Captain Fraser Horsfall led by example with a first-half brace before Mitch Pinnock's exquisite finish just about put the game beyond Tranmere's reach, though the visitors did set up a tense finish with two late goals. Here are our player ratings from a special day at Sixfields...
5. Ali Koiki
Looked refreshed after being taken out of the team in midweek, surging forward and back with regularity first-half. That first Cobblers goal continues to elude him, denied by a goal-line block on this occasion... 7
6. Shaun McWilliams
Enjoyed having his old midfield partner back alongside him. The two complement each other so well, as they showed by dominating the midfield battle for 75 minutes against Tranmere. His six tackles were double anyone else on the pitch... 7
7. Jack Sowerby
He's been sorely missed in recent games and this performance showed why he has become a valuable member of the side. Not a flashy player but he does the basics so well and just makes things tick in the middle of the park. Cobblers' win % is a lot higher when he starts (52) compared to when he doesn't (29)... 8
8. Paul Lewis
Played his part in the third goal and generally enjoyed more influence on proceedings back in the advanced midfield role. Very unlucky to be penalised for the late penalty. The contact was minimal... 7