Vale boss Adams issues warning to Northampton Town’s play-off opponents

Town secured their place in the npower League Two play-offs with a 2-2 draw at Vale Park that saw Adams’ side promoted.

The visitors led twice - through Clarke Carlisle’s early goal and a sweet Roy O’Donovan strike - only to see the home side equalise twice and deny them a memorable victory.

Luke Guttridge hit the bar too in a game that was very nearly won by a Northampton side who have the second worst away record in the division but made light of such statistics to turn in one of their best performances of the season.

“To be honest I thought we were average today,” said an emotional Adams.

“I thought picking a man of the match would have been difficult today because I thought the occasion and the emotion of it all got to them a bit, and that is understandable – they are only human.

“Northampton played really well and I have got to give them credit.

“Whoever faces Northampton in the play-offs is in for one hell of a two games, because they are a strong unit.

“But we have had a little bit of luck at the end and I think we deserve it and as I have said, onwards and upwards, we can look forward to next season now.”

The pitch invasion that took place at the end of the game will have given the Cobblers players inspiration for the play-off campaign and represents something of a catharsis for Adams, who only had three players under contractual wraps a week before the season started.

“We were kept informed all along of what was happening elsewhere and we are not mathematically certain of promotion yet, but we are going to enjoy it tonight, that’s for sure,” he said.

“If you had seen me half an hour ago I was blubbering like a good ‘un, but I am genuinely delighted for everybody connected with the football club.”