The Cobblers’ playoff hopes are hanging in the balance after a draw at Cheltenham that puts us back to seven points off the top six. A goal from Giles Coke earned the draw with fifteen minutes to play but it wasn’t enough to keep up the pressure as teams above us took maximum points.
On a damp afternoon at Whaddon Road, Gabor Gyepes missed out on the starting line-up through injury whilst Poul Hubertz had to settle for a place on the bench as Jonathon Hayes started the game leaving Adebayo Akinfenwa alone up front.
After a slow start to the game, Cheltenham had a chance on fifteen minutes as David Bird hit a free kick just wide of Mark Bunn’s post. The hosts kept up the pressure and Bunn had to save well from an Ashley Vincent effort.
It took half an hour for us to get going and Akinfenwa shot over the cross bar as the Cobblers looked to get into the game. But it was Cheltenham who took the lead just a few minutes before half-time. Steven Gillespie ran at the Cobblers defence and then finished well past Bunn into the corner of the net to hand the home side the advantage.
So we had it all to do at the break but the pace was increased at the start of the second half. Akinfenwa had a glorious chance to level ten minutes into the half after good work from Hayes but shot wide when in a good position to score.
Jones went close with a free kick as the Cobblers piled more pressure on the Cheltenham but Paul Connor headed wide of goal at the other end.
The deserved equaliser was coming though and it was the simplest of goals. Daniel Jones took a corner and Giles Coke was on hand to volley the ball past Shane Higgs to set up a tense last fifteen minutes.
Substitute Damien Spencer tested Bunn with six minutes left before Cobblers sub Hubertz drove a shot against the post from an angle just a couple of minutes later. Akinfenwa had an effort saved by Higgs and Danny Jackman had his late free kick held by the home goalkeeper and the honours remained even at the end of a good second half for the Cobblers.
The result leaves us further behind the playoff pack with just five games to go and the dream is fading ahead of Luton’s visit on Saturday afternoon.
Monday, March 31, 2008
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
No Saints vs Giggedy Wumba preview...
No Saints look to bounce back from a defeat last week as tonight we face Giggedy Wumba in the latest jdfives tussle. Last week we were beaten 10-3 by top club Drunk and Horny but did well in the second half to get some pride back after a poor first 20 minutes.
So that result left us in the bottom two and staring at a second successive relegation battle unless we can start picking up the results. Wumba sit a place and two points above us going into tonight’s game so it should be a closer game than last week’s hammering.
Abib could be back from holiday while Andy returns after missing last week. More breaking news from the camp is that Nathan will be back in a couple of weeks to reclaim his place in the squad after he helped us to promotion a couple of seasons ago!
So that result left us in the bottom two and staring at a second successive relegation battle unless we can start picking up the results. Wumba sit a place and two points above us going into tonight’s game so it should be a closer game than last week’s hammering.
Abib could be back from holiday while Andy returns after missing last week. More breaking news from the camp is that Nathan will be back in a couple of weeks to reclaim his place in the squad after he helped us to promotion a couple of seasons ago!
The Midweek Review...26/03/08...
After a double disappointment over the Bank Holiday weekend, it’s back down to earth with a bang for Stuart Gray’s troops. Forest and Carlisle put a stop to our charge towards the top six and it’s now do or die time as we prepare to visit the place of some bad memories, Whaddon Road.
Forest always looked a step ahead of us on Friday evening. We were being outclassed until the red card and at eleven men versus ten it was a more even contest, giving us a shout of getting something from the game. Hobbs hit an outstanding overhead kick and the momentum seemed to have turned our way.
It was vital that we scored again whilst the heavy wind was at our backs but it wasn’t to be and we went in level at the break. Forest had the benefit of the wind in the second half and we looked completely out of breath by the final third of the game, by which time the most ridiculous of penalty decisions had been given against us.
Nathan Tyson clearly overran the ball, Bunny got two solid hands on it and picked up the ball. How Rob Styles, an ex Premiership referee (send him back, please) saw that as a penalty I’ll never know and even the Forest fans seemed surprised. In what was looking like the make or break moment of the season, Tyson slammed the ball home and that could well be the goal that we look back on and say that’s where the dream died.
