By Henry Green
Notts Country head coach Stuart Maynard has warned Port Vale are a side still with League One players as the Magpies prepare for a tough game at Meadow Lane on Saturday.
After beating Carlisle 2-0 in midweek, County are looking to get back to winning ways on home turf.
Speaking on Friday ahead of the tie, Maynard was full of praise for a Vale side who were relegated last season.
“We know that Port Vale have invested heavily in their squad in the summer and if you look throughout their squad they have League One players so we know it’s going to be a really tough game,” he said.
“It’s a similar style to the way Carlisle play, they will try and pass the ball but they also have a big man that they can go direct to so we’ve got to make sure that we’re prepared for both sets of styles,” he added.
Maynard also praised his team’s ability to play in different ways.
“We’ve got to be unpredictable, we’ve got to find different ways to win.
“It’s not about getting it and just going long, if you look at it, it’s done with a structure,” he added.”
Following the win away at Carlisle, the Pies boss showed his appreciation for goalkeeper Alex Bass, who signed this summer from Sunderland.
“When he comes on the pitch he fills you with confidence, some of the saves he makes he makes them look easy.”
After signing free agent Josh Martin last week Maynard added he is “happy with the group”, with further incomings not expected before the next transfer window.
Maynard’s only injury concerns lie with winger Jodi Jones, who is expected to be out until the new year, as well as Conor Grant and David McGoldrick who are still being assessed.
Maynard’s team, who sit second in the league after a solid start to the season, host seventh placed Port Vale on Saturday (5 October).