It’s a happy return for Jimmy at former club

JIMMY Floyd Hasselbaink enjoyed a happy return to Sixfields as his Burton side continued their resurgence with a win at Northampton.

The Brewers picked up their third win from four games thanks to Michael Bostwick’s late free-kick and a stoppage-time goal by Ryan Edwards.

“It was a fantastic, fighting win and a big three points for us away from home,” said Hasselbaink.

“We’ve got backto-back wins now and that’s great for boosting confidence in the changing room, especially as we had to really fight for this win here.

“We showed a lot of character and I’m pleased to get the win, but we can’t get carried away – there’s still such a long way to go.”

Jon Brady took caretaker charge of Northampton for the first time since Keith Curle was sacked and he nearly had the dream start with Lloyd Jones deemed marginally offside after heading home.

Ryan Watson then cracked the crossbar with a fine effort from the edge of the box before Sam Hoskins volleyed narrowly over.

Burton improved and Josh Parker’s cheeky free-kick nicked the outside of a post before Lucas

Akins dragged wide of the far post.

Danny Rose forced Ben Garratt into a decent save early in the second half but Jonathan Mitchell unwisely picked up a back pass after 77 minutes and Bostwick drilled home from Sean Clare’s lay-off.

The visitors then sealed it in stoppage-time, Edwards racing away from the Northampton defence before slotting in.

Brady insisted there were positives to take from his first game in charge.

“I think it was clear for all to see that for the first 20 or 25 minutes, we were right in the ascendency and on the front foot,” said Brady.

“We score a goal that was very slightly offside and then we hit the bar through Ryan Watson. It’s fine margins and I think when you haven’t scored in so long, it’s in the back of their minds and they’re aware of it.

“The players are down on themselves but you saw the effort and the energy they gave today – it was exceptional in my opinion.

“We were 1-0 down and we tried to chase the game so we haven’t defended the second goal quite right but I’d rather die trying than not have a go.”