Accrington are now just three points behind the top seven after Terry Gornell netted twice to help them on their way past the Bulls and make it six home wins in a row, a measure of how difficult Northampton's task will be this weekend as they look for points to move them away from the League Two relegation zone.
The game is the return fixture of an early season clash at Sixfields which ended goalless but a similar result looks unlikely on Saturday as Accrington have scored more home goals than any other side in the division apart from runaway leaders Chesterfield.
"We have eight games left and it is going to be difficult," said Stanley boss John Coleman after the midweek win.
"You can call them cup finals or Grand National hurdles but all we can do is hang in there and give it our best shot."