Louis Appere's ninth-minute opener was the difference in a game of few chances. Here are our player ratings....
9. Mitch Pinnock
The tried and trusted method of his set-pieces and Cobblers' defensive mastery did the trick once again. Initially thought he had mishit the free-kick which saw Appere turn home but perhaps it was deliberate after all... 7
10. Sam Hoskins
Started up top alongside Appere and nearly got in a few times. Took McGowan's role at wing-back in the second 45 and did a job for the team... 6.5
11. Louis Appere
Very encouraging start to life as a Cobbler. Not just his goal, which was well-taken, but everything else too. Ran relentlessly, put himself about and constantly found good positions. A dream start to bag the winner on his debut... 7.5
12. Paul Lewis
Made a positive difference after replacing McGowan at half-time. So close to adding a second when denied by Rushworth and generally did a lot of good work off the ball in stopping Walsall's pursuit of an equaliser... 7