Opposition view: Brady admits win was 'bittersweet' on Sixfields return
Port Vale manager Jon Brady admitted it felt a little ‘bittersweet’ to claim three vital points at the expense of his old club on Tuesday.
Brady spent almost a decade working at Northampton, including four successful years as manager, but he was in the away dugout at Sixfields on Tuesday night when Jayden Stockley scored the only goal of the game.
"I thought it was a game between two teams lacking in confidence," said Brady. “But I'm happy to get three points and to reduce them to no shots on target throughout the whole match was really pleasing.
"You can see the way they play, their goalkeeper is like a quarterback and every free-kick in their half is delivered right onto the edge of your box and we stood up to the physical challenge. They play to what strengths they’ve got and fair play to them and that’s why I made the changes I did tonight.
"The boys put their bodies on the line and I think our fans can see we're really fighting. Yes, I would have liked more quality on the ball, there was a few bits and pieces in the first half, but it was an excellent finish by Jayden and we closed the game out really well.
"Northampton had to go for it, they’re in the relegation zone themselves, but the way we went in our block was really good. They get it wide and flip it in the box all the time and we knew that and we worked on it and not to have a shot on target against was really pleasing.
“It’s a bit bittersweet for me coming back here because it’s my home town club and there are so many special people who work so hard for this club.”