Northampton relegated from League One after defeat at Luton

Northampton were relegated from League One after Luton skipper Kal Naismith secured a 2-1 win at Kenilworth Road to move his side within three points of the play-offs.

With five minutes remaining, the defender whipped an incredible 30-yard set-piece past Lee Burge as the Hatters climbed to seventh.

The Cobblers, who knew that they needed a miracle to stay up, should have gone ahead inside five minutes when Sam Hoskins was denied by Josh Keeley.

Tom Eaves then volleyed at Keeley, as Luton’s only chance saw Kasey Palmer’s free-kick clip the outside of the post.

Northampton then stunned the home crowd, netting on 31 minutes, when Hoskins was left unmarked to race through and lob Keeley.

Luton were back on level terms with 43 minutes gone, Liam Walsh’s 20-yard strike flying into the net.

After the break, Cameron McGeehan’s shot deflected just wide, while Jordan Clark was inches off target.

Substitute Ali Al-Hamadi slammed against the post from 25 yards on 77 minutes, while Clark drove into the stands again.

However, it did not matter with Naismith’s heroics snatching all three points for the hosts.