Guttridge earns Cobblers late win
Luke Guttridge grabbed the crucial late winner as Northampton picked up only their second home win of the season with a 1-0 victory over AFC Wimbledon.
Guttridge's strike was enough for the Cobblers to secure their first three-point haul in 14 outings. But the winning goal was crafted by substitute Toni Silva, signed on loan from Liverpool just hours before kick-off.
Northampton had the better of the opening exchanges. Guttridge brought a smart save out of Seb Brown with his low drive, and from the ensuing corner Adebayo Akinfenwa headed over. Michael Jacobs then burst into the box but was denied by another decent save from Brown.
Wimbledon had their best chance when Byron Harrison raced clear but, with just Chris Weale to beat, he allowed the Cobblers keeper to keep out his tame effort. Gavin Hoyte flashed a 25-yard shot wide but he then kept his side on level terms by clearing Clarke Carlisle's header off the line.
Dons top scorer Jack Midson got into the game after the restart, firing just wide and then laying on two chances for Jason Euell. The experienced striker saw his first attempt blocked before he blazed the second over the bar from six yards.
Akinfenwa could only fire wide at the near post from Brett Williams' low cross but, 10 minutes from time, Silva cut into the box, went past three players and saw his shot saved before Guttridge gleefully headed home the rebound. Jamie Stuart almost earned Wimbledon a point but his header scraped the upright.
Source: PA
Source: PA