Port Vale vs Bradford AFC preview - Williamson misses Bantams clash

Posted Friday, February 06, 2015 by PA

Port Vale will be without Ben Williamson for the visit of Bradford.

Williamson suffered a minor hamstring tear against Barnsley but it is hoped he could be back in contention for the trip to Bristol City on Tuesday night.

Fellow striker Tom Pope has recovered from being kicked in the jaw at Oakwell and should retain his place in the starting line up.

Achille Campion is available after recovering from bruised ribs, while Vale boss Rob Page will also be able to call on new loan signings Greg Luer and Tommy O'Sullivan but Louis Dodds (broken toe) remains sidelined.

Bradford's transfer deadline-day signing Gary MacKenzie could be included in boss Phil Parkinson's squad.

Central defender MacKenzie, who joined on loan from Blackpool until the end of the campaign, has yet to play this season due to an Achilles injury but has been fit for a month and is hoping to feature.

Parkinson has no major new injury problems and could name the same outfield players for the fifth successive match, with Jordan Pickford likely to resume in goal after Ben Williams stepped in for FA Cup duty.

Winger Mark Yeates and striker Billy Clarke are pushing for recalls as Bradford bid for their first win in three league matches.