Cameron McGeehan was the match-winner as his goal saw Northampton beat Mansfield 1-0.

Sam Hoskins had earlier missed a penalty, but McGeehan’s goal ten minutes into the second half proved decisive for Kevin Nolan’s side as they ended the day victorious.

A win at the One Call Stadium saw Northampton make it back-to-back wins in League One, with the Cobblers climbing up to 17th in the table and extending their lead to the relegation zone to 8 points, although this is before the rest of the weekend’s matches later today (08/02).

Having pulled off a win against promotion chasing Huddersfield last time out, Northampton were aiming to pick up consecutive league wins for the first time since April of last year.

The visitors began productively, with Tom Eaves forcing a save out of home goalkeeper Christy Pym within the opening minute.

A tight phase saw the two sides trying to find a breakthrough, but it was Northampton that seemed to be presented with a golden chance to strike first when they were awarded a penalty.

With 19 minutes on the clock, Liam Shaw was fouled by Pym, giving the visitors a spot-kick. But Hoskins couldn’t take full advantage, planting his shot wide of the goal altogether.

Mansfield struggled to create chances in response to their reprieve, however, with their momentum not helped by striker Lee Gregory having to leave the pitch with an injury.

A goal would however come Northampton’s way ten minutes after the break. Tariqe Fosu saw a strike deflected wide for a corner, and Mitch Pinnock’s delivery picked out McGeehan, who was able to steer a header into the back of the net.

This lead to Mansfield offering more going forward, with Nik Tzanev denying home sub Jordan Rhodes before Aaron Lewis’ header had to be clawed away by Tzanev.

Northampton nearly made sure when a quick break released Pinnock, whose strike was denied by Pym.

Mansfield were aiming to prevent a fifth consecutive League Two defeat, and more chances came their way in the final stages, with Rhodes missing the target from close range before the experienced striker saw an effort denied by a combination of Pym and Jordan Willis.

Having got through that, Northampton managed to get the job over the line, with the Cobblers taking the three points.

Northampton face a big contest as they seek to gather a third straight win next time out, as they host promotion chasers Wrexham.