Sam Parkin's late goal was mere consolation as relegation looms closer for Luton following a 2-1 defeat against Northampton at Sixfields.Former Northampton striker Parkin headed wide from a Paul McVeigh cross early on and Calvin Andrew was denied by Mark Bunn before the Cobblers broke the deadlock from a 34th-minute penalty.

Poul Hubertz was needlessly pulled back by Sol Davis in the box and picked himself up to slam home the ensuing spot-kick.

Liam Dolman almost doubled the Cobblers' lead but Don Hutchison cleared his header off the line from Danny Jackman's corner and Parkin was denied by Bunn late in the first half before 17-year-old Alex Dyer headed Northampton further in front from a Daniel Jones cross in the 41st minute.

The Hatters dominated the second half but were out of luck in front of goal. Andrew burst through but shot wide and was then off target with a header and substitute Darren Currie was then thwarted by Bunn who then denied Matthew Spring's long-range effort.

McVeigh also saw Bunn keep out his effort before Parkin reduced the arrears in the 90th minute from close range.

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