Northampton Town vs Morecambe. Sky Bet League Two.
Sixfields StadiumAttendance4,652.
Saturday 23 January 2016 20:52, UK
Northampton moved top of the Sky Bet League Two table following a comfortable 3-1 victory over Morecambe.
The Cobblers, who were on a run of four wins on the trot, made a positive start but on-loan Manchester United goalkeeper Kieran O'Hara was on hand to deny Lee Martin and Ricky Holmes.
The hosts broke the deadlock on the half-hour mark when Joel Byrom's quickly taken free-kick found James Collins in the box and he fired first time past O'Hara from 15 yards.
Andy Fleming went close for Morecambe, but the Cobblers soon doubled their advantage in the 39th minute when a shot from Holmes was turned in by John-Joe O'Toole from six yards.
Tom Barkhuizen shot wide just before the break as Morecambe tried to get back into the contest, but their fate was sealed six minutes after the restart when Rod McDonald headed home Martin's in-swinging corner.
Kevin Ellison's header was saved by Smith and Alex Benyon blasted over the bar for the visitors, but it was Northampton who created more chances to add to their tally with Marc Richards being denied by O'Hara.
Paul Mullin grabbed a consolation in the 72nd minute as Ellison's shot was parried into his path, but it was too late for the Shrimpers.
