Hasselbaink enjoys winning return to the PTS as Cobblers suffer defeat to Burton

Under the guidance of caretaker boss Jon Brady for the first time, Town delivered an improved performance but it was the same old story as their inability to create chances and score goals was compounded by defensive mistakes.

Jonathan Mitchell's ill-advised decision to pick up a back pass 13 minutes from time proved fatal as Michael Bostwick drilled home the subsequent free-kick to inflict yet another defeat on Cobblers.

Ryan Edwards added the gloss for Hasselbaink deep into stoppage-time, leaving Brady in no doubt as to the task on his hands. It is now nearly 500 minutes since Town last scored a goal.

Brady gave many supporters their wish and switched to 4-3-3 for his first game in charge. Mark Marshall was recalled to the team to play on the wing with Sam Hoskins on the other side and Danny Rose through the middle.

Brady was almost given the perfect start when Marshall's second-minute free-kick was flicked into the net by Lloyd Jones but the defender was deemed marginally offside.

Ryan Watson then cracked the crossbar with a fine strike after good build-up play five minutes later as Town continued their positive start to the game.

Cobblers were making a conscious effort to push men forward and put balls into the box but their accuracy and execution in the final third let them down as Hoskins volleyed a decent chance narrowly over.

Burton worked their into the game and hit the woodwork themselves when Josh Parker tried to catch Jonathan Mitchell out with a 26th minute free-kick, clipping the outside of the post.

Town's bright opening had fizzled out and it was the visitors who ended the first-half on top although neither goalkeeper was called upon to make a serious save.

Hoskins and Watson were off target with long-range attempts in the first five minutes of the second-half before Ben Garratt was forced into his first save of the afternoon.

Town worked the ball well out to Marshall who delivered a good cross into Rose and his glancing header was kept out by Garratt before the striker poked the rebound wide.

Burton had hardly threatened all game but they were gifted the decisive goal with 13 minutes to go. Mitchell needlessly picked up a back pass and Bostwick drilled in Sean Clare's lay-off.

Brady sent on Ryan Edmondson and Michael Harriman but once again Town never looked like scoring and their fate was sealed by Ryan Edwards deep into stoppage-time.

Match facts

Cobblers: Mitchell, Kioso, Jones, Bolger (c), Mills, McWilliams (Harriman 82), Morris, Watson, Hoskins, Marshall, Rose (Edmondson 83)

Subs not used: Arnold, Horsfall, Sowerby, Korboa, Chukwuemeka

Burton: Garratt, Brayford (c), Edwards, Bostwick, Earl, Parker (Macnienne 88), Carter, Broom (Powell 68), Clare, Smith (Rowe 88), Akins

Subs not used: O'Hara, Hamer, Taylor, Varney

Referee: Scott Oldham