Friday, September 29, 2006

Port Vale Preview...


So onwards and hopefully upwards! Port Vale visit Sixfields tomorrow in a game where we will once again be trying to lay to bed our shocking home form. The Cobblers have the worst home form in the league, yet boast the gest away form! Only the Town could do that!

Vale come to Sixfields on the back of a 1-1 draw with Nottingham Forest on Tuesday night. Front man Michael Husbands will miss the game because of a red card picked up in that game. For the Cobblers, Jason Crowe and Eoin Jess are doubts but I would imagine Mitchell Cole and Jerome Watt being close to a start after coming off the bench at Cheltenham on Tuesday.

Four defeats and a draw at home this season...it surely has to turn around soon...or does it?!

Looking at my train timetable, engineering works are going to cause havoc tomorrow so it's an early start to make sure I get to Northampton in good time. One possible journey involves SIX train changes!

Could be a long old day!

Tuesday, September 26, 2006

Full Time: Cheltenham Town 0-2 Northampton Town

Another fantastic away win! Action packed second half saw Andy Kirk giving the Cobblers the lead, heading home Eion Jess' free kick. Cheltenham then missed a penalty before The Cobblers finally got one of their own. Kirk and McGleish fought over who would take it before Scotty won the argument and despatched the kick.

Town up to 11th in League One now, superb!

Half Time: Cheltenham 0-0 Cobblers

So far so good, would take a draw from here. Bunny's made a couple of good saves again and Kirk's missed a decent chance early on. It sounds like we can pick something up from this game if we carry on...come on Town!

Cheltenham Town v Northampton Town- The Line Ups...

Cheltenham Town Brown, Gill, Caines, Wilson, Guinan, McCann, Bird, Towsend, Odejayi, Armstrong, Melligan

Subs: Elvins, Wylde, Yao, Bell, Puddy

Cobblers Bunn, Crowe, Chambers, Doig, Dyche, Taylor, Jess, Hunt, Bojic, Kirk, McGleish

Subs: Harper, Quinn, Watt, Cole, Gilligan

Cheltenham Preview


The Cobblers take their unbeaten away record to Whaddon Road tonight- a place where we have an awful recent record. Back in 2003, we were 3-1 up with around 10 minutes to go before somehow losing the game 4-3 thanks to two penalties and a stoppage time winner! That game came a year after Ian Sampson's header rebounded of the stanction of the goal and back out...not given and Town robbed of 3 points.

In the last two season's we've come away with nothing in dismal 1-0 and 3-1 defeats. So if our run away from home is going to end anywhere, it's here.

Please Town...prove me wrong!

Sunday, September 24, 2006

Johnstone's Paint Trophy Draw

The Cobblers will play Brentford at home in the first round of the newly named Johnstone's Paint Trophy (formerly the LDV Vans Trophy).

The Bees have already recorded a 1-0 win at Sixfields this season. New changes to the competition this season include the rule that the game will go straight to penalties if the scores are level after 90 minutes so no extra time!

Millwall 0-1 Northampton Town

Cracking day out once again as we picked up three vital points.My day began early on with my traditional Saturday fry up before heading off the train at 11am. I was decked out in my Cobblers shirt after debating with myself whether to wear it or not. A lot of people were surprised to see me wearing it in the middle of the angry Millwall fans but I figured that I don't attract trouble anywhere so I'd be fine. I was right and apart from a few "w*nker" signs from people on the train, I was fine!After a quick change at Waterloo, I was at South Bermondsey by 1pm and met up with the guys (and girl) from Sixfields Boys and we headed for the New Den down the seperate walkway for away fans. There was more police than away fans when we got there but most of the home fans that were there as early as us were no trouble at all.

We enjoyed some chips and a couple of beers in the ground while watching the second half of Liverpool-Spurs on the tv screens before the game and then went to our seats with a great view of the game from behind the goal. The New Den was a new ground for me and I found the facilities to be top draw. There was a group of home fans in the stand next to ours that contained the main "singing" section though it was more shouting and abuse than anything! With every song, they punched their fists in our direction and looked as angry as Rik Waller being told he can't have dessert!

