Richards has three goals in three FA Cup games this season

Port Vale defender Gareth Owen says Justin Richards' return to goalscoring form is richly deserved.

Richards has hit three goals in four games, including Friday's FA Cup winner against Accrington, having previously failed to score in 13 appearances.

"Fair play to him, he's not let his head drop and he's kept working hard," Owen told BBC Radio Stoke.

"He's a real asset to the team and he and Rico [Marc Richards] always link up really well together."

Richards, 30, scored 15 times for Cheltenham last season and has eight goals so far this term.

I'm just pleased he's playing for me rather than me playing against him Gareth Owen

His partnership with namesake Marc has plundered 20 goals in all competitions as Vale sit top of League Two.

"I'm just pleased Justin's getting the rewards for his hard work because fans don't always see what he puts in on the training ground," Owen added.

"He does a lot of extra work to improve his finishing and I'm just pleased he's playing for me rather than me playing against him."

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