91Èȱ¬

Newport County dropped to sixth in League Two after their second heavy defeat in two games as Northampton recorded their third win in a row.

Cobblers defender Ryan Cresswell hit the crossbar in the first minute, before heading in Joel Byrom's corner.

Midfielder John-Joe O'Toole converted another Byrom set piece on 30 minutes.

Andy Sandell and Kevin Feely both had chances for County, but Lawson D'Ath's low drive completed the scoring for Northampton, who move up to 14th.

The Exiles, who were beaten 4-0 by Cambridge last weekend, host Shrewsbury Town next week, while Northampton travel to Accrington.

Northampton Town manager Chris Wilder told 91Èȱ¬ Radio Northampton:

"We created and drove the game forward. It was important we weathered their good spell after half-time.

"I can't really complain, it's been another excellent performance and everyone has contributed. We feel it is a deserved result.

"We want to make a quick start in games, and we have done."

Newport County assistant manager Jimmy Dack told 91Èȱ¬ Radio Wales:

"Normally we're very good on set pieces but we conceded two, which was really disappointing on our behalf.

"We didn't perform today and we didn't perform at Cambridge, so [we need to] dust ourselves down and get back winning when we get back home.

"For whatever reason, everyone has a little blip."