Northampton Town 0-3 Bury

Hallam Hope and Danny Rose scored on their Bury debuts to dispatch League Two strugglers Northampton and ease their own relegation concerns.

The Cobblers' John Marquis had twice tested Shakers goalkeeper Brian Jensen before Hope struck from close range.

Marquis then hit the post and saw a header saved by Jensen before Danny Mayor doubled Bury's lead from the edge of the box.

Ian Morris went close for the hosts before Rose slotted home late on.

It means Northampton now lie three points adrift of safety in League Two while Bury climb to 18th place, seven points clear of the drop zone.

Bury manager David Flitcroft told BBC Radio Manchester:

"It was important that we didn't allow Northampton to catch ground on us.

"It was a game we couldn't lose today and I stressed that to the players.

"When I got the players in on loan I knew they'd give us extra verve. I knew they'd give us an extra dimension and they have done."

Northampton Town manager Chris Wilder told BBC Radio Northampton:

"I thought we shaded the first 15 minutes, but we've conceded two ridiculous goals and that was our day done.

"We're the architects of our own downfall and have given ourselves a mountain to climb. The third goal summed the afternoon up - it was comical.

"From my point of view, you can't feel sorry for yourselves in this situation, you have to drive yourself on."