Northampton Town 2 - 3 Plymouth Argyle - Pilgrims hold on to beat Cobblers

Posted Sunday, December 14, 2014 by PA

Plymouth maintained their promotion push with a 3-2 victory at Northampton, who almost grabbed a late point.

Argyle took a second-minute lead when the unmarked Peter Hartley headed home Bobby Reid's corner from six yards. Reid almost got on the score sheet himself moments later but his shot went just wide.

Cobblers recovered with Ollie Banks shooting wide, Kaid Mohamed had an effort blocked and was also off target, as was top scorer Marc Richards.

Banks then saw a close-range effort hit the post, while in between, Reuben Reid forced Matt Duke into action.

Mohamed had another effort blocked but it was Argyle who doubled their advantage in the 40th minute when Andy Kellett cut in from the left and was allowed to advance before beating Duke.

Luke McCormick had little to do until the keeper played his part in the Pilgrims increasing their lead in the 62nd minute, his clearance picking out Reuben Reid who found Lewis Alessandra and he beat Duke from 12 yards.

Substitute Ivan Toney went close with a header before he pulled a goal back in the 79th minute, scoring from close range after being set up by fellow substitute Lawson D'Ath.

Stewart Murdoch grabbed Northampton's second goal with a superb 25-yard volley in the 89th minute but it came too late to salvage a point.