The home side started very brightly indeed! In the 4th minute, Jamie Forrester found Chris Marsh on the left, who's cross was met by Sam Parkin, but the Cooblers striker was denied by a Michael Walsh block.
Ten minutes later Marco Gabbiadini almost capitalised on Steve Rowland's slip, but as the Town striker prepared to shoot, he also slipped in front of goal and the ball was cleared to safety. Paul McGregor then drove a long range effort just over the Vale crossbar.
The deadlock was broken in the 19th minute, Roy Hunter's long throw was met by Richard Hope, who flicked on for Jamie Forrester. The Cobblers striker got the faintest of headers to beat Mark Goodlad in the Vale goal. The visitor tried to hit back immediately and Michael Cummings picked out John Durnin after a long run, but his dangerous cross was cell cut out by Daryl Burgess. On 27 minutes Steven McPhee curlerd a 20 yard effort just over Keith Welch's cross bar.
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Minutes later the same Vale player hit just wide from just inside the penalty area. Five minutes before the break Gabbiadini met a McGregor cross but the ball landed on the roof of the net. McGreogor then hit a powerful 25 yard effort just wide on the stroke of half time.
Kevan Broadhurst sent his player out early to maintain the momentum going and it almost worked, Forrester immediately burst into the penalty area, James Hunt took the ball and drilled a left footed shot against the foot of the post with Goodlad beaten.
Vale then enjoyed a good spell of possession without creating too much. The Cobblers defenders dealt with everything that came their way. McGregor, who was playing one of his best Cobblers games, again tried his luck from long range on the hour, but again he was just wide. Moments later Goodlad pulled off a tremendous save to deny Forrester from close range.
As The Cobblers continued to go in search of the killer second goal, Vale had their best chance in the 65th minute. As McPhee raced into the penalty area, Welch was quick off his line to palm the ball away to safety. Gabbaiadini then shot just wide at the other end before Hunt's shot was deflected away for a corner. McGregor again had a long range effort, this time it hit defender Walsh and rolled harmlessly back to Goodlad.
On 77 minutes Ian Armstorng met a freekick with a diving header, unfortunately for the Vale striker, the ball was too low to get a clean connection and the danger was cleared. With five minutes remaining, Durnin hit a stunning 25 yard volley following a Cobblers half clearnece, but Keith Welch pulled off a world class save to tip the ball round his right hand post at full stretch. This save proved to be a much the match winner as Jamie Forrester's goal in the first half and Town hung to claim their first double of the season and move out of the relegation zone for the first time since August.
Editor's View
A brilliant Cobblers performance was rewarded with another valauble three points. We controlled the game from start to finish and it was a sweet result against the division's from side. Jamie Forrester was amazing, he covered every inch of the pitch, Paul McGregor had his best Cobblers game yet and Hope, Marsh, Hunter and Burgess were brilliant at the back.
Cobblers Man of the Match
Richard Hope
Ref Watch
Mr Mathieson had an indifferent game. Was ok in the first half but made lots of mistakes in the second.