Lincoln claimed their first win in any competition for nearly a month by beating Northampton 1-0 at Sixfields on Saturday.

Tendayi Darikwa scored the game’s only goal late in the first half as the Cobblers failed to score at home for the third game running.

Lincoln striker Freddie Draper nearly headed a long throw into his own net while the visitors half threatened on a couple of occasions but neither Jack Moylan or Ben House were able to hit the target.

Northampton had more of the play in the first half but struggled to create anything clear-cut and they found themselves behind seven minutes before the break when Darikwa converted the rebound after House’s effort came back off the post.

Nik Tzanev reacted smartly to keep out Draper’s effort at the end of the first half and then after the restart, Northampton’s TJ Eyoma was a whisker away from levelling.

Zach Jeacock tipped over Tom Eaves’ ambitious volley but the home side were undermined by a lack of quality and creativity in the final third.