Friday, August 03, 2007

Rushden and Diamonds vs Northampton Town...Preview...


The Cobblers travel to Nene Park tomorrow to face local rivals Rushden and Diamonds in the Maunsell Cup Final as the pre-season comes to an end.

Stuart Gray will be looking for an improved performance from the defeats to Championship sides West Bromwich Albion and Wolves in the last two games, particularly in front of goal where we struggled to create chances against the higher opposition.

The Diamonds should be a different kettle of fish though and we’ll be expected to put in a better showing at Nene Park in the players’ final chance to impress Gray before the big kick off next Saturday against Swindon Town at Sixfields.

Chris Doig and Brett Johnson should both play a part after returning from injury while Mark Bunn returns after missing the Wolves game through compassionate leave.

Diamonds have already held The Cobblers’ League One rivals Nottingham Forest and Luton Town to pre-season draws and will be hopeful of another positive display.

The last time the sides met was in our promotion (and the Diamonds’ relegation) season as The Cobblers ran out 2-0 winners at Sixfields thanks to goals from David Hunt and Scott McGleish.

The pre-season so far:

UE San Jose 1-3 Cobblers
SD Portmany 0-5 Cobblers
Kettering Town 0-1 Cobblers
Cobblers 1-1 Coventry City
Cobblers 1-5 West Bromwich Albion
Cobblers 0-3 Wolverhampton Wanderers

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