Dion Charles returned from international duty to help high flyers Bolton to a 2-1 Skybet League One win over struggling Northampton.
But it was Randell Williams’ first goal of the season that separated the teams after Wanderers failed to capitalise on a quickfire 2-0 lead.
Top scorer Sam Hoskins’ sixth goal of the season after 66 minutes gave the Cobblers an unexpected lifeline.
However, the Trotters stayed ahead, returning to winning ways after a shock 3-1 home defeat to Carlisle last time out.
Northern Ireland international Charles took only eight minutes to register his ninth of goal of the campaign after Williams’ shot came back off a post.
Williams had not scored since Valentine’s Day but arrowed in a right-footed effort to double Bolton’s lead eight minutes later.
Bolton’s biggest concern was complacency as skipper Ricardo Santos’s sloppy pass allowed Hoskins to test keeper Nathan Baxter.
And the result was back in the balance when the Cobblers’ captain headed in Manny Monthe’s cross for what ultimately proved just a consolation .
