NORTHAMPTON 1, SHAKERS 1: Allan Smart's dismissal for picking up a second yellow card proved the turning point.

Shakers looked to be on course for their first away win of the season after the impressive Simon Whaley fired them ahead in the first half.

But Shakers were up against it when Allan Smart was dismissed for his second yellow card 26 minutes from time.

Northampton turned the screw on the 10 men and got their reward when substitute Ryan Gilligan converted Ian Taylor's knock-down.

Northampton: Harper, Crowe, Dyche, Chambers, Gavin Johnson, Bradley Johnson (Galbraith 63), Hunt (Gilligan 69), Taylor, Low, McGleish, Jess.

Subs Not Used: Bunn, Rowson, Brett Johnson.

Shakers: Edwards (Dootson 48), Challinor, Scott, Hardiker, Sedgemore, Flitcroft, Mattis, Barry-Murphy, Kennedy, Smart, Whaley.

Subs Not Used: Fitzgerald, Youngs, Barlow, Buchanan.

Attendance: 5,147

Referee: D Deadman (Cambridgeshire).