Northampton advanced in the EFL Trophy with a 4-2 win over Walsall at Sixfields.

The Cobblers had fallen behind to Albert Adomah’s goal, but a brace by Kamarai Swyer and a further strike by Sam Hoskins put Kevin Nolan’s side into a 3-1 lead.

Daniel Kanu scored a goal back for the League 2 side, but a late Tom Eaves penalty shut the door on the Walsall comeback attempt as Northampton took the victory and a place in the next round.

The result sees Northampton reach the tournament’s last 8 for the first time since the 2020/21 campaign.

Walsall took the lead after 5 minutes when Lewis Warrington picked out the experienced Adomah for a close range finish.

But Northampton would have multiple chances in their attempts to find an equaliser and they duly found a way through after 18 minutes, as Swyer’s strike from the edge of the box landed in the back of the net.

The tie would be fully turned in Northampton’s favour just after half time, as Swyer got a touch to turn in Michael Jacobs’ corner, although some sources suggested Walsall defender Sam Hornby got the final touch for an own goal.

Nolan’s side made it 3-1 just after the hour mark, as Hoskins received Jack Vale’s pass and rolled the ball into the bottom corner.

Walsall would pull a goal back to 3-2 with 15 minutes remaining as substitute Kanu fired home, but hopes from the away fans of a comeback took a knock when they saw Jake Hollman stretchered off after they had used all 5 subs, meaning they played the final phase of the game with 10 players.

Northampton duly made it 4-2 at the end of regular time, as Priestley Farquharson’s foul on Kyle Edwards saw the Cobblers given a penalty, and Eaves duly scored the spot-kick.

The Cobblers will now await the draw for the EFL Trophy Quarter Final, with the draw taking place on Saturday.