Brentford bagged their first win in eight games and deepened ailing Northampton's woes with a comfortable 3-0 victory at Griffin Park.
Neither side was able to find any inspiration in a dull first half in which neither team wanted to make a mistake.
Loan capture Mickael Antoine-Curier had a header from a Michael Dobson corner blocked in the 11th minute as the Bees pressed for an opener.
Northampton's best chance of the half came in the 35th minute. Chris Marsh nipped the ball off Steve Hunt and forced Bees keeper Paul Smith to beat away his low drive.
From the resulting corner, Cobblers defender Ian Sampson had a free header saved.
The game improved in the second half and the Bees opened the scoring in the 52nd minute. Cobblers striker Lawrie Dudfield was penalised for a foul on Brentford youngster Lee Fieldwick.
Man-of-the-match Martin Rowlands whipped in the free-kick from the left and defender Matt Somner climbed highest to glance home a header.
Northampton fought hard to get back into the game, but were denied an equaliser when highly rated Brentford keeper Smith magnificently palmed over Paul Harsley's volley from just outside the box.
Brentford doubled their advantage with a goal on the break in the 78th minute. Steve Hunt and Rowan Vine combined to create the opening for the outstanding Rowlands to ram the ball home from eight yards.
His delight at scoring was tempered by picking up a booking from referee Hegley for his over-enthusiastic goal celebrations. It was the only booking of the match.
The Bees wrapped up the spoils with a stunning goal in the final minute. Hunt beat two men in a jinking run before curling home a delightful right-foot shot.