Portsmouth climb to the top with comfortable win at Northampton

Portsmouth returned to the top of League One with dominant 3-0 win over Northampton at Sixfields.

The visitors were never in any danger once Sean Raggett headed them into an early lead, and Paddy Lane’s brace either side of half-time ensured they would go back above Bolton.

Will Norris made a couple of routine saves from Mitch Pinnock and Sam Hoskins in the early stages before Pompey struck in the 11th minute when Raggett headed in a Jack Sparkes corner.

That settled the visitors and they should have added another when Kusini Yengi struck the crossbar with the goal at his mercy.

But it was not long until a second did arrive as Lane lifted over goalkeeper Max Thompson in the 26th minute after being sent through by Christian Saydee.

Northampton’s best chance of the first half was headed wide by Kieron Bowie and they fell further behind soon after half-time when Lane converted Alex Robertson’s cross.

The result was not in doubt and Portsmouth coasted through the rest of the game without any problems.