Vale victors thanks to second helpings

PORT VALE closed in on leaders Forest Green by defeating 10-man Crawley 4-1.

Joel Lynch was sent-off in the 12th minute but the Reds still led at half-time through Kwesi Appiah.

Vale took advantage of their extra man in the second half with goals from Tom Conlon, Tom Pett and David Amoo, as well as an own goal from George Francomb.

However,

Forest Green

were held to a 1-1 draw at

Bradford, as Jake Young cancelled out Andy Cook’s first-half opener.

Leyton Orient and Newport both enjoyed 5-0 romps, beating Hartlepool and

Stevenage respectively.

Aaron Drinan scored a hat-trick for Orient and provided two assists, while Harry Smith and Tom James added to the tally against Pools.

Dominic Telford continued his good form with a hat-trick for Newport, while Courtney Baker-Richardson and Finn Azaz also netted.

Paul Lewis (above) was another hat-trick hero for Northampton to ensure Keith Millen started his reign as Carlisle boss with a 3-0 defeat.

A late Connor Ripley own goal helped Exeter

stay fourth as they beat Salford 2-1.

A Tyreece Simpson brace meant Swindon

extended their unbeaten away record as they defeated Oldham 3-1.

A Jake Beesley brace saw Rochdale

beat Barrow

2-1. Mansfield

moved out of the drop zone as Rhys Oates and Danny Johnson scored in a 2-0 win against Tranmere.

Goals from Freddie Sears and Armando Dobra saw Colchester beat Scunthorpe 2-1.

Nick Anderton’s second-half strike was the difference as Bristol Rovers picked up three points at Harrogate,

while Tyrese Shade helped Walsall overcome Sutton 1-0.