Town created the first chance of the game, Ian Sampson headed over Paddy Kenny's crossbar after five minutes following a free kick. Two minutes later Chris Hargreaves forced a save from the Bury keeper after a shot from the edge of the penalty area.
James Hunt then missed a golden opportunity in the 15th minute. Jamie Forrester took advantage of a slip from Lee Unsworth. He squared the ball to Hunt who shot straight at Kenney from six yards to let Bury off.
Phil Clarkson, making his debut for the Shakers, shot wide from six yards at the other end, before George Clegg volleyed over the crossbar on 20 minutes. Seconds later Clarkson chipped the ball over Welch, but fortunately the ball came back off the crossbar.
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Frain then played in McGregor but Kenny was quick off his line to deny the Cobblers midfielder. McGregor continued to cause problems for the Bury defence and again he almost opened the scoring just before half time, Forrester shot across the face of goal and McGregor hit a first time shot from a really thight angle. The ball struck the near post and rolled past the far post for a goal kick. In stoppage time Sam Parkin shot wide from yards following a Forrester cross, it was another let off for Bury.
The visitors managed to get into the game more in the second half, Sam Collins missed from a couple of yards minute in, before Bugess put in a brilliant block to deny Andy Preece.
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Town took the lead with their first attack of the half and what a move it was. Keith Welch rolled the ball out to Roy Hunter, who raced down the right side, before sqauring the ball to James Hunt. Hunt played a one-two with Forrester before lashing his shot past Kenny into the far corner of the net from ten yards. Sixfields erupeted!
The game sprung back into life and Sam parking was on the receiving end of a late challage from Collins moments later. Mcgregor then carved his way through the Bury defence but Kenny did really well to push the ball away and the ball was just to far behind the Town midfielder to slot into the net. Stuart put the ball out for a corner.
With minutes left Stuart was stretchered off following a 50-50 challange. Parkin curled a shot just the wrong side of the post with moments remaining, but it was Bury who gave Town the final scare in injury time. Keeper Kenny wnet forward for a corner and headed just over Keith Welch's crossbar. That proved to be the final chance of the game. Town claimed the points and gained some breathing space at the bottom.
Editors View
This is a massive win for the Cobblers, but it's still not over. The players have to stay focussed now, not to ruin all their hard work. It was great to see such a big home crowd and to hear the atmoshpere return to Sixfields again. The team functioned well on the night and both sides had their chances in an exciting game.
Cobblers Man of the Match
Chris Hargreaves - Brilliant perofmance and 100% committed
Ref Watch
Matt Massias was ok. Very few mistakes