There was little to write home about in a largely uneventful first half but Town were comfortably the better side once Marc Leonard produced a moment of magic to hand them the lead nine minutes after half-time. Sam Hoskins then scored his ninth of the season with a well-taken finish 11 minutes from full-time. Here are our player ratings from Sixfields…
. NORTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 11: Sam Hoskins of Northampton mTown celebrates after scoring his sides second goal during the Sky Bet League One match between Northampton Town and Burton Albion at Sixfields on November 11, 2023 in Northampton, England. (Photo by Pete Norton/Getty Images)
Sam Hoskins celebrates after doubling Northampton's lead against Burton Albion on Saturday. Photo: Pete Norton
. Max Thompson
Terrific late stop from Stockton capped off a strong, confidence boosting performance between the posts. He was more decisive and less hesitant and that contributed towards a much improved all-round defensive display from the team... 7.5 Photo: Pete Norton
. Aaron McGowan
He's had to wait patiently but finally he was given his first league start of the season and it proved an inspired decision. Brought leadership, experience and physicality to the back-line as Cobblers defended with aggression and resilience to keep their first clean sheet since September.... 8 Photo: Pete Norton
. Jordan Willis
Kept things simple as Cobblers went back to basics and made life hard for Burton's attacking players. Mopped up when needed and worked well with his centre-back partner... 7.5 Photo: Pete Norton
. Sam Sherring
Only really came under sustained pressure in stoppage-time but did everything asked of him throughout the 90 and was physically strong when needed. Produced a superb challenge to prevent a nervy finish late on... 7.5 Photo: Pete Norton
. Patrick Brough
Took more of a back seat compared to others but he was solid enough and ensured there were no major scares defensively. Mostly stayed back instead of pushing on but he did do brilliantly when crossing for Pinnock to go close... 7 Photo: Pete Norton
. Jack Sowerby
It's two months since he last started but he slotted straight back in here and immediately made a notable difference. Provides a sense of calmness and security in the middle and always seems to be in the right place to snuff out danger. His work at the base of midfield laid the platform for Cobblers to dominate the second half... 8 Photo: Pete Norton
1. Max Thompson
Terrific late stop from Stockton capped off a strong, confidence boosting performance between the posts. He was more decisive and less hesitant and that contributed towards a much improved all-round defensive display from the team... 7.5 Photo: Pete Norton
2. Aaron McGowan
He's had to wait patiently but finally he was given his first league start of the season and it proved an inspired decision. Brought leadership, experience and physicality to the back-line as Cobblers defended with aggression and resilience to keep their first clean sheet since September.... 8 Photo: Pete Norton
3. Jordan Willis
Kept things simple as Cobblers went back to basics and made life hard for Burton's attacking players. Mopped up when needed and worked well with his centre-back partner... 7.5 Photo: Pete Norton
4. Sam Sherring
Only really came under sustained pressure in stoppage-time but did everything asked of him throughout the 90 and was physically strong when needed. Produced a superb challenge to prevent a nervy finish late on... 7.5 Photo: Pete Norton