Osman notched the decisive third goal of a 3-1 triumph at Gresty Road, only Town's second win in the league this season and their first on the road.

An exquisite Danny Jackman free-kick and Adebayo Akinfenwa's seventh goal of the campaign made up the scoring on a good day for the visitors.

Crewe were well below par and look set for a season of struggle – the Cobblers, on the other hand, can start looking up after moving to 16th in the Coca-Cola League One table.

And, in a rare public singling-out, Gray felt Osman was the star of the show in a match dominated by his team's midfield.

"We bossed the game for 80 minutes, we were totally in control," said Gray, who did not risk fit-again captain Chris Doig from the substitutes' bench in the game.

"I was really pleased for Danny Jackman because he's been out of the side and he responded really well to that by playing well and scoring a great goal for us.

"I thought Abdul was our best player, though. He was head and shoulders above the rest, he played it easy and got forward with some runs into their box as well."