On the pitch and the Cobblers were facing a tough start to the game and only created one half chance in the early going when Pedj Bojic looked to be brought down in the area but nothing was given. Millwall's approach was fairly direct but the awesome Sean Dyche, returning to his former club, stopped anything and everything that was thrown his way. The home side's first chance was headed off the line by Jason Crowe as they started the better side.Chris Doig went down with a head injury mid way through the half meaning that we played a lot of the first half with ten me as he left the field for stitches. Upon his return, the Cobblers took the lead. Eoin Jess played in a deep cross from the right and the bounce deceived a home defender before loanee Mitchell Cole took advantage and slammed the ball past Pidgely to give us a half time lead.

In the second half, the home fans were getting agitated and chants of "SH*T, SH*T, SH*T" rang around the Den. Andy Kirk and Ian Taylor went close for us but the last period of the game was dominated by Millwall who got a number of corners but a combination of Mark Bunn saves and superb rearguard action prevented them from getting back into the game.The game ended to jeers from the home fans but celebrations in the away end. Luke Chambers punched the air and again celebrated like we'd won the league while John Gorman did the same.It was only when I was on my own when I really felt the presence of the home fans after the game.

I changed trains at London Bridge and the Cobblers fans all headed back in a different direction. I realised I was walking along a train station walkway with hundreds of angry Millwall fans and me in a Cobblers shirt."Keep walking and don't look too happy" I kept telling myself. It worked and I escaped despite a group of chavs looking my way with menace in their eyes!I was back home by 7 and another great day out as the Cobblers continues with their superb away form.

Next up, Cheltenham away on Tuesday night!

Friday, September 22, 2006

Millwall Preview


The Cobblers travel to darkest Bermondsey tomorrow in a bottom of the table clash with Millwall.

I'm looking forward to my first trip to the Den and the journey seems to be pretty straight forward. I can even have a lie in as my train doesn't go until 11am!

Jerome Watt may return for the Cobblers on the right hand side of midfield with loanee Mitchell Cole on the left. Millwall lie in 23rd place in League One with us in 20th and it looks like being a scrappy encounter in East London.

Bring it on!

Thursday, September 21, 2006

They're baaaaack!

Yes that breed of humanity is slowly beginning to return to Southampton...the students are back in town and it's getting me all reminiscent once again! It's usually this time of year when I excitedly sort out my new notepads, folders and one pen that will last me all term, dust off the old books and start to plan when the first meeting in the union will be.

But not this year. It's very strange living through it all as excited students prepare for fresher's week. Two of my housemates will be students this year and I think I'll be dragged into the student lifestyle enough to remind me what I'm missing!

Oh well, back to that work place tomorrow and the final day in Duke's Keep for the company I'm working for, NYK. We move to our new office in Bedford Place on Monday.

Sunday, September 17, 2006

Happy Birthday...to ME!

Yes, I'm 22 today and I've been eating out all weekend to celebrate.

Firstly I had a Chinese all you can eat meal with my parents, my brother and his girlfriend which included a special cake presented to me by the waiters who sang happy birthday to me and got everyone else in the restaurant to applaud!

Then today I was eating again as Roopa joined me at Frankie and Benny's in Southampton. Another lovely meal (the orange chicken...mmmmmmmmmmmm) and great company as usual.

So all in all a great weekend...man I'm getting old!

Northampton Town 1-3 Tranmere Rovers

Another home defeat and that makes it just one point from a possible 15 at home this season!

It was good to be back at Sixfields again after a 5 month abscence but it wasn't the homecoming that I wanted!

Andy Kirk should have given us the lead after ten minutes after a poor kick from the Tranmere keeper Gavin Ward presented him with a one on one opportunity, but the shot was straight at Ward. We were made to pay just a few minutes later when Calvin Zola converted Tranmere's first real attack.

From then on we struggled in vain to try and get back into the game but the Cobblers fans were fantastic. I was expecting a quiet atmosphere from what I had heard from previous home games but the Town faithful lifted the noise level and stayed behind the team throughout.

Unfortunately it didn't spur a turn around and Tranmere put the game out of sight either side of half time. First Gareth Taylor headed home ten minutes before the break and then we conceded yet another penalty as Brett Johnson handled and John Mullin converted past Bunn.

Scott McGleish struck with his fifth of the season late on but despite a rally for the final 15 minutes, we fell to another defeat and hang on just above the drop zone in League One.

Wednesday, September 13, 2006

Cobblers sign Cole...of the Mitchell variety!


