Port Vale 3-0 Northampton Town
Port Vale 3-0 Northampton Town: the Valiants broke a record that had stood from 1958 as they scored in their fifteenth successive game and to celebrate even that rarest of scorers- Anthony Griffith – got onto the scoresheet.
Manager Micky Adams made three changes to his side with Rob Kozluk and Sean Rigg replacing Adam Yates and Ben Williamson. John McCombe returned at the back for Clayton McDonald, who was in court in Wales. Northern Ireland International Andy Little made the Valiants bench.
Regular Port Vale nemesis Ade Akinfenwa was missing for the visitors, who looked lightweight as a result of their targetman’s absence.
The Valiants enjoyed a dream start as Tom Pope headed home his fourth of the season after four minutes. Then after Sean Rigg twice went close, Anthony Griffith netted only his second Port Vale goal – an absolute screamer in the 19th minute.
And then the recalled John McCombe scored the third on the half-hour mark to make it 3-0 to the Valiants.
Midway through the second-half Rigg again came close with a one-on-one chance, but he was unable to make it 4-0. Then Northampton came close to a consolation goal only to be denied by the woodwork. But manager Micky Adams will also be delighted to see his defence not concede as his team secured a place in the play-off places.
Full-time: Port Vale 3-0 Northampton Town
Vale: Tomlinson, Kozluk, Owen, McCombe, Chilvers, Taylor (Yates), Griffith, Loft, Rigg (Little), Pope (Williamson), Richards
Subs: Martin, Morsy
Attendance: 5,082