Northampton 2-2 Notts County :Ricky Holmes brace not enough

Ricky Holmes struck twice to earn leaders Northampton a point in their 2-2 draw with struggling Notts County.

With the possibility of sealing promotion on the day, Northampton were quickly out of the blocks. James Collins was denied by Scott Loach while Ricky Holmes fired wide.

County also had a couple of early chances - Thierry Audel missed from close range while Liam Noble had an effort blocked - but it took a fine save from Loach to keep out a header from Marc Richards.

Notts County forward Jon Stead was twice just off target before Cobblers broke the deadlock in the 32nd minute. County failed to deal with a corner and Holmes was given too much time to beat Loach with a low drive from the edge of the box.

But Northampton's lead barely lasted four minutes as Audel equalised when he headed home after Cobblers failed to deal with a corner.

Stead had another effort bocked after the restart and Adam Campbell fired wide. Substitute Izale McLeod was denied by Adam Smith as County created the better chances in the second half.

Danny Rose went close for Cobblers before County took a 72nd-minute lead. John-Joe O'Toole fouled Stead in the box and the experienced striker converted the resulting spot-kick.

But County also failed to hold on to the advantage and Cobblers were back on level terms four minutes later. This time Holmes was fouled in the area by Mike Edwards and he got up to despatch the ensuing spot-kick.

Substitute John Marquis missed a late chance to win it for Cobblers when he blazed over from close range.