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Northampton ended a four-game run without victory against Cheltenham

Northampton kept their slim hopes of a League Two play-off place alive with victory over a Cheltenham side who remain in the relegation zone.

After a drab first half, Robins boss Gary Johnson, returning to his old club, saw his midfielder Joe Hanks smash against the bar from 20 yards.

Soon after, Cobblers forward Ivan Toney finished Lawson D'Ath's left-wing cross to score his 10th of the season.

And Marc Richards' right-foot strike sealed victory for the hosts.

Chris Wilder's side are now four points off the final play-off place, while Cheltenham stay 23rd, after the sides either side of them, Hartlepool and Tranmere, both lost.

Northampton Town manager Chris Wilder tells BBC Radio Northampton:

"I was a touch disappointed, Cheltenham had a couple of chances and we've talked about the need to be ruthless in both boxes.

"I thought our front four were excellent and Marc Richards scored a fantastic goal when he came on.

"It was a great result, a really good performance, and it's just a bit bitter sweet because we'd loved to have had Marc back a bit sooner."

Cheltenham Town manager Gary Johnson told BBC Radio Gloucestershire:

"If you don't play with any sort of quality then you're going to get beat.

"You make substitutions in the hope of changing things but not a lot changed.

"I'm not going to get excited about five minutes of play, we didn't have enough play. We didn't play enough to warrant anything today and I feel sorry for our supporters.

"Everybody's individual performance today was below standard, and we've got to pick that up again. It's going to take work on the training ground and I hope I've got enough time."