It was crucial that we got a point at least at Carlisle but it was always going to be an uphill task against a side that had won their previous thirteen home games. We held out until half-time but soon into the second and the agony began. Another goal five minutes from time meant it was game over and that could well be that for another season.
We’re looking at surely having to win five or even all six of the remaining games if we’re to make it to the top six with so many teams competing for the final couple of places but all we can do is keep believing that it could happen.
It’s a winnable game at Cheltenham on Saturday but Whaddon Road isn’t the greatest of hunting grounds for Cobblers teams in the last few years. Who can ever forget the Bob Taylor inspired 4-3 defeat for us a few years back with the Cobblers leading 3-1 with five minutes to go and somehow losing 4-3 after two stoppage time goals?! Then Sammo’s goal that never was after the defender headed the ball in off the stanchion in the goal and it bounced out never to be given.
Last season’s 2-0 win was in fact our first ever win at the ground and it’s vital that we keep up the pressure by grabbing three points any way we can this weekend. A win would set up a real derby day atmosphere for when Luton come to town the following week and who knows where we could be by the time the trip to Southend comes around.
It’s make or break time for the Cobblers but with six games to go we must keep the faith that something special could still be around the corner.
Up The Cobblers!
Danny
Forest always looked a step ahead of us on Friday evening. We were being outclassed until the red card and at eleven men versus ten it was a more even contest, giving us a shout of getting something from the game. Hobbs hit an outstanding overhead kick and the momentum seemed to have turned our way.
It was vital that we scored again whilst the heavy wind was at our backs but it wasn’t to be and we went in level at the break. Forest had the benefit of the wind in the second half and we looked completely out of breath by the final third of the game, by which time the most ridiculous of penalty decisions had been given against us.
Nathan Tyson clearly overran the ball, Bunny got two solid hands on it and picked up the ball. How Rob Styles, an ex Premiership referee (send him back, please) saw that as a penalty I’ll never know and even the Forest fans seemed surprised. In what was looking like the make or break moment of the season, Tyson slammed the ball home and that could well be the goal that we look back on and say that’s where the dream died.
It was crucial that we got a point at least at Carlisle but it was always going to be an uphill task against a side that had won their previous thirteen home games. We held out until half-time but soon into the second and the agony began. Another goal five minutes from time meant it was game over and that could well be that for another season.
We’re looking at surely having to win five or even all six of the remaining games if we’re to make it to the top six with so many teams competing for the final couple of places but all we can do is keep believing that it could happen.
It’s a winnable game at Cheltenham on Saturday but Whaddon Road isn’t the greatest of hunting grounds for Cobblers teams in the last few years. Who can ever forget the Bob Taylor inspired 4-3 defeat for us a few years back with the Cobblers leading 3-1 with five minutes to go and somehow losing 4-3 after two stoppage time goals?! Then Sammo’s goal that never was after the defender headed the ball in off the stanchion in the goal and it bounced out never to be given.
Last season’s 2-0 win was in fact our first ever win at the ground and it’s vital that we keep up the pressure by grabbing three points any way we can this weekend. A win would set up a real derby day atmosphere for when Luton come to town the following week and who knows where we could be by the time the trip to Southend comes around.
It’s make or break time for the Cobblers but with six games to go we must keep the faith that something special could still be around the corner.
Up The Cobblers!
Danny
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Cobblers suffer double Easter set back...
The Cobblers’ playoff hopes are hanging by a thread after a double defeat over the Bank Holiday weekend. On Friday night, Nottingham Forest took home the points after a controversial penalty decision from referee Rob Styles meant that the ten men grabbed the points. Then yesterday, Carlisle United continued their impressive home form by winning their fourteenth game on the bounce at Brunton Park in a 2-0 win over Stuart Gray’s side.
Northampton Town 1-2 Nottingham Forest (Friday)
In front of a near sell out Good Friday crowd, the Cobblers were beaten by old boss Colin Calderwood as ten men of Forest came away with a crucial win to dent our playoff hopes.
Stuart Gray was without Mark Hughes through suspension and the injured Chris Doig and Brett Johnson. Poul Hubertz once again started wide as he had done effectively against Swansea in last weeks’ 4-2 win.
The Cobblers, kicking with a heavy wind behind them, had a good start with the full backing of a loud home support but it was Forest who took the lead after just a few minutes as Brett Ormerod was unmarked from a Chris Cohen cross and he tapped the ball home from close range.
