Northampton moved level on points with leaders Plymouth Argyle at the top of the table after a 2-1 victory at their promotion rivals.
Jamie Collins gave the Cobblers the lead, before Marc Richards’ 16th of the season extended their advantage.
The Pilgrims pulled one back through Gregg Wylde but the hosts couldn’t find another as their four-game winning streak came to an end.
Chris Wilder’s Northampton secured an impressive win at Plymouth
Both teams now have 52 points, four more than third-placed Oxford and eight ahead of fourth-placed Portsmouth.
The other game of the night saw Morecambe draw 1-1 with Exeter City.
Shaun Miller gave the Shrimps the lead from the spot, but Jayden Stockley equalised on his debut to secure a point for the Grecians.
Jim Bentley’s side remain 13th and are now unbeaten in three, while Exter are a point behind after ending a four-game losing streak in the league.
