Will Swan almost pulled off a smash and grab for Mansfield when converting their only chance of the game after 84 minutes, but Sam Hoskins scored a sublime, Paolo Di-Canio-esque volley to preserve Town’s unbeaten run. They are now nine without defeat in the league and remain seven points clear of fourth place. Here are our player ratings from Field Mill...
. MANSFIELD, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 26: Sam Hoskins of Northampton Town celebrates after scoring his sides goal during the Sky Bet League Two between Mansfield Town and Northampton Town at One Call Stadium on December 26, 2022 in Mansfield, England. (Photo by Pete Norton/Getty Images)
Sam Hoskins came to the rescue again with a brilliant late volley at Mansfield. Pictures: Pete Norton. Photo: Pete Norton
. Lee Burge
Reduced to a watching brief for 83 minutes before he was beaten by Swan. Had done so well to repel the initial effort... 7 Photo: Pete Norton
. Aaron McGowan
He was comfortable and untroubled before being sacrificed by Brady as Cobblers switched things up in pursuit of a winner... 7 Photo: Pete Norton
. Sam Sherring
Put under minimal pressure defensively but did his job when called upon, most notably when producing goal-saving clearing header just as Oates threatened to pounce... 7 Photo: Pete Norton
. Jon Guthrie
Strolled through the afternoon and stayed strong against the tenacious Oates as Mansfield's forward men were given only crumbs to feed on. Almost had an assist after 25 seconds when his long ball so nearly played in Bowie... 7.5 Photo: Pete Norton
. Akin Odimayo
More of the same at left-back. One or two hairy moments but the hosts struggled to find a way past him. Played his part in the late leveller too... 7 Photo: Pete Norton
. Marc Leonard
Controlled the tempo of the game at the base of midfield and picked out some delightful passes before half-time. Less influential as Mansfield battled their way back into the game in the second-half... 7 Photo: Pete Norton
1. Lee Burge
Reduced to a watching brief for 83 minutes before he was beaten by Swan. Had done so well to repel the initial effort... 7 Photo: Pete Norton
2. Aaron McGowan
He was comfortable and untroubled before being sacrificed by Brady as Cobblers switched things up in pursuit of a winner... 7 Photo: Pete Norton
3. Sam Sherring
Put under minimal pressure defensively but did his job when called upon, most notably when producing goal-saving clearing header just as Oates threatened to pounce... 7 Photo: Pete Norton
4. Jon Guthrie
Strolled through the afternoon and stayed strong against the tenacious Oates as Mansfield's forward men were given only crumbs to feed on. Almost had an assist after 25 seconds when his long ball so nearly played in Bowie... 7.5 Photo: Pete Norton