By Joe Bennett: Joe Hart is hoping his impressive performances on loan at Birmingham City will secure him the number one keeper’s spot in Fabio Capello’s World Cup squad.
Capello announced his provisional World Cup squad of 30 this afternoon but a big question mark remains over who will become his first choice goalkeeper – with David James and Robert Green also chosen.
Manchester City stopper Hart has caught the eye while playing a pivotal role in Birmingham’s success this season, keeping 12 clean sheets.
Speaking exclusively to StaffsLive, Hart said his chance to play …

By Joe Bennett: Port Vale manager Micky Adams believes youngster Sam Morsy has earned his place in the first team squad.
The central midfielder made his first team debut earlier in the season, replacing captain Tommy Fraser in the latter stages of Vale’s home clash with Lincoln in February.
Since then Morsy has been included on a regular basis in the first team squad and has put in some impressive displays for the reserves.
The youngster said of his first team debut: “It was a great feeling.
“It was a great buzz to …

By Joe Bennett: Scott Lawton has said he has no regrets during his career nine year career which has seen him narrowly miss out on winning a major boxing title.
The 33-year-old has failed in two attempts to become British Champion and has lost fights in Commonwealth and European title shots.
The Fenton-based fighter has held the English title twice in the lightweight category in 2006 and 2008 and is happy with his achievements.
“I never knew how far I’d get in boxing,” he explained. “So to get the English title was …

By Joe Bennett: A packed Fenton Manor braced itself to welcome a new European Champion last night (February 19) but were left deflated following the third round stoppage of Scott Lawton against Leva Kirakosyan.
Fenton-based fighter Lawton was a surprise contender for the European super featherweight belt, and went into the fight as the overwhelming underdog.
Lawton entered the ring to a rapturous reception from the Stoke fans but the signs were ominous from the first bell. He was left rocked early in the first round and hit the canvas after …

By Joe Bennett: Just days before his self-confessed “fight of his life” Scott Lawton was in relaxed and confident mood when speaking to StaffsLive.
Fenton Manor will host Lawton’s super featherweight European title fight against Leva Kirakosyan.
The Russian goes into the fight as the favourite but Lawton revealed that he believes he has all the tools to defeat him on the night.
Lawton, who trains at his own gym named Impact Boxing, in Fenton, defeated Derry Matthews in his first fight at super featherweight in November last year.
The fight was make or …

By Joe Bennett: Stoke City are today counting the cost of their spirited FA Cup draw against Manchester City.
Tony Pulis’ side picked up injuries to three key players during the tie at Eastlands.
Stoke were left rocked by an early injury to Matthew Etherington who missed out on impressing watching England manager Fabio Capello.
The winger was carried off after only 14 minutes. It’s feared the 28-year-old has suffered knee ligament damage and the club are awaiting results of a scan.
Tony Pulis told the club’s website: “The doctor said it might …

By Joe Bennett: This time last season, Port Vale were struggling at the wrong end of the League Two table.
Three months later, Micky Adams arrived as manager – and since then the club has been looking up rather than down.
Defeat to Chesterfield last Tuesday was a setback in Vale’s playoff ambitions but it has still been an interesting season.
And Adams has shown he is not afraid  to take the tough line. He placed the entire squad on the transfer list earlier in the season after some poor displays.
That move …

By Joe Bennett: Port Vale play host to Chesterfield tonight looking to bounce back from defeat against local Staffordshire rivals Burton at the weekend.
Chesterfield will provide a stern test for Mickey Adams’ side as they occupy 7th place in League Two.
Staffslive spoke to Marc Richards and assistant manager Geoff Horsfield ahead of the game this evening.

Port Vale 0 Macclesfield Town 0
By Joe Bennett: Port Vale were held to a disappointing draw by Macclesfield Town at Vale Park.
The game finished goalless despite Vale’s best efforts.
Mickey Adams will take heart in the clean sheet but was left frustrated as his side could not force their way past a largely negative visiting side.
The Vale Park pitch was a major factor in the quality of football as it began to cut up badly in patches.
The closest either side came was a second half effort from on-loan Craig Davies when he …

 
By Joe Bennett: Burton Albion made the short trip up to the Alexandra Stadium to face a Crewe side without a home win in their last five matches.
However, it was Dario Gradi’s side who started the brighter scoring twice inside 20 minutes.
Clayton Donaldson scored his second goal in as many games as he broke the deadlock in the 12th minute. 
Donaldson collected the ball from defender Danny O’Donnell before finding the top corner with a stunning effort.
Just moments later Crewe were two goals up when Joel Grant netted his fifth of the season, tapping …