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Less than two minutes later, it was City who broke the deadlock. The windy conditions were making the opening exchanges difficult, and Town defender Chris Willmott played a sloppy ball across the back line. Stuart Elliott raced on to it and thumped it past goalkeeper Lee Harper for his 5th goal of the season.
Neither side were creating many more opportunities, so it was expert finishing that brought the second goal three minutes before half time. Ben Burgess headed the ball into the box, and Danny Allsopp's snap-shot beat Harper to make it 2-0.
Northampton started brightly after the interval but failed to test Musselwhite, and City duly extended their lead midway through the half with a classic counter attack. Jason Price picked up the ball on the half way line and played it to Allsopp on the right wing. Allsopp centred the ball after Price had continued his run, and he headed firmly past Harper.
City had chance to add to their lead minutes later when Harper hauled down Allsopp in the box. The Cobblers keeper was shown the red card, and Glyn Thompson was brought off the bench. His first contribution was to face Ben Burgess' penalty, and he saved it with his feet.
Northampton then got themselves an impressive consolation 12 minutes from time. Marc Richards flicked on a throw-in and Paul Trollope volleyed from the edge of the box leaving Musselwhite with no chance.
However, City restored their three goal lead two minutes later with Ben Burgess making up for his saved penalty. Stuart Green's outswinging corner was headed against the bar by Justin Whittle, and Burgess knocked in the rebound.
The win was sealed by substitute Jamie Forrester, scoring his first of the season against his old club. Burgess passed to him, his first touch took him past the defender and a low left foot shot went into the bottom corner of Thompson's goal.
City stay top of Division Three on 27 points, with Mansfield, Swansea and Oxford all trailing with 23 points.
City line-up (4-4-2): Musselwhite; Hinds, Whittle, Delaney, Dawson; Price (Keates 82), Green, Ashbee, Elliott (Holt 52); Burgess, Allsopp (Forrester 79).
Un-used subs: Fettis, France.