Northampton climb out of drop zone after beating Stevenage

Northampton notched their first League One win of 2026 when beating Stevenage 3-1 at Sixfields.

Michael Forbes and Tom Eaves struck in the first half, either side of Jamie Reid’s leveller, before Sam Hoskins wrapped up the points late on as the Cobblers moved out of the relegation zone.

The first chance fell to Reid, who curled over from 15 yards after pouncing on a loose pass, before Northampton hit the front on 27 minutes when Forbes flicked in Terry Taylor’s cross.

The lead lasted just 10 minutes as Stevenage hit back through Reid, who raced onto Harvey White’s long ball and blasted home.

But Northampton responded well and Charlie Goode’s foul on Cameron McGeehan allowed Eaves to restore the lead just before the break, scoring at the second attempt after his initial penalty was saved.

Visiting goalkeeper Filip Marschall beat away Kamarai Swyer’s shot at the start of the second half before Ross Fitzsimons saved brilliantly from Dan Sweeney as Stevenage applied pressure.

Northampton survived an almighty goalmouth scramble before they made sure of victory in the final minute of normal time, Hoskins heading home a Michael Jacobs cross.