We looked to get back into the game right away and Poul Hubertz had a header saved by Paul Smith in the Forest goal. The Cobblers’ cause got a little easier on 21 minutes as James Perch was given his marching orders for a high challenge on Hubertz and Forest were down to ten men.
With the crowd lifted and sensing a fight back with the red card, Danny Jackman volleyed a decent shot at goal but Smith held well. But we did have an equaliser on 32 minutes as Hubertz spectacularly scored with an overhead kick after a long throw from Andy Holt caused problems in the Forest defence.
The momentum and the wind was with us and we could well have gone into half-time in front had Adebayo Akinfenwa not been denied well by Smith late in the half.
A couple of minutes into the second half, Forest were close to retaking the lead as Sammy Clingan sent a blistering shot from range against Mark Bunn’s cross bar but the visitors would soon be handed a chance to put themselves in the driving seat.
Just after the hour, Mark Bunn was adjudged to have fouled Nathan Tyson in the area as the front man broke through and Rob Styles pointed to the penalty spot. The fact that Bunn had a clean two handed grip on the ball didn’t seem to deter a controversial decision from the referee. Tyson stepped up and scored from the spot to give Forest the lead and from then on it was an uphill battle.
Colin Larkin and Giles Coke came off the bench to try and add pace to the Cobblers attack. Jonathon Hayes replaced Ryan Gilligan a few minutes later as we desperately searched for a way back.
Daniel Jones had the best effort late on with a free kick that Smith did well to hold but despite a late flurry of attacks the game was over and ten man Forest celebrated putting their promotion push back on track.
Stuart Gray’s side then headed to Cumbria for a crunch game at Carlisle on Bank Holiday Monday…
Carlisle United 2-0 Northampton Town (Monday)
The Cobblers were beaten by two goals in the second half at Brunton Park as Carlisle made it fourteen straight home wins. Town are now very much outsiders in the race for the playoffs and sit five points behind the top six.
Stuart Gray made two changes from the side that lost out to Nottingham Forest with Ryan Gilligan and Andy Holt making way for Giles Coke and Liam Dolman.
The home side started brighter in the wintry conditions and almost found a way through early on as Danny Graham hot the post and then a couple of minutes later Simon Hackney tested Mark Bunn with a drive from range.
The first Cobblers chance didn’t come until mid way through the half when Adebayo Akinfenwa shot over the bar. Giles Coke and Poul Hubertz also went close before the break but the half ended with a set back as defender Gabor Gyepes limped off, replaced by Andy Holt as the side reshuffled just before half time.
A few minutes into the second half Carlisle were in front as Simon Hackney’s corner set up Peter Murphy, who flicked the ball on for Danny Livesey to tap home from close range and leaving the Cobblers with a lot of work to do.
Danny Graham went close and Grant Smith also shot just wide as Carlisle looked to double their advantage and seal an important win in their bid for promotion.
Giles Coke was then agonisingly close to making the home side pay for missed chances as Jonathon Hayes broke from defence and set up the midfielder for a clear run on goal but Coke was stopped by goalkeeper Keiran Westwood.
So instead it was The Cobblers who suffered as Carlisle rammed home their advantage with five minutes to play. A poor back pass from Mark Little gave Danny Graham the chance to nip in and set up Marc Bridge-Wilkinson who had the easiest of tasks to make it 2-0 and end the game as a contest.
So a second defeat in a row means that the Cobblers remain in twelfth place in the table with six games to go and the playoffs are looking a long way off with games running out quickly. Failure to pick up three points at Cheltenham on Saturday will surely end our dreams of a top six finish but at least now the difficult Easter period has been and gone!
Northampton Town 1-2 Nottingham Forest (Friday)
In front of a near sell out Good Friday crowd, the Cobblers were beaten by old boss Colin Calderwood as ten men of Forest came away with a crucial win to dent our playoff hopes.
Stuart Gray was without Mark Hughes through suspension and the injured Chris Doig and Brett Johnson. Poul Hubertz once again started wide as he had done effectively against Swansea in last weeks’ 4-2 win.
The Cobblers, kicking with a heavy wind behind them, had a good start with the full backing of a loud home support but it was Forest who took the lead after just a few minutes as Brett Ormerod was unmarked from a Chris Cohen cross and he tapped the ball home from close range.
