Matty Warhurst headed the Cobblers into an early lead and it stayed that way until Sam Hoskins flicked in a smart second shortly after the break.

The home side started well and just nine minutes were on the clock when Lee Evans swung in a delightful cross for Warhurst to head home.

Colchester responded positively and could have been level within six minutes, Ben Perry denied by goalkeeper Zach Jeacock, as the away side dominated possession.

Another chance came their way shortly before the break but Bradley Ihionvien glanced just wide, and the visitors fell further behind within five minutes of the restart when Hoskins flicked in Owen Dale’s cross.

Connor Evans struck a post and Northampton had further chances in the closing stages with Dale firing narrowly wide and U’s goalkeeper Thimothee Lo-Tutala tipping Elliott List’s shot wide.