Northampton were made to pay for Paul Rodgers' red card as they went down 2-1 at Colchester.

Rodgers' red card proves crucial

Northampton were made to pay for Paul Rodgers' red card as they went down 2-1 against Colchester. The Us came from behind to win at the Weston Homes Community Stadium after the Cobblers had taken a 17th minute lead through Adebayo Akinfenwa. Akinfenwa blasted in from close range following Abdul Osman's lofted pass, after Danny Jackman's free-kick had not been cleared by the Colchester defence. Northampton's chances of victory were damaged just before half-time when on-loan Arsenal full-back Rodgers was sent off, after picking up two cautions in the space of six first-half minutes. Colchester took full advantage and were back on level terms 12 minutes after the break through Mark Yeates, who drilled in left-footed after Pat Baldwin had headed on Dean Hammond's cross. And barely a minute later the hosts were ahead, Scott Vernon finishing well after Kem Izzet's effort had rebounded off the crossbar.