Northampton 2-3 Burton Albion
- Published
Justin Richards' late penalty helped Burton Albion beat 10-man Northampton.
Saido Berahino put the Cobblers one up in 60 seconds, knocking in after Ross Atkins blocked from Kelvin Langmead.
Cleveland Taylor immediately levelled with a low shot, but the hosts then led again through Michael Jacobs' penalty after Ryan Austin had fouled Langmead.
John Johnson was then sent off in the 18th minute for fouling John McGrath and Chris Palmer blasted Burton level on the hour before Richards' winner.
With just two minutes of normal time left, Langmead was penalised for a foul on Taylor and Richards kept his nerve from the spot.
But substitute Palmer's contribution was every bit as crucial, rifling a shot into the top corner, just five minutes after coming on, after Calvin Zola did well to lay the ball back.
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Northampton Town manager Aidy Boothroyd told BBC Radio Northampton:
Boothroyd hails efforts despite loss
"It's very rare that you get beat 3-2 and get a standing ovation at the end. That's what they deserved - they were fantastic.
"We didn't get caught up in the referee's decisions, although they were disappointing. We scored terrific goals, hit the post and had three cleared off the line.
"If the players perform like that, we'll beat a lot of teams."
Burton Albion boss Paul Peschisolido told BBC Radio Derby:
Peschisolido praises Burton subs
"Chris Palmer has been pushing for that for some time. He's got a hell of a strike on him and I was pleased for him. He's worked ever so hard to get himself fit and he's come in and changed games for us on a couple of occasions now. Today, it was the goal that got us back on track.
"It's something I've stressed to the players for a while. You don't become successful because of 11 players. You do it with 18, 19 or 20 players. The key is to make sure that when you're called upon, you're ready and you don't sulk or anything.
"I expect players to be annoyed when they're not in the team and I want that, but I want winners too and, if you prepare yourself properly and don't let it affect you, you can come on and change games, like two of our substitutes did today."