Louis Appéré struck the decisive blow midway through the first-half as chances came and went for the dominant hosts. Failure to add a second goal made for some nervy moments late on but Town defended well to keep a sixth clean sheet in their last seven outings at Sixfields. Here are our players ratings from another strong team performance….
9. Sam Hoskins
Couldn't make it three goals in three games but he notched an assist and was involved in a lot of Town's good play. Fantastic volleyed cross set up Appéré and so unlucky when his close-range poke hit the underside of the bar and bounced on the goal-line. Also dragged an effort wide before forcing a good save from Beadle late on... 7.5 Photo: Pete Norton
10. Louis Appéré
Played from the left but he drifted centrally and combined well with his fellow forwards. Arrived right on cue to clinically convert Hoskins' cross for his sixth of the campaign. His work ethic is off the scale. In the 82nd minute he found himself in the left-back position, not only stopping a dangerous Crewe attack but also winning a free-kick... 8 CHRON STAR MAN Photo: Pete Norton
11. Kieron Bowie
A proper physical presence up top and did brilliantly to nick the ball back in the build-up to the decisive goal. The only thing his recent performances have lacked is a goal and he so nearly had one here, Beadle reacting just in the nick of time.... 7.5 Photo: Pete Norton
12. Mitch Pinnock
One well-hit shot was blocked but it was more about being disciplined and doing a job out of possession in the final 20 minutes... 6.5 Photo: Pete Norton