Level on points with tomorrow's opponents Sheffield United, Port vale have given themselves an outside chance of making the top six and dark horses to return to the Championship - league they haven't played in since relegation in 2000.
Port Vale and their visitors Fleetwood battled to a 0-0 draw in a forgettable Sky Bet League One clash. Effort comfortably outweighed quality for most of the first half as both sides struggled to play on an increasingly bumpy pitch. Neither goalkeeper had a shot to save in the opening half-hour with off-target attempts from Fleetwood's Robert Grant and Ajay Leitch-Smith of Vale the only action of note.
The contest finally sprung to life two minutes before the interval when visiting stopper Chris Maxwell showed brilliant reflexes to deny Theo Robinson and Sam Foley in quick succession. Fleetwood made sure the start of the second half was more entertaining as a long-range shot from Antoni Sarcevic rattled the crossbar in the 47th minute before Grant drew a fine save from Jak Alnwick.
Leitch-Smith then brought the best out of Maxwell when the striker's deflected shot was kept out at the 'keeper's near post. But that was the last of the serious goal-mouth action before Vale substitute Michael O'Connor curled a 30-yard free-kick wide in stoppage time.
Port Vale could have Louis Dodds available after a two-match absence, having overcome a heel injury and returned to training. Adam Yates, Colin Daniel, Remie Streete, Chris Birchall, Michael Brown, JJ Hooper and Sam Kelly featured in a strong Vale development league game on Wednesday, with everyone coming through the 7-1 thrashing of Morecambe.
It gives Vale boss Rob Page, a former Blades player, almost a full squad to choose from, with the exception of defender Ryan Inniss. He could be back in training next week after making good progress in his recovery from a hamstring injury. It would be a timely return to fitness from the Crystal Palace loanee with Richard Duffy, currently on nine yellow cards, a booking away from having to serve a two-match suspension.
Blades-Mad Prediction: Sheffield United 1 Port Vale 0
Why not make your opinions heard by joining the Blades-Mad Message-Baord
