A FIRST-HALF error from goalkeeper Rob Lainton handed Northampton Town a 1-0 victory over Burton Albion at Sixfields.
In a largely dull and nervy first-half, chances had been at a premium until the 42nd minute, when John Marquis' shot from the edge of the area looked to have been dealt with by the Brewers keeper.
But Lainton allowed the ball to squirm through his grasp and over the line.Gary Rowett made three changes from the side which started the 1-0 win against Plymouth Argyle, two of those injury-forced.
Damien McCrory has a knee injury, so he missed only his second game of the season, with Phil Edwards coming in at left-back as David Gray retained the right-back slot.
Adam McGurk recovered from injury to start up front, with Gary Alexander, who has a slight ankle problem, making way.
In midfield, Robbie Weir also returned, at the expense of skipper Lee Bell.
An early shot from the dangerous Alan Connell, unmarked at the far post, was smashed into the side-netting before the same player lofted a ball through to Emile Sinclair, who blazed over.
Jimmy Phillips flashed a shot wide from distance before David Gray pounced on a loose ball and found Callum McFadzean, who cut inside but saw his shot charged down.
Good interplay between Billy Kee and McGurk then saw the latter try a lob that was not on, and ex-Brewer Matt Duke watched it sail wide.
Connell then became the first to test either keeper as his stinging volley went straight down the throat of Lainton.
And the on-loan Bury custodian should have dealt with the next shot just as comfortably, but after Marquis collected a throw-in and let fly from 18 yards, Lainton spilled and Albion have it all to do.
Northampton Town (3-4-1-2): Duke; McSweeney, Tozer, Robertson; Hackett, Ravenhill (c), Morris, Horwood; Connell; Marquis, Sinclair; subs not used: Langmead, Lopez, Snedker (gk), Deegan, Moyo, Toney, Dickenson.
Burton Albion (4-4-2): Lainton; Gray, Sharps (c), Sherriff, Edwards; McFadzean, Weir, Palmer, Phillips; Kee, McGurk; subs not used: Lyness (gk), Holness, Bell, Symes, Alexander, Hemmings, MacDonald.