The Cobblers today sealed a one month loan move for Mitchell Cole from Southend United. Cole is a left winger and joins to replace the injured Sam Aiston who is likely to be out for up to two months.

Cole started out as a West Ham trainee but joined Southend from nearby Grays Athletic.

Tuesday, September 12, 2006

Full Time: Northampton Town 1-1 Yeovil Town

Disappointing result in the end as Marcus Stewart heads home an equiliser for the visitors. Sounded like we were hanging on a bit at the end again and we still can't win at home!

Half Time: Northampton Town 1-0 Yeovil Town

Good half from the Town and Jason Crowe scores just after the half hour! Both sidessounded like they had their chances and Bunny pulled off another wonder save!

More of the same please lads!

Northampton Town v Yeovil Town- The Line Ups!

Northampton Town: Bunn, Crowe, Chambers, Dyche, Doig, Bojic, Taylor, Burnell, Watt, Kirk, McGleish

Subs: Harper, Hunt, Brett Johnson, Quinn, Gilligan

Yeovil Town: Mildenhall, Jones, Skiverton, Forbes, Terry, Gray, Cohen, Kalala, Lynch, Morris, Stewart

Subs: Guyett, Barry, Davies, Webb, Welsh

Yeovil Town preview...



Yeovil Town visit Sixfields tonight in a game that we must get something from to end this dreadul run of three straight home defeats at the start of the season.

Our visitors tonight lay comfortably in 12th place in League One having been edged out by a late Grant Holt goal for Forest on Saturday.

Today it was revealed that Sam Aiston will be out for up to 8 weeks with a broken ankle while Andy Kirk will be looking to get over a knock picked up at Carlisle to join Scott McGleish up front. McGleish and Kirk are our only scorers in the league so far!

Another night with Cobblers World ahead before I finally return to Sixfields on Saturday!

Sunday, September 10, 2006

Carlisle United 1-1 Northampton Town



The journey was planned, the day was set out in glorious sunshine and the bag was packed full of treats including Fox's Galcier fruits and Mr Kipling Chocolate Chip bars for the trek up the M6.

Tim and Debs picked me up from Sixfields and we left Sixfields Travel Club in our wake as the early morning sun lit the path to the promised land of Brunton Park.

The journey was relatively quick and took a little over 3 and a half hours including one stop for a leg stretch and toilet break. By that I mean we simply used the lavatorial facilites, not that we smashed up the toilets.

By 11am we were in Carlisle city centre, desperately searching for a car parking spot. There was only 4 hours till kick off after all! Half an hour later and we were all parked up in a side street right near the ground. A stroll into town (passing a fantastically decorated Newcastle United fans' car)was followed by a much needed KFC meal. Debs was mistaken for a young child when offered the cheaper option and some free ice cream but it was declined.

Still with plenty of time to spare, we had a look around the city centre, witnessing a quite bizarre public performance from a saxaphonist (is that the right word for one who plays the saxaphone?) who was backing up some sort of theatrical actor's warblings. One hearing issue involved here though...we couldn't...as he was standing inside a dome like construction that kids were running around in...

Anyway...after a quick look in a pet shop it was time to head to the ground. I love how when you walk around in a different town in a visiting football shirt you get looked at like you've got three heads! We got the usual "thumbs down" taunts from passers by but shrugged off this barrage of abuse (a lot of people would have fallen to their knees with such tauntage and gone home in dispair).

So into the ground, a decent size but strangely the stand that we were in on the side of the pitch had been built far bigger than it needed to be, meaning that there were some seats that overlooked nothing but a warehouse!

On the pitch, the Cobblers lined up in a 4-4-2 formation. Andy Holt missed out with injury so Luke Chambers deputised at right back. In the early going, the home side seemed to settle the better and Karl Hawley looked as dangerous in League One as he had done last season in League Two. But it was the Cobblers who provided the first goal threatening action as Luke Chambers powerfully headed towards goal from a corner but it was cleared off the line. The Cumbirans were looking lively though as it wasn't long before they provided some panic for the 300 or so travelling fans. A cross from the left was placed onto the head of the impressive Paul Murray and it looked to have wrong footed Mark Bunn in the Cobblers goal but he somehow managed to readjust and pull off a remarkable save. Gordon Banks eat your heart out!

