Dunk's early goal secures three points for United
HARRISON Dunk's strike after 62 seconds secured the U's three points at Northampton Town this afternoon.
The U's broke swiftly down the right through Mendez-Laing after the Cobblers kicked-off, with Donaldson, Dunk and Elliott combining well before Dunk drilled his strike past Duke from the edge of the box.
United bossed proceedings early on and Nathaniel Mendez-Laing was denied thanks to a point-blank stop from Duke. James Gray had the first real chance for the hosts, he headed over Chris Dunn's bar on 18.
Tom Elliott came close on 27 minutes, Ball and Mendez-Laing combining well down the right before Elliott fired over from 20 yards out. Ryan Donaldson then thundered against the crossbar on 31 after another decent build-up from United.
Joel Byrom came close for the Cobblers on 45, he fired wide of Chris Dunn's right hand post.
HT: Northampton 0-1 U's
United started the second period brightly, Tom Elliott was played through but Matt Duke was out to claim just before the U's front-man could get there.
The hosts began to apply some pressure to the U's back line with Ivan Toney heading wide on 61. The introduction of Sullay Kaikai almost saw the U's extend their lead, his 66th minute effort was deflected wide. United should have been two-up on 80, Robbie Simpson was through on goal, his low pull-back was met by Kaikai who saw the ball roll agonizingly wide.
Ryan Cresswell almost leveled matters on 85 minutes, the U's were relieved to see his header end up just wide of Dunn's goal. The Cobblers had a late penalty shout turned down as Di Giroalmo went down in the box on 88 and United stood firm for the remainder to secure three points.
FT: Northampton 0-1 U's
ATT: 5,520 (912)
TEAM: Dunn, Ball, Coulson, Nelson, Taylor, Champion, Donaldson, Dunk (Hunt 86), Mendez-Laing (Kaikai 59), Bird (Simpson 79), Elliott.
Not Used: Norris, Miller, Harrold, Slew.