Northampton Town 1 - 0 Newport County: Northampton edge towards League Two title with narrow win

Northampton took another step towards the Sky Bet League Two title with a 1-0 victory over Newport.

John Marquis bagged the only goal of the game as the leaders ground out three points despite not being at their best.

Newport were dangerous on the break in the opening stages with Scott Boden firing just wide from a tight angle and Ayina off target from the edge of the box.

But the Cobblers broke the deadlock in the 22nd minute when Brendan Moloney's cross was laid back by Lee Martin for Marquis to fire into the roof of the net.

Newport responded with Alex Rodman being denied by Adam Smith, before Lee Martin missed a good chance to double Northampton's lead when he shot straight at Joe Day and Joel Byrom fired just wide from the edge of the box.

Smith came to Northampton's rescue on the stroke of half-time when he saved at Ayina's feet after Byrom lost possession on the edge of his own box.

Rodman fired over after the restart while Luke Prosser saw his effort cleared off the line at the other end.

The impressive Medy Elito went close to an equaliser when he rattled the bar as Newport continued to press, with Mark Byrne and Yan Klukowski firing straight at Smith as Northampton held on to extend their lead over Oxford.