The rest of the half was spent watching the comical game of "throwing the plastic football" put on by the Cobblers fans behind us. The game was cruelly ended though just before half time by the jobsworth stewards who took the ball away. Health and Safety issues of course!

Half time brought a change in the Cobblers line up as the uninspiring Sam Aiston was replaced by Ryan Gilligan and Gilly immediately made an impact. Picking the ball up on the right, he delivered his first touch to perfection to cross into the home side's area. It didn't look a danger and Tim even cried out "There's nobody in there" but a mix up between their defender and goalkeeper let in Scott McGleish who made the most of the chance and finished easily. 1-0 to the Town!

A fantastic start to the second half but it would be short lived joy. We should have had a free kick at one end as Crowe was taken down but the referee played on and Carlisle broke. A few quick passes later and it was 1-1 as Hawley shrugged off Chambers and finished past Bunn for 1-1.

As the game wore on, it was more and more tense as both sides looked for the winner. I got the sense that we were hanging on a bit towards the end as Carlisle threw cross after cross in but the superb Chambers, Dyche and Doig got everything out. We had chances as well and Chambers had a header cleared off the line but the game ended all square and we could go home happy with that against a side that should be in for a good season. Carlisle drop points at home for the first time this season and we remain unbeaten away from home.

After finally escaping from Carlisle, the long haul home began but again we encountered no problems and were back in Northampton by 9pm.

Overall a top day out and at least we got something from the long journey! Next up is Yeovil on Tuesday night as we look to end the awful home record this season!

Thursday, September 07, 2006

Carlisle Preview


Just over a year ago we were "treated" to a coach journey to Carlisle consisting of Mr Bean's greatest adventures and a pub hosting only the tuneful sounds of Elvis.

Tim has, quite understandably, decided to drive to Brunton Park this time and instead of the one stop from the coach, we can refrech ourselves as and when. Nothing against Sixfields Travel who usually provide an excellent service, but a coach trip on this far a journey is difficult!

So I'll be busy travelling from Southampton to Carlisle and back within a couple of days for my second game of the season and I'm looking forward to it, not only for the game but because it gives me a chance to go home for a couple of days- the first time I've been able to do this in 5 weeks.

David Hunt will be pushing for a place in the squad after completing 90 minutes in the reserves this week while James Quinn returns from international duty. He may well have to settle for a place on the bench though due to Kirk and Scotty's glorious start to the season.

I'll be back on Sunday with a full report and photos of the fun day out!

Tuesday, September 05, 2006

Hunty set for return...

Good news on the injury front today was that midfielder David Hunt came through 90 minutes of a reserve team defeat to Southend United at Roots Hall.

Hunty's been missed in the midfield and from set pieces and hopefully his recovery can bolster the middle of the park. Should the Gormanator pick him that is.

Sunday, September 03, 2006

Congratulations to Mr and Mrs Stuart-Marquez!

Dave and Martha's big day went without a hitch and it was a thoroughly enjoyable day.

This was my first ever wedding and it was an amazing experience and a priviledge to be a part of.

The day started early in Eastleigh as Jamie picked me up from the station armed with a camcorder but not a lot a great deal of petrol which was worrying when we couldn't find a service station for a long time!

But a small place called Sutton Scotney provided the fuel for the rest of the day, though bizarrly there was no cash machines to be found anywhere! So if you ever visit the Scotney, be sure to take some cash with you.

We found Newbury easily enough and after a breakfast in Woolworths, we picked up Roopa and headed off to the church, a full hour early!

The service was wonderfully done by Martha's dad Eddie accompanied by some of the happy couple's friends in the church band. I didn't know what to expect from a wedding service but it was all so nice and Dave and Martha left the church to the famous hymn "I'm gonna be (500 Miles)" by the Proclaimers!

Onwards to the reception and after a free glass of Pimms and some photos we were treated to a lovely meal including the biggest burger I'm ever likely to see in my life! As Dave said, I think there was half a cow in there!

The meal was followed by a barn dance, another new thing for me but I loved it. I didn't have a clue what I was doing but nobody else did either which made it even more fun!

Overall a fantastic day, especially for Dave and Martha who looked the happiest that I've ever seen them. All the best to you both in married life and thanks again for inviting me.

