Match report: Northampton Town 2-1 Port Vale
Northampton 2-1 Port Vale: JJ Hooper scored against his former club but Vale were undone by two long-range efforts on Tuesday night.
Port Vale manager Michael Brown made one change with Scott Tanser replacing Kiko who wasn’t fit enough to start.
The home side had the first chances early on through Keishi Anderson and Luke Williams. Then on the quarter-hour mark Anderson forced a good save from Fasan.
Just before half-time, Nathan Smith had to be alert as he blocked an effort from former Valiant Marc Richards. Minutes later, Richards had the ball in the net but it was ruled out for offside.
Vale made a change at the interval, bringing on Kiko for Tanser and the full-back was immediately in the action with a free-kick and corner. Vale then threatened with a shot from Foley that went wide. It prompted a spell of pressure from Vale but with no end product.
However, on the hour mark Northampton broke the deadlock as Aaron Phillips’ cross cum shot beat Fasan. Vale brought on Sam Kelly and his cross set up JJ Hooper on 73 minutes to level the scores. It was the striker’s fourth goal in four games.
Michael Brown brought on Remie Streete for the closing period as he replaced the injured Kjell Knops. Brown’s side then tried to hang on for a potentially important point in their battle for survival but were undone in the dying moments when Matt Taylor’s long-range effort beat Fasan to hand the home side all three points.
Full-time: Northampton 2-1 Port Vale