Aaron Wilbraham put the Dons ahead before Sam Baldock raced clear onto Luke Howell's long ball in the 16th minute to score and then completed his brace from the penalty spot after he had been clattered in the box by goalkeeper Chris Dunn - whose collision with Patrick Kanyuka in the incident forced the Cobblers debutant off on a stretcher.

Sampson said: "I'm rueing some of the refereeing decisions - the linesman gave them two goals.

"I was in line with their second goal and Baldock was two yards offside. And it's beyond me how he gave a penalty - our goalkeeper cleaned his own player out.

"Kanyuka has a bad back and a bad chest, he'll be sore but he might be okay for Saturday. I'm pleased with our second-half display and it was a good header from Steve Guinan, but I'm surprised the ref didn't give a foul. We need to put this result behind us and start progressing in the league and get up the table."