Port Vale swept into the quarter-finals of the Johnstone's Paint Trophy after a 3-1 victory over Stockport.
Richards steals the show as County crash out
Port Vale swept into the quarter-finals of the Johnstone's Paint Trophy after scoring three times in the opening 13 minutes in a 3-1 victory over Stockport.
The impressive Lewis Haldane drove the opener home from 14 yards after he was set up by Marc Richards in the fourth minute and Richards was the provider again three minutes later when Louis Dodds threaded another well placed shot beyond Paul Gerrard.
Richards then converted Vale's third with a close range half-volley following Kris Taylor's pinpoint cross from the left.
Liam Bridcutt gave Stockport a lifeline in the 22nd minute when his 30-yard shot skidded off the wet surface to beat Chris Martin.
And the visitors created further opportunities to reduce the arrears as an incredibly open first half came to a conclusion.
Haldane was denied twice by Gerrard, while Martin was also kept on his toes until the dying embers when he made a stunning save to deny Carl Baker.