Northampton Town 2-1 Darlington

Goals from Andy Kirk and Brad Johnson sealed a 2-1 win for the Cobblers last night as we progress into the second round of a cup competition for the first time this season. Darlington were put the sword at Sixfields and despite a late Tommy Wright goal, we go on to face Walsall in Round Two.

On a wet night at Sixfields, Mark Hughes returned to the starting line-up after missing the Crewe defeat through suspension. Poul Hubertz also returned to partner Andy Kirk up front while Brad Johnson started after starting on the bench at Gresty Road.

Hubertz had the first chance of the game as he headed wide after just two minutes as the Cobblers looked for a bright opening to the game. Following a cleared corner, Brad Johnson tested Darlington keeper David Stockdale but the stopper managed to save the ball right on the line.

Steve Foster headed Darlington’s first real chance of the game over the bar at the other end before Colin Larkin shot into the side netting but the Cobblers did have the lead five minutes later. Hubertz caused all sorts of problems for Stockdale following a Colin Larkin cross and Stockdale dropped the ball into the path of Andy Kirk who side footed home the opening goal.

Five minutes before the break and it was two. Hubertz was again the provider as he teed up Brad Johnson who hit a powerful left footed shot past the stranded Stockdale to give us a commanding position at the interval.

Darlington started the second half brightly as Mark Bunn was forced to tip over the bar from Tommy Wright’s effort before the Cobblers came back into the game with Mark Hughes having a shot saved and shooting wide.

The Cobblers were looking for a third to really kill off the game and Andy Kirk had a chance at the near post but pulled the shot wide before Brad Johnson had a shot tipped over by Stockdale, resulting in a bizarre goal kick decision from the referee.

In the closing stages, Kirk hit the post while Jason Crowe had a goal disallowed but it was Darlington who would provide the final goal of the game after a large spell of pressure in the last five minutes resulted in Tommy Wright heading home a cross.

But that goal wasn’t enough and it’s the Cobblers who face Walsall at home in Round Two, just a week after we meet them in the league at Sixfields on Saturday afternoon!