Top scorer Aaron Collins’ late goal ensured interim boss Julian Darby made it two wins from two as Bolton beat Northampton Town 3-1 in Sky Bet League One.

Collins’ 83rd-minute effort backed up last Saturday’s success at Huddersfield although Darby is now expected to step aside for Steven Schumacher.

The former Stoke and Plymouth boss is odds-on to permanently succeed Ian Evatt. Should he do so he will lead a team separated from a play-off place on goal difference alone.

Captain George Thomason fired Bolton into a third-minute lead, but the Cobblers, managed by former Wanderers favourite Kevin Nolan, equalised five minutes later through midfielder Liam Shaw’s first goal since his recent move from Fleetwood.

Shaw had not previously scored since December 2022 but by half-time, he had doubled his tally.

Unfortunately for Northampton and Nolan – back at the Toughsheet Community Stadium for the first time since November 2010 – his second strike went into his own net.

Collins crossed into the six-yard area and Shaw produced a finish any striker would have been proud of.

Thomason was denied a second by goalkeeper Nik Tzanev before Collins rifled home Bolton’s points-clincher.