Well, what could be seen as some as a wasted journey actually turned out to be a cool road trip and a decent day out despite the abandonment!
We set out on our merry way in Bella (Jamie's car) and with camcorder in hand ready for any grand moments of comedy along the way. Moments that included a revisit to the glorious land of Sutton Scotney and us overtaking a vehicle with three reindeer and sleigh towed to its back! We arrived into Northampton in good time for a Mum breakfast which was certainly needed
Our usual Sixfields routine was carried out, into the Members bar by 1pm and Dad crazily predicting that "we'll be in the playoffs by April" following the might of the boxing day win over Cheltenham!
As the game began on a damp surface, we looked comfortable in possesion and looked more likely to score than the visitors. But Cobblers Law states that if we look comfortbale, the other side must score, and Millwall duly obliged. Chris Hackett crossed and Poul Hubertz hammered home a volley from inside the area.
At this point I expected what I'd seen for a lot of the season- a frustrating dour game. But it was in fact the total opposite, just that it was still without that vital killer touch. As the rain continued to team down, we battled for the ball, created chances and fought with the type of play that had been lacking for so long this season. Andy Kirk, in for the injured McGleish, missed a glorious chance with a free header.
There were five minutes of injury time for what looked like a dreadful injury to Millwall's Danny Senda. Chris Doig came to the rescue as the St John's mbulance crew strolled onto the pitch with the stretcher. Doig saw the need for a faster delivery of the stretcher than the walking pace of the professionals so grabbed it Baywatch style and running to the aid of Senda, earning him applause from all sides of Sixfields. Hopefully the injury isn't as bad as it seems and I wish Senda a speedy recovery.
Back to the action and we were a goal down still at half time but the way we played suggested we could well get back into the game.
In the early stages of the second half, Joe Burnell went close and Kirk was foiled again by Lenny Pidgeley in the Millwall goal. The atmosphere was building for a big finish but on 68 minutes, the rain was too much and the referee called the game to a premature end, sparking scenes of joy in the home end but anger in the Millwall ranks.
We may not have finished the game but what we did get from it was 68 minutes of fight and determination- quite possibly more than the rest of the season put together. If this is the type of side that Ian Sampson is sending out, then give him the job now!
The journey home was more treacherous than the clear run up to Northampton but after a coffee stop we made it back safe and sound! Jamie even unknowingly pulled into the services that were opposite the hotel we all stayed in for Dave and Marti's wedding in Didcot!
So no points from today but a good day all round and a strange way to end 2006 at Northampton Town.
2007 promises more usual Cobblers unpredictability and I look forward to the journey ahead. I just hope it doesn't rain too much along the way!
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