Harper's first touch of the ball was to pick it out of the back of the net in the 7th minute. Ibrihima Sonko headed the visitors in front following a free kick.
on 18 minutes Marco Gabbiadini almost equalised for Town, he was played in behind the defence by Paul Rickers, but goalkeeper Paul Smith beat the ball away for a corner.
Rowan Vine then made it 2-0 in the 25th minute, beating Daryl Burgess with ease on the edge of the penalty area, his first shot was well saved by Harper, but the Cobblers stopper couldn't keep out the rebound.
The game fizzled out at this point, as Town ran out of ideas and Brentford held the ball well.
With the 2nd half introduction of Jamie Forrester and Derek Asamoah, the Cobblers went all out attack. Unfortunatley it was too late when Asamoah latched onto Forrester's pass to slide the ball past Smith to reduce the deficit.
Three minutes into injury time Asamoah shot at Smith from just inseide the area, but there was to be no dramatic finish for Town.
NTFConline Man of the Match - Paul Rickers, ran his heart out despite poor team performance.