Port Vale (a): Championship Referee Appointed

The match officials have now been confirmed for the League One tie between Port Vale and Lincoln City at Vale Park on Saturday 24th February, which will kick-off at 15:00. His last outing was at the Championship match between Stoke City and Coventry City (0-1), and he has spent most of this season at that level as well as a number of matches last season.

Referee: James Bell.
Assistant Referee: Alex Gray.
Assistant Referee: Karl Buckley.
Fourth Official: Lee Freeman.

NEW QUIZ: How much can you remember from the last time The Imps took on Port Vale at Vale Park? Have a go at the quiz at the bottom of the page or simply CLICK HERE (opens in a new window)!

You can discuss this refereeing appointment here, and get involved with our pre-match discussion!

James Bell has been the man in the middle for three matches involving Port Vale and three matches involving Lincoln City.

His most recent match involving tomorrow’s hosts was their 1-0 defeat at home against Salford City in League Two during the 21/22 season. He brandished 4 yellow cards on this occasion, including bookings for James Gibbons and Brad Walker.

His last match involving City was the 1-1 draw away at Carlisle United in the EFL Trophy in the 21/22 season, which Carlisle won 4-3 on penalties. He showed 5 yellow cards that evening, including bookings for Conor McGrandles, Chris Maguire and Hakeeb Adelakun, and a booking for former Port Vale loanee midfielder Callum Guy.

James Bell oversaw a total of 17 matches during the 2022/23 season, showing 58 yellow cards (3.41) and 3 red cards. He was most card-happy in the League One encounter between Portsmouth and Plymouth Argyle when he showed 7 yellow cards and 1 red card, including a booking for Reeco Hackett-Fairchild.

Bell has been the man with the whistle on 17 occasions so far this season, showing 75 yellow cards (4.41) and 4 red cards. He showed 7 yellow cards and 1 red card in the League Cup match between Exeter City and Luton Town.

Sources: English Football League and Soccerbase.

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