MANAGER Brian Carey was happy to hear the Carling Cup had paired us away to old foes Port Vale on Tuesday 14 August.

"While most people would want a home draw, actually I'm very pleased to be going to Vale Park," he said.

"This will be a very good test for us and if we could get a result there, then it will be a big confidence booster.

"We have set our sights on competing with clubs like Port Vale from League 1, as that is our goal for this coming season."

With Stoke City having an away draw in the first round, there was no clash of home fixtures for Vale, so we were able to quickly confirm the date for our visit to Vale Park (7.45) - unless Sky TV decide to show it live!

Details of ticket prices will be announced in due course.