Kevin Nolan expects well-backed Port Vale to have a strong season in League One

Although the Valiants were slow to get going following promotion from League Two last season, three wins on the spin have catapulted them up the table and to within a couple of points of Saturday’s visitors.

“It’s going to be a really tough one for us,” said Nolan. “They had a lot of turnover in the summer, like us, and it took them a bit of time to get going but they’ve had three wins in a row.

"Even earlier in the season, they were playing well and they were creating opportunities so it was only a matter of time. They have a strong squad and it's never an easy place to go and get a result, but we feel confident and we want another away win like we had at Orient.”

Vale were busy in the summer, recruiting 12 new players, and Nolan admits they are one of three promoted sides whose transfer budget is bigger than Northampton’s.

"They invested in the squad and they went quite big in the summer,” he added. “I think it's only Wimbledon who are in or around us in terms of the budget, the other promoted teams have really strong budgets.

"As you can see, with their results, what they've been able to sign has helped, but I'm not too worried about anyone else. I'm pleased with where we're at. No matter who we're playing, it's going to be a tough game and we have to earn the right to go there and play. One thing's for sure, Port Vale will be up for it on Saturday so we have to make sure we match them.”