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...
9. Mitch Pinnock
Wasn't an afternoon for creative players. Nothing happened for either attack and Cobblers didn't win enough attacking set-pieces for his trademark delivery to really have an impact... 6
10. Danny Rose
His knack of winning free-kicks can be both a blessing and a curse. It gets Cobblers up the pitch but, if the referee isn't buying it, he'd be better off challenging for the ball. Involved in Town's best moment but otherwise a fruitless afternoon up top... 6
11. Louis Appere
Quieter than his first two games in claret but still had some bight moments. Sent Rose away with a lovely flick around the corner... 6
12. Bez Lubala
One darting run promised more but he took the wrong option, and then good tracking back to stop a counter, though he might have feared red for a moment... 6