Northampton Town were able to grind out a 1-0 win over Fleetwood Town at the PTS Academy Stadium.

A goal by ex-Fleetwood defender Cian Bolger just after half-time proved decisive for Keith Curle’s side, who picked up a first home win since October 20th and made it 3 games unbeaten in League One.

Fleetwood had a majority of possession and chances across the 90 minutes, but the home side were ultimately able to hold out and take success against a side that would’ve moved into the top six with victory.

Northampton were largely on the backfoot in the first half, as Fleetwood created the better chances. Callum Camps saw a volley fly wide before Sam Finley had a strike deflected wide, while Ched Evans saw one effort deflected just wide and a free-kick well saved by recalled home keeper Steve Arnold.

Having got through all of that, Northampton would move ahead straight after the break, when a Nicky Adams corner perfectly picked out Bolger, who found the goal.

Bolger would later have a penalty appeal denied, before Fleetwood eventually restored their possession plays and they attempted to probe their way to goal late on. But aside from a few blocks, Fleetwood struggled to create chances at a similar rate to the opening 45.

The away side’s best chance to equalise came when Finley fired wide, before Northampton nearly added a second on a break when Danny Rose forced a save from Fleetwood goalkeeper Jason Leutwiler.

But one would prove to be enough for Northampton, as they ground out a much wanted victory on their return to action after a free weekend.