One goal enough for Northampton to beat Leyton Orient

One Cameron McGeehan goal was the difference as Northampton Town beat Leyton Orient 1-0 at Sixfields.

McGeehan’s goal in the opening minutes of the second half decided the contest in Northampton’s favour, as they returned to winning ways after losing their three previous games.

Victory means that the Cobblers leapfrog the East Londoners in the League Two table.

Having had their game at Wigan last week postponed due to international call-ups, this was Northampton’s first outing in two weeks but they nearly fell behind early on as Dan Agyei rounded Lee Burge only to miss the target altogether.

Omar Beckles would block a strike by Tom Eaves at the other end, while the visitors had chances near to the end of a tight first half, with Jack Currie seeing a cross-shot kept out by a combination of Burge and bar, and Agyei having a strike blocked by Ben Fox.

Northampton would then respond by taking the lead within the opening three minutes of the second half. Leyton Orient were unable to clear a long-throw by Mitch Pinnock and the ball instead trickled through to McGeehan, who wriggled free to poke a shot past away goalkeeper Josh Keeley.

McGeehan would be bundled off the ball when in a shooting position a few moments later, while Sam Hoskins would later be thwarted with his own attempt.

But at the other end, the home side were able to keep Leyton Orient at arms length, seeing the game out and picking up the points.

The Cobblers face a tricky test in their efforts to build up momentum as they travel to early high-fliers Stockport in midweek.