Northampton Town extended their unbeaten run in Sky Bet League Two to six games with a 2-1 victory over Hartlepool United.
All three goals came in the first half at Sixfields where Northampton were good value for all three points.
Marc Richards missed an early chance before the Cobblers captain broke the deadlock in the fourth minute when he beat Adam Bartlett from 10 yards after being set up by Nicky Adams.
Hartlepool responded well to going behind with Billy Paynter having a goalbound shot blocked, Rhys Oates seeing his low drive saved by Adam Smith while Andy Boyce headed over.
Ryan Cresswell should have doubled Northampton's advantage when he headed over from a corner and Darnell Furlong was denied by Bartlett.
But Cresswell made no mistake in the 21st minute, heading home a corner from Adams.
Rakish Bingham was thwarted by Smith before he reduced the arrears in the 31st minute, taking advantage of a mistake by the Cobblers keeper to score with ease.
Richards twice went close after the restart, shooting over and then wide from good positions while Paynter was off target at the other end as Hartlepool looked to get back on level terms.
Cobblers had to be at their defensive best late in as they held on to take all three points.
Source : PA
Source: PA