Town had early chances but couldn’t convert and they were punished by Chris Martin’s improvised flick and a penalty from Antony Evans. Manny Monthé scored his first Cobblers goal to halve the deficit after half-time but there was to be no comeback. Here are our player ratings from the Memorial Stadium…
5. Akin Odimayo
Largely untroubled defensively but was less adventurous from wing-back than he had been in midweek... 6 Photo: Pete Norton
6. Patrick Brough
His low cross could and probably should have led to an early Cobblers goal and that wasn't the only time he caused problems in attack. Caught out at the other end though when Rovers worked the ball between him and Monthé to break the deadlock... 6 Photo: Pete Norton
7. Shaun McWilliams
No lack of effort or endeavour in the middle, and there was some decent football played by Cobblers, but they were missing a bit of punch and incision at times, especially when chasing the game... 6 Photo: Pete Norton
8. Marc Leonard
The standout for Cobblers in the middle of the park. Always wanted the ball and kept trying to make something happen as the visitors strived to get back into the game. His early free-kick really should have led to an equaliser but Sherring couldn't beat Cox... 7 CHRON STAR MAN Photo: Pete Norton