Northampton Town 1 : 0 Stevenage Borough - Richards inspires Cobblers win

Top scorer Marc Richards bagged the only goal of the game as Northampton beat Stevenage 1-0 at Sixfields.

The Cobblers started brightly with Darren Carter having an effort blocked and Kaid Mohamed off target from the edge of the box.

Top scorer Richards broke the deadlock in the 20th minute with his ninth goal of the season. Stewart Murdoch exchanged passes with Chris Hackett on the left before crossing for Richards to sweep the ball home from 12 yards.

Richards should have doubled Northampton's advantage moments later but he could only head Hackett's cross onto the bar and over from six yards.

Stevenage posed little threat in the final third in the first half and a David McAllister effort which was blocked was their only real opportunity.

Northampton dominated the first half but couldn't add to their tally. Chris Day tipped Gregor Robertson's header around the post after more good work from Hackett and just before the break Richards had another effort blocked.

Stevenage were better after the restart and Jordan Archer came to Northampton's rescue when he foiled Charlie Lee after Lee Barnard had picked him out. Charlie Adams then had an effort saved by Archer before he saw a decent drive flash past the far upright.

Barnard went close to denying his former club all three points when he hit the bar in stoppage-time and substitute Chris Whelpdale also missed the target but the Cobblers survived their late rally.