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Substitute Luke Varney scored a late winner as Cheltenham hit back from a goal down to defeat promotion rivals Northampton in League Two.

Varney was brought on in the 81st minute and soon tapped in from close range after Chris Hussey's corner was not dealt with by the visiting defence.

The Robins had to work hard to secure their fourth straight win and their sixth successive home victory after the Cobblers opened the scoring inside three minutes.

Charlie Goode's long throw was not dealt with and Ryan Watson controlled the ball well before firing into the bottom left corner.

The lead lasted for 16 minutes, with Jake Doyle-Hayes finding Ryan Broom, who made room for a shot which he curled beyond the dive of David Cornell from 20 yards.

A low drive from Sam Hoskins was well parried by Cheltenham goalkeeper Owen Evans in the 27th minute and loan forward Callum Morton also went close before half-time.

Northampton continued to ask questions after the break, with Lloyd Jones nodding a fine free-kick from Nicky Adams just wide in the 59th minute.

Varney set up Alfie May for a chance within seconds of joining the action, but Cornell saved well.

But Varney had the final say five minutes from time as Cheltenham moved within three points of the automatic promotion spots.

Match report supplied by PA Media.