Fraser Horsfall's header, Sam Hoskins' stunner and a stoppage-time third by Benny Ashley-Seal secured an ultimately comfortable home win. Here are our player ratings...
5. Aaron McGowan
A relatively gentle reintroduction following injury. Edwards was a livewire and had his moments but Colchester were otherwise lightweight in attack and he was too good and too solid to let them cause any significant problems... 7
6. Ali Koiki
He was pinned back for most of the first-half but still found moments to venture forward, smashing one shot high and wide. Went a lot closer to scoring in the second, miscuing his effort at the back post. Comfortable afternoon... 7
7. Jack Sowerby
Looked rejuvenated on his return from injury. Straight into the action with some great play to tee up Hoskins after two minutes and that set the tone for a tenacious, hard-working, busy performance. Got through so much work before injury forced him off again. With McWilliams still suspended, Cobblers could do with him fit... 8
8. Paul Lewis
Got himself into the game more in the second-half after a muted first. Excellent footwork and awareness to control Magloire's pass and lay it off perfectly for Hoskins to curl home.... 7