Cambridge fight for draw as Northampton move seven points clear of drop zone

Northampton moved seven points clear of the relegation zone with a 1-1 League One draw at lowly Cambridge.

After an uneventful start, the visitors netted a simple opening goal after 26 minutes as Cambridge failed to deal with Mitch Pinnock’s long throw and the ball fell to Sam Hoskins to fire home.

Another long throw led to Tyler Roberts heading over the crossbar and he also blazed an effort over after Cameron McGeehan’s pass as the Cobblers looked to double their lead.

Two minutes before half-time, McGeehan led a Northampton break before again finding Roberts, only for him to fire wastefully into the side netting.

Having threatened little, Cambridge drew level in wind-assisted circumstances after 52 minutes when James Brophy’s corner from the right deceived goalkeeper Lee Burge and went straight in at his near post.

Brophy had not scored a league goal since October 2021 but has now netted in successive matches.

Ben Stevenson fired well wide after a James Gibbons long throw, before Max Dyche had the chance to restore Northampton’s lead 17 minutes from time, but nodded Pinnock’s free-kick just wide as the spoils were shared.

The result leaves Cambridge second-bottom and 11 points from safety.