Edinburgh happy to win ugly as Cobblers battle to victory over Vale

Cobblers boss Justin Edinburgh was more than happy to see his side win ugly after their scrappy 2-1 victory over Port Vale at Sixfields on Tuesday night.
GOAL GLEE! - Matt Taylor celebrates his late winning goal (Pictures: Kirsty Edmonds)GOAL GLEE! - Matt Taylor celebrates his late winning goal (Pictures: Kirsty Edmonds)
GOAL GLEE! - Matt Taylor celebrates his late winning goal (Pictures: Kirsty Edmonds)

In a game short on quality and entertainment, Northampton struggled to find any kind of fluency throughout but came away with the spoils courtesy of two unconventional goals.

Both came in the second-half when Aaron Phillips' over-hit cross sailed beyond Leo Fasan and into the net before Matty Taylor's fiercely-struck 30-yard effort two minutes from time again left Fasan fooled.

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It was far from a vintage performance but the fact they were able to battle to victory was of great satisfaction for Edinburgh.

The Cobblers players celebrate Aaron Phillips' opening goalThe Cobblers players celebrate Aaron Phillips' opening goal
The Cobblers players celebrate Aaron Phillips' opening goal

"It's a huge three points," he said. "Credit to the players because I think it was a real test of mentality tonight.

"We started the game really well and I thought we controlled it without creating many chances or being clinical enough in the final third with delivery into the box or that right decision of pass.

"Port Vale came back into it but the pleasing for me is that we've not been at our best and we've secured three points and also won at home."

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It's at Sixfields where the Cobblers have turned their fortunes around most, with Edinburgh overseeing five wins in six home games since taking the reins in January.

Justin Edinburgh watches his team see off Port ValeJustin Edinburgh watches his team see off Port Vale
Justin Edinburgh watches his team see off Port Vale

He added: "Everyone's stuck together. There hadn't been a win here since before October before I arrived and to turn that around is not easy.

"The players have really changed their mentality. Six or seven weeks ago we might have lost that game but I think we've learnt.

"Only two weeks ago we got beat here by Oldham in a game that I still believe we shouldn't have lost but it's now very difficult for teams to come here and people know we have the belief and we'll go right to the end.

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"The credit for that goes to the players because they truly have a belief and the fitness is improving all of the time and I think it was a pleasing three points.

The Cobblers players celebrate Aaron Phillips' opening goalThe Cobblers players celebrate Aaron Phillips' opening goal
The Cobblers players celebrate Aaron Phillips' opening goal

"You don't always get what you deserve in football but you have to keep going until the end and have that belief."

The win sees the Cobblers stretch their advantage over the Sky Bet League One bottom four to 11 points, although Vale, who are currently 21st, have three games in hand.