Luton 1-0 Northampton
- Published
A late winner from substitute Adam Watkins secured Luton an FA Cup upset over League Two side Northampton.
The Hatters' George Pilkington headed wide from six yards before Northampton striker Adebayo Akinfenwa had a header brilliantly saved by Kevin Pilkington.
Watkins put the Blue Square Bet Premier side ahead when he reacted first to a loose ball and powerfully fired home.
Michael Jacobs and Akinfenwa missed late opportunities to force a replay as Luton held on for the shock victory.
Defender Jason Crowe made his first start for the Cobblers after rejoining on a free transfer this weekend.
The 33-year-old, who has signed a contract that lasts until January 2012, made 193 appearances in his first spell at Northampton before joining Leeds on a free transfer.
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Luton manager Gary Brabin told BBC Three Counties Radio:
Brabin wants consistency after win
"It was important that we put in a good performance and got the right result. I am delighted that we have won but it is important that we now get consistency and do that week-in, week-out.
"We do play football the right way and it was refreshing to see. Gary Johnson hasn't become a bad manager overnight and you can see the way his team sets out that they try and play football the right way.
"I am sure when the draw is made I will start getting a warmth for it, but at this moment in time I am just focused on training for next week's big game."
Northampton Town manager Gary Johnson tells BBC Radio Northampton:
Quality openings eluded us - Johnson
"They're not just any non-league team, they're doing well, but both teams felt they could get at the other, and it made for a very open game.
"We had several opportunities but we didn't have the bit of quality to stick the ball in the net. Their goalkeeper didn't need to make as many saves as he could've done.
"We felt we had a very good chance here and that's why we didn't sit back. We're (either) very unlucky at the moment or haven't quite got the technique."