Sam Hoskins found the bottom corner with an excellent fifth-minute finish but Barrow had flown out of the traps and Josh Gordon levelled just eight minutes later. Northampton found their footing though and took control thanks to headers from Kieron Bowie and Tyler Magloire, both within five minutes of the restart. Here are player ratings from a good performance at Sixfields...
5. Ali Koiki
Cross-shot forced Farman into a decent stop but took too long to get the ball away when attacking in the first-half. Made amends within 35 seconds of the restart, swinging a peach of a first-time cross onto the head of Bowie... 7.5 Photo: Pete Norton
6. Shaun McWilliams
Got up and down the pitch and toiled away relentlessly for the 100 plus minutes. Tackled, ran, hassled and passed. Even in the 102nd minute he pressed Barrow's defence into an error which led to a corner... 8 Photo: Pete Norton
7. Marc Leonard
Brought guile to complement McWilliams' graft in another tidy display. His willingness to go searching for the ball and keep possession ticking over was a big factor in Cobblers turning the tide and taking control of the contest. Nice pass into Koiki in the build-up to the second goal. Made six tackles and interceptions, the most of anyone on the pitch... 7.5 Photo: Pete Norton
8. Mitch Pinnock
He's searching for his form, a bit too eager and frenetic when he received possession in the first-half, but an overdue assist should boost his confidence. Excellent corner for Magloire to head home... 7 Photo: Pete Norton