Kieron Bowie headed in Mitch Pinnock’s cross early five minutes after the restart and although Cameron Brannagan hit back from the penalty spot, Town came again and snatched the points in spectacular style. Pinnock delivered another inviting ball in and there was Simpson to bag his first league goal for the club at the perfect moment. The win lifts Cobblers into League One’s top 10. Here are our player ratings from Sixfields…
5. Patrick Brough
Produced two brilliant and crucial bits of defending at the back post in the first half before his brain fade in the second. It was a rash and uncharacteristic challenge to gift Oxford an equaliser at a time when Cobblers were on top. Hooked by Brady soon after. Fortunately Simpson's late show means no-one cares... 7 Photo: Pete Norton
6. Jack Sowerby
Kept dropping back between the centre-backs when Cobblers were in possession and Oxford were caught between pressing and sitting off. The positions he took up and his quality on the ball provided the platform for Town to play some terrific football. Excellent out of possession as always... 8.5 Photo: Pete Norton
7. Shaun McWilliams
Provided the impetus and drive to go with the control of Leonard and Sowerby as Cobblers bossed the midfield battle for most of the game. Charged up and down all afternoon and rarely gave the ball away when he got it... 8 Photo: Pete Norton
8. Marc Leonard
A magnificent midfield display from one of the most talented players to have worn Cobblers claret in recent times. So much craft and guile and was central to so many wonderful passages of play. Nearly scored a goal of the season contender when side-footing wide after sensational link-up play with Pinnock. In nearly any other game on nearly any other day he would have been man of the match... 9 Photo: Pete Norton