BURY threw away a great chance to end their away campaign with a victory after twice leading at the Sixfields Stadium.

Northampton were also reduced to 10 men just nine minutes into the second half when striker Eric Sabin was sent off for two bookable offences.

But the Shakers failed to hold on to their 2-1 advantage and the Cobblers netted twice in the final half hour to record a 3-2 victory.

Defender Jon Cartledge scored his first ever senior goal to put Graham Barrow's team in front after 10 minutes.

And though Martin Smith equalised four minutes before the break, David Nugent restored Bury's advantage on the stroke of half-time.

It was his third of the season and his second in successive away matches.

However, it all turned sour for Bury who bring the curtain down on their campaign with a match against Macclesfield at Gigg Lane on Saturday.

Marc Richards equalised on the hour and substitute Derek Asamoah completed the Northampton recovery 16 minutes from the end.