LEYTON ORIENT 0 NORTHAMPTON TOWN 4

Northampton Town scored four second-half goals to thrash Leyton Orient and retain their five point lead at the top of League 2.

After a goalless opening 45 minutes, Rod McDonald and Ricky Holmes gave the Cobblers a two goal advantage in the space of 10 minutes.

James Collins netted a double late-on to complete the emphatic win as Chris Wilder’s men made it seven wins from seven.

It was a slow start to the game as Holmes played in James Collins for the first chance, but the striker could only fire wide.

Very few chances followed in the opening stages of the match for either side until Adam Smith was forced to save from Jobi McAnuff.

And the lack of action was clear as the teams went into the break with the score goalless and a total of just four shots managed, one of them being on target.

But the second period was  brought to life when McDonald scored with an overhead kick from close range to put the league leaders in front at Brisbane Road.

And the impressive Holmes made it two when his volley from 20 yards found the back of the net after 64 minutes, before Collins tapped home a corner with six minutes of normal time remaining.

A day after signing a new contract with the club Lawson D’Ath broke away and played in Collins who grabbed his second of the day in stoppage time to send the travelling supporters wild.

Leyton Orient: Cisak, Hunt, Baudry, Brisley, Shaw, Jahraldo-Martin, Payne, Moore, McAnuff, Nolan, Simpson.

Subs: Grainger, Clohessy, Essam, Palmer, Atangana, Pritchard, Gnanduillet

Northampton Town: Smith, Moloney, Buchanan, O’Toole, Diamond, McDonald, Byrom, Holmes, Martin, Richards, Collins.

Subs: Clarke, Rose, Taylor, Cresswell, Prosser, Adams, D’Ath.