportunity for a trophy in the 2024/25 campaign.