Northampton won for the third time in three competitive games in the new season with a 1-0 win over Colchester United.

A first half goal by Jon Guthrie decided the contest in Essex, as Northampton followed up wins against Port Vale and a Carabao Cup win at Coventry City.

Fraser Horsfall was sent off in the closing stages of the match, and the away side rode out a few last minute scares to take victory.

After a tight opening 20 minutes, Northampton went in front. Guthrie struck for the away side. Sam Hoskins’ free-kick picked out Guthrie, whose initial header was saved but the summer arrival was able to turn in the rebound.

Colchester’s first shot on target saw Sylvester Jasper have a drive denied by Liam Roberts in the first half’s latter stages. Much closer however were Northampton, as Kion Etete’s touch on Horsfall’s shot was cleared off the line by a covering home defender.

Etete would head wide just after the break, before a strong opportunity for Colchester saw Brendan Wiredu denied by Roberts.

A more open game saw a Nicke Kabamba hit deflected wide before Colchester sub Freddie Sears was denied when one-on-one with Roberts.

Northampton were reduced to 10 men with six minutes of normal time remaining when Horsfall was dismissed for handball to prevent a through pass reaching Sears.

Colchester applied late pressure to equalise but Northampton ultimately held out to successfully claim the three points.