After a goalless first half, Kieron Bowie pounced on a defensive calamity to open his account for the season before Sam Hoskins moved into double figures when finishing off a wonderful team move. Gassan Ahadme pulled one goal back but Cobblers held on for three priceless points. Here are our player ratings from Sixfields...
9. Mitch Pinnock
Couldn't quite get it right in the final third in the first half, especially at set-pieces, but it clicked after the break. Glorious pass set away Leonard for a fantastic goal before he ran out of puff and was replaced... 7 Photo: Pete Norton
10. Sam Hoskins
Snatched at a couple of shots but he wasn't going to miss the chance that fell his way from Brough's low cross. Clinically fizzed home off the woodwork to take him into double figures for the season. Could easily have ended up with two or three... 7.5 Photo: Pete Norton
11. Kieron Bowie
A defensive blunder presented him with an easy tap in to get him up and running for the season but he earned that bit of luck with his running and persistence. Headed wide when unmarked in the first half and was a nuisance for Cambridge throughout... 8 Photo: Pete Norton
12. Louis Appéré
Gave Cobblers what they needed in the closing stages, winning free-kicks and dragging the team up the pitch. He was the catalyst for Digby's red card... 6.5 Photo: Pete Norton