The game lacked chances and excitement but Cobblers dug in for another clean sheet, their 15th of the season. Here are our player ratings as defences came out on top at Vale Park...
5. Sam Hoskins
Sent one snapshot wide and got involved in a couple of early attacks but this was a workmanlike type of day and he did what was required to help blunt Vale... 6.5
6. Ali Koiki
Similar story on the opposite flank. Surged forward frequently in the opening 30 minutes but his crosses into the box lacked quality and accuracy. No alarm bells defensively... 6.5
7. Shaun McWilliams
Saw loads of the ball in the first half-hour but probably didn't use it with enough purpose or precision to cut through the well-organised hosts. Now banned for two games after a very harsh yellow, his 10th of the season... 6.5
8. Paul Lewis
Had one of very few chances at either end, although it was hardly a clear-cut opportunity, denied at a tight angle by Holy. Battled away in midfield to prevent Vale from gaining the upper-hand... 6.5