Liam Chilvers then headed in Tom Pope's delivery to bring Vale level, but Roy O'Donovan's effort put the visitors back in front before Collins' own goal.However, Vale are the top scorers in English League football and were not to be denied with Collins' misfortune all but ending their five-year exile from League One.The defender attempted to clear a seemingly harmless delivery from Vale substitute Chris Birchall, but instead sliced the ball over his own goalkeeper from 12 yards, sparking a pitch invasion on the final whistle at Vale Park, which was playing host to its largest crowd in 15 years.The result also meant Northampton are guaranteed a place in the play-offs after Exeter were beaten by Cheltenham.The match had begun with Vale on the back foot and the visitors quickly took the initiative when Ben Harding's corner was forced in from close range by Carlisle.The draw left Vale three points clear of fourth-placed Cheltenham and only a highly unlikely 28-goal swing on the final day of the season could deprive them of automatic promotion.Northampton pressed for a second, but shortly after they saw Luke Gutteridge hit the crossbar, League Two Player of the Year Pope crossed for Chilvers to power home a downward header and put the hosts level just before half-time.Earlier, a Clarke Carlisle strike put the Cobblers ahead after two minutes.A tense opening 20 minutes followed after the break before O'Donovan's rasping shot from the edge of the area flew into the top corner to give the Cobblers the lead again.
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