Town were well worth all three points as Sam Hoskins scored the game’s only goal with a 28th-minute penalty, his 19th of the season. Stephen Quinn later saw red for a horror challenge on Kieron Bowie and there were chances for the home side to win by more. Here are our player ratings from an excellent night at Sixfields...
1. Lee Burge
No standout saves but his handling was secure in slippery conditions and he always does the basics well. Did enough to put off Clarke when Mansfield carved out their best chance and saved comfortably from Johnson and Oates... 7 Photo: Pete Norton
2. Sam Sherring
He's been quietly excellent of late - bar one or two mishaps - and this was further evidence of his improvement. Mansfield were not short on firepower despite their injury issues but they created little. Started 21 games in a row and has helped Cobblers keep six clean sheets in their last 10 outings... 7.5 Photo: Pete Norton
3. Jon Guthrie
There was a lot of responsibility on his shoulders as the middle centre-back between two youngsters but he was predictably excellent and provided the glue that held it all together. The always lively Oates caused a bit of grief as a late substitute but he did enough to keep both him and Mansfield at bay... 7.5 Photo: Pete Norton
4. Max Dyche
A couple of lapses went unpunished but he's still learning his trade and a game like this will do wonders for his development. Very strong aerially and physically he was a match for anything Mansfield could throw at him... 7 Photo: Pete Norton