It was a disappointing performance from Jon Brady’s men, who never truly got to grips with an impressive home team.
Vale were full of running, energy and attacking invention, pinging the ball around with confidence, with Brady admitting his team was ‘suffocated’.
Alfie Devine, Oliver Arblaster and the impressive Funso Ojo were at the heart everything the home side did, and although the Cobblers defended well and limited the amount of clear-cut chances, they were eventually worn down.
Substitute Ben Garrity was the man to break the deadlock, firing home a 20-yard strike five minutes from time.
Town were left to rue Sam Hoskins passing up their best chance just a matter of minutes earlier, but in truth the home side deserved their victory.
Here are our player ratings from an off-day at Vale Park...
13. Aaron McGowan
Did a decent job for the most part at right wing-back after coming on at the break, but he switched off to allow Ben Garrity to run off him before striking the only goal of the game... 5 Photo: Pete Norton
14. Tyreece Simpson
Had a decent chance not long after coming on, but skied it from six yards, and was also the link man when he sent Brough racing down the left for the Hoskins chance. But needs to do more... 6 Photo: Pete Norton
