Ryan Bird's late winner helped Cambridge United move to within one point of the playoff spots in League Two after they beat Northampton Town.

There were few chances of note early on as both sides struggled to create opportunities in a disjointed opening fifteen minutes.

Ivan Toney fired well over the bar after being found by Joel Byrom, before Kaid Mohamed's deflected effort went past the wrong side of the post for the visitors.

The best move of the half eventually came from Cambridge, with Ryan Donaldson offloading to the overlapping Greg Taylor.

The midfielder's cross was met by Adam Cunnington's header, but Jordan Archer was there to parry away.

A dramatic start to the second half saw Toney give Northampton the lead after he rose highest in the box to meet Chris Hackett's cross and nod past Chris Dunn.

Cambridge equalised almost immediately, however, when Cunnington scored a headed goal of his own at the back post following a corner.

A good save from Dunn denied Gregor Robertson's dipping half volley before Bird secured a 2-1 win for Cambridge with a neat finish from ten yards.