Stephen McLaughlin scored the game’s only goal in the first-half. Here are our player ratings from Sixfields...
9. Josh Eppiah
His first-minute header was well-saved in what proved to be Town's best chance of the evening. Purposeful and dangerous when on the ball but reluctance to use his weaker foot slowed attacks down and allowed Mansfield to get bodies back... 6.5 Photo: Pete Norton
10. Sam Hoskins
Little space to run into and his set-piece delivery didn't trouble Mansfield sufficiently. Lovely cross nearly got Cobblers off to the ideal start... 6 Photo: Pete Norton
11. Louis Appéré
His early break in behind Mansfield's defence promised much but ultimately it was not a tactic that bore fruit. Found the going tough against a physical and strong Mansfield defence. Should have had a penalty though... 6 Photo: Pete Norton
12. Danny Rose
No joy against his former club... 6 Photo: Shaun Botterill