Erik Ring came off the bench to score his first goal in English football to secure City a second comeback victory in four days.
It took just 2 minutes for the visitors to open the scoring. Tyler Roberts delivered the ball into the path of Tarique Fosu, whose shot took a deflection and looped over Wickens in net.
Despite conceding early on, the Imps started to grow into the game, enjoying spells of possession and link up play involving Reeco Hackett down the left side.
18 minutes on the clock and City found the leveller. A beautiful delivery by Reeco Hackett from a corner found Tom Hamer in the centre. He flicked his effort past Lee Burge to make it 1-1.
City looked like the side that were going to grab the next goal. Sean Roughan delivered another great cross into the area that was cleared well by Northampton skipper Jon Guthrie.
Near the end of the first-half City nearly found their second of the game. Ben House chipped the ball over Burge however a goal line clearance by Baldwin denied the Imps.
Neither side was able to have a clear-cut chance come the hour mark due to a big break in play. Northampton’s Tom Eaves received treatment for what looked like a nasty head injury.
Ben House looked like the main threat for the Imps. After wriggling away from oncoming Cobblers defenders, he attempted to curl his shot into the far corner however couldn’t keep his effort on target.
The travelling side were down to 10 with 15 minutes to play after a moment to forget for Tyler Roberts. The Cobblers player punched the ball away to prevent a quick City throw, resulting in a second yellow card.
With just minutes left to play of normal time, Erik Ring completed the comeback for the Imps. Makama worked hard to deliver a ball across the Northampton box allowing Ring to fire home. Lee Burge stood no chance in goal.
The 11 minutes of added time concluded and City saw the final whistle eventually being blown and picking up all 3 points at home.