Rufus Barnes second goal in as many games ensured the Hatters bounced back from the 17s PDL semi-final defeat to claim three points at The Brache

An own goal following Excel Ed-Okungbowa's header and Barnes second half strike secured three points for Town in their return to league action, overcoming Northampton and their first half goal courtesy of Naishayn Williams.

The visitors made a fast start and took the lead when Williams broke through from an attacking Town set-play, catching Riley Flynn out of his area before racing away to slide the ball into an unguarded net.

A first half devoid of any real quality didn’t stop the Hatters from finding their equaliser in stoppage time, a corner swung in found Ed-Okungbowa and although his header was initially saved, Northampton goalkeeper Elliott Smith could only palm the ball against his own player which deflected the ball into the back of the net.

The second half saw a marked improvement from the young Town side and their determination and effort eventually paid dividends when a lofted ball from deep inside Northampton's half, courtesy of Nassim El-Gourja, found a lurking Barnes who managed to guide his header into the far corner of the goal to put the Hatters ahead with just ten minutes left to play.

The Hatters saw the lead out to earn a big three points, though their sights will now turn to a tricky visit to Stevenage, with Deeney's side having battled to an entertaining 3-3 draw in the reverse fixture at The Brache.

TOWN: Flynn, Richards (sub Norford 65), Barnes, Evans, Roberts-Edema, Passley-James, Knote-Reed (sub Dunn 85), Trialist (sub Norton 69), Takawira (sub Lesser 58), Benagr (sub El Gourja 65) , Ed-Okungbowa

Match Report: Liam Wilmot