Problems mount for Adams

Micky Adams is faced with plenty of selection decisions as he looks to rectify a "crisis of confidence" within his Port Vale players for the trip to Cheltenham. The Valiants boss made three changes for last weekend`s goalless draw at home to Gillingham but saw little sign of change as the Burslem outfit extended their winless run to three league games and duly lost top spot in the table. Debutant centre-back Ritchie Sutton, left midfielder Rob Taylor and right midfielder Tommy Fraser came in for John McCombe, Sean Rigg and Jemal Johnson respectively, and Adams must decide whether to stick or twist. But his options have not been helped by Johnson`s loan recall by parent club MK Dons and a hamstring tear which will keep Taylor on the sidelines for between six to eight weeks. Lewis Haldane (leg) continues to miss out. Striker Justin Richards returns to Whaddon Road to face his former employers, whom he helped save from relegation last term with 15 crucial goals.

Source: PA