You both deserve all the best in life and I'm so proud to call you both my friends.

Friday, September 01, 2006

Rotherham United v Northampton Town- Live Second half!

9:40pm FULL TIME: ROTHERHAM UNITED 1-2 NORTHAMPTON TOWN

Superb turn around by the Cobblers and Scotty's return along with some good tactical changes by the Gormanator at half time. The game seemed lost with 20 minutes to go. Then a missed penalty was saved by Bunn and Scotty did the rest. Get in!

9:35pm McGleish close to his hat-trick with an overhead kick but it's just wide. Come on now Cobblers, hang on!

9:30pm GOAL: ROTHERHAM UNITED 1-2 NORTHAMPTON TOWN
He's here, he's there, he's every fooking where Scott McGleish! Scotty again as Town come from behind in a superb turn around!

9:26pm Eoin Jess hits the post from 25 Yards!

9:22pm GOAL: ROTHERHAM UNITED 1-1 NORTHAMPTON TOWN
Scotty McGleish scores! What a mad couple of minutes as Scotty scores his second of the season!

9:19pm BUNNY BUNNY BUNNY! Bunn saves Keane's pen. Now come on Town!

9:18pm Penalty given against the Cobblers AGAIN! Damn you referees! Controversial again aparantly. Feck, Feck, Feck!

9:14pm A couple of Cobblers corners and Watt looks to be making a bit of a difference but half way through the second half there's still no breakthrough for the Town.

9:00pm Just as I was saying that, Hibbert mis kicks a good chance at the back post. Close shave!

8:59pm Decent start to the second half from the Town and Jess gets a decent effort away on goal early on.

8:52pm Aiston and Bojic off for Taylor and Watt for the Cobblers at half time.

Rotherham United v Northampton Town- Live First half!

8:35pm HALF TIME: ROTHERHAM UNITED 1-0 NORTHAMPTON TOWN
Not a lot happening apart from the goal and the Cobblers don't seem to have anything going forward. Come on Gormanator, get them going!

8:34pm Just before half time Dyche glances a header inches wide.

8:17pm Hibbert gets another free header inside the Cobblers area but this time it's saved. Come on Town, get a hold of it!

8:09pm Cobblers' first real attack as Kirk gets a shot on target but it's easy for Cutler to get to.

8:07pm Eugene Bopp strikes a powerful effort over the bar.

7:59pm Shot by Partridge easily dealt with by Bunn.

7:54pm GOAL: Rotherham 1-0 Cobblers Bellocks. The home side take the lead with the first real attack of the game! Dave Hibbert heads in Facey's cross.

7:48pm Kick Off at Millmoor!

Rotherham United v Northampton Town- The Line Ups

Rotherham: Cutler, Worrell, Keane, Partridge, Mills, Facey, Robertson, Wiseman, Williamson, Hibbert, Bopp

Subs: Montgomery, Hurst, Newsham, Taylor, Woods

Cobblers: Bunn, Crowe, Chambers, Dyche, Doig, Bojic, Burnell, Jess, Aiston, McGleish, Kirk

Subs: Harper, Taylor, Brett Johnson, Watt, Gilligan

Good Luck Dave and Martha

All the best to my good friends Dave and Martha who are getting married tomorrow! I'll be in attendance armed with my new camcorder to capture some of the action.

Good luck guys!

Rotherham United preview



The Cobblers travel to Millmoor tonight, the site of one of the Cobblers' most memorable nights in recent history. Who could forget that January night in 2004 when, knowing that a win in our FA Cup 3rd Round Replay would set up a meeting with Manchester United, we came from behind to beat the Millers.

Two and a half years later we meet again under completely different circumstances. Rotherham were deducted 10 points even before a ball was kicked this season but have clawed that back to -3 and should not be treated as a bottom of the table side by any means.

Scott McGleish returns from suspension and should replace James Quinn who is away on international duty for Northern Ireland.

Difficult night ahead but hopefully our good away form can continue.

Quiet deadline day


Not a lot going on at Sixfields for deadline day yesterday but the only deal that was done involved trialist Jerome Watt who signed on a year long deal.

Watt scored on his Cobblers debut in the Carling Cup defeat at QPR and goes into the squad for the trip to Rotherham tonight.

Watt should give us a different option and a bit of pace that seems to have been lacking so far this season.