The County travelled to New Road off the back of being bowled out for just 50 by the champions-elect at Wantage Road on Saturday, and needing a win to keep the pressure on top two rivals Kent.

Well they rose to the challenge in style, and after bowling the home side out for 182 in their second innings on Wednesday, Northants were left needing 94 to win - and they banished the demons from the weekend to get home at 96 for four.

The win, temporarily at least, lifts Northants back up to second in the division two table, five points ahead of Kent who face a huge test to get a draw or win from their clash at Derbyshire.

The south east county, who so far have just three bonus points to their name, start the final day at Derby on three without loss in their second innings - still needing another 431 to win!

But Northants have done what they needed to do, and their head coach was a happy man.

“It was a good response after last week," Lehmann told BBC Northampton.

"We played pretty well against

Durham for 80 per cent of the time, and the second innings was something to rectify.

"We could have won this game a bit easier than that having been none for 49 and then losing a few wickets, but it's a fantastic win against a quality side away from home.

"For us, it gets us back on track and we now get an extra day's recovery, which is great for our bowlers, and then get prepared for a big must-win game against Derbyshire at home next week.

"But they are playing some good cricket, and that is going to be a real challenge."

Northants were on top at Worcester once they had bowled the home side out for 200 in their first innings, with skipper Luke Procter taking five wickets.

A brilliant century from Saif Zaib, his second of the summer, then helped Northants to a crucial first innings lead of 89, before Harry Conway (3-33) and leg-spinner Yuzi Chahal (4-46) helped to dismiss the Pears for 182.

That set a winning target of 94, and although there were a few hiccups as Usama Mir took three wickets, the County got home.

"I thought it was a really good cricket wicket at Worcester," said Lehmann.

"It was probably bowler-dominated, but if you batted well you could certainly score runs.

"Saif's 100 in the first innings really set up the game for us and got us a lead, and then the bowlers were fantastic.

"Luke Procter in the first innings and then Harry on Wednesday night before Yuzi did what Yuzi does.

"I am really pleased with the performance, and to bounce back from last weekend."

Northants return to action next Tuesday when they host Derbyshire in their final home game of the season.

The County then wrap up their campaign with a trip to Lord's to play Middlesex on Thursday, September 24.