Daniel Jones' early free-kick handed Northampton a welcome three points as they beat fellow strugglers Gillingham 1-0 at Priestfield.The on-loan Wolves youngster curled a 25-yard effort home in the third minute to condemn Mark Stimson's side to defeat.

Gillingham, who had lost just one of their previous 11 league games at home, started slowly and Jones made them pay from distance after Simon King had handled the ball.

King almost made amends for his error soon after but he could only head Nicky Southall's pinpoint free-kick wide of the mark.

The Cobblers should have doubled their lead on 23 minutes, but Jason Crowe's header hit the post. Gillingham had their chances as the half wore on and Adam Miller was unlucky to rattle the crossbar after losing his man inside the box.

After the break, Ryan Gilligan wasted a glorious chance to put the game beyond the Gills when he fired wide while Dean Bowditch should have done better with a free header from 12 yards.

But Gillingham were furious late on as Danny Jackman appeared to handle Stuart Thurgood's shot, but referee Andy D'Urso waved away the protests and Town survived.

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