Mitch Pinnock capitalised on a defensive error to get the ball rolling and within two minutes Shaun McWilliams had side-footed in a second. Several chances came and went either side of half-time before Sam Sherring’s first Cobblers goal wrapped up a magnificent away win. Here are our player ratings from a wonderful afternoon in West Yorkshire...
. BRADFORD, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 19: Shaun McWilliams of Northampton Town celebrates after scoring his sides second goal during the Sky Bet League Two between Bradford City and Northampton Town at University of Bradford Stadium on November 19, 2022 in Bradford, England. (Photo by Pete Norton/Getty Images)
Shaun McWilliams wheels away in delight after making it 2-0 against Bradford. Pictures: Pete Norton. Photo: Pete Norton
. Lee Burge
His handling was faultless in the difficult, slippery conditions at Valley Parade, something his opposite number struggled with. Saved and, importantly, held several long-range attempts, which was about all Bradford could muster. Would have earned a thoroughly deserved clean sheet if not for an avoidable penalty in stoppage-time... 8.5 Photo: Pete Norton
. Aaron McGowan
It hasn't taken him long to rediscover last season's form. Makes such a difference to how Cobblers play both at the back - particularly aerially - and going the other way. His first 90 minutes of the season and looks back to his best already... 8.5 Photo: Pete Norton
. Sam Sherring
Absolutely superb for 91 minutes, the only blot coming in stoppage-time when he conceded a soft penalty. That doesn't take anything away from his best display in Cobblers claret - or pink - though. So assured defensively until then and bagged his first goal for the club with a deft header in off the post... 9 Photo: Pete Norton
. Jon Guthrie
Few players have been as consistent and as reliable in a Cobblers shirt as the captain over the last 15 months and this was another dominant defensive showing to add to the list. Kept Cook in his pocket and restricted Bradford to barely any clear chances in open play. He's also now reached the cut-off point for five bookings so can breathe easy... 9 Photo: Pete Norton
. Akin Odimayo
He's been a revelation at left-back in the last two games. Not only strong defensively - his interceptions thwarted so many City attacks - but also comfortable and purposeful in possession, underlined by patient combination play on the wing and a pinpoint cross for Sherring to make it three. Koiki isn't guaranteed to get his spot back when he returns on this evidence... 9 Photo: Pete Norton
. Jack Sowerby
So good. Just so good. Goes under the radar compared to others but on days like this he really makes the team tick. His anticipation snuffed out Bradford time and again and his discipline and positioning at the base of midfield allowed others the freedom to push forward. Several counter-attacks all started with him... 9 Photo: Pete Norton
1. Lee Burge
His handling was faultless in the difficult, slippery conditions at Valley Parade, something his opposite number struggled with. Saved and, importantly, held several long-range attempts, which was about all Bradford could muster. Would have earned a thoroughly deserved clean sheet if not for an avoidable penalty in stoppage-time... 8.5 Photo: Pete Norton
2. Aaron McGowan
It hasn't taken him long to rediscover last season's form. Makes such a difference to how Cobblers play both at the back - particularly aerially - and going the other way. His first 90 minutes of the season and looks back to his best already... 8.5 Photo: Pete Norton
3. Sam Sherring
Absolutely superb for 91 minutes, the only blot coming in stoppage-time when he conceded a soft penalty. That doesn't take anything away from his best display in Cobblers claret - or pink - though. So assured defensively until then and bagged his first goal for the club with a deft header in off the post... 9 Photo: Pete Norton
4. Jon Guthrie
Few players have been as consistent and as reliable in a Cobblers shirt as the captain over the last 15 months and this was another dominant defensive showing to add to the list. Kept Cook in his pocket and restricted Bradford to barely any clear chances in open play. He's also now reached the cut-off point for five bookings so can breathe easy... 9 Photo: Pete Norton