We looked to get back into the game right away and Poul Hubertz had a header saved by Paul Smith in the Forest goal. The Cobblers’ cause got a little easier on 21 minutes as James Perch was given his marching orders for a high challenge on Hubertz and Forest were down to ten men.
With the crowd lifted and sensing a fight back with the red card, Danny Jackman volleyed a decent shot at goal but Smith held well. But we did have an equaliser on 32 minutes as Hubertz spectacularly scored with an overhead kick after a long throw from Andy Holt caused problems in the Forest defence.
The momentum and the wind was with us and we could well have gone into half-time in front had Adebayo Akinfenwa not been denied well by Smith late in the half.
A couple of minutes into the second half, Forest were close to retaking the lead as Sammy Clingan sent a blistering shot from range against Mark Bunn’s cross bar but the visitors would soon be handed a chance to put themselves in the driving seat.
Just after the hour, Mark Bunn was adjudged to have fouled Nathan Tyson in the area as the front man broke through and Rob Styles pointed to the penalty spot. The fact that Bunn had a clean two handed grip on the ball didn’t seem to deter a controversial decision from the referee. Tyson stepped up and scored from the spot to give Forest the lead and from then on it was an uphill battle.
Colin Larkin and Giles Coke came off the bench to try and add pace to the Cobblers attack. Jonathon Hayes replaced Ryan Gilligan a few minutes later as we desperately searched for a way back.
Daniel Jones had the best effort late on with a free kick that Smith did well to hold but despite a late flurry of attacks the game was over and ten man Forest celebrated putting their promotion push back on track.
Stuart Gray’s side then headed to Cumbria for a crunch game at Carlisle on Bank Holiday Monday…
Carlisle United 2-0 Northampton Town (Monday)
The Cobblers were beaten by two goals in the second half at Brunton Park as Carlisle made it fourteen straight home wins. Town are now very much outsiders in the race for the playoffs and sit five points behind the top six.
Stuart Gray made two changes from the side that lost out to Nottingham Forest with Ryan Gilligan and Andy Holt making way for Giles Coke and Liam Dolman.
The home side started brighter in the wintry conditions and almost found a way through early on as Danny Graham hot the post and then a couple of minutes later Simon Hackney tested Mark Bunn with a drive from range.
The first Cobblers chance didn’t come until mid way through the half when Adebayo Akinfenwa shot over the bar. Giles Coke and Poul Hubertz also went close before the break but the half ended with a set back as defender Gabor Gyepes limped off, replaced by Andy Holt as the side reshuffled just before half time.
A few minutes into the second half Carlisle were in front as Simon Hackney’s corner set up Peter Murphy, who flicked the ball on for Danny Livesey to tap home from close range and leaving the Cobblers with a lot of work to do.
Danny Graham went close and Grant Smith also shot just wide as Carlisle looked to double their advantage and seal an important win in their bid for promotion.
Giles Coke was then agonisingly close to making the home side pay for missed chances as Jonathon Hayes broke from defence and set up the midfielder for a clear run on goal but Coke was stopped by goalkeeper Keiran Westwood.
So instead it was The Cobblers who suffered as Carlisle rammed home their advantage with five minutes to play. A poor back pass from Mark Little gave Danny Graham the chance to nip in and set up Marc Bridge-Wilkinson who had the easiest of tasks to make it 2-0 and end the game as a contest.
So a second defeat in a row means that the Cobblers remain in twelfth place in the table with six games to go and the playoffs are looking a long way off with games running out quickly. Failure to pick up three points at Cheltenham on Saturday will surely end our dreams of a top six finish but at least now the difficult Easter period has been and gone!
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
The Midweek Review...19/03/08...
Hands up if you saw that one coming?! Swansea City, top of the table, destined for promotion, were humbled in 22 of the most incredible minutes Sixfields has seen in a very long time. With the playoff carrot still dangling after seven superb points from our last three games it gets no easier over Easter but a certain Mr Calderwood can’t be sleeping well ahead of his sides’ trip on Friday night.
So how much better can this season get? The big question now as the Cobblers defy the odds yet again to now be in with a genuine shout of a playoff place with eight games remaining. Swansea were shell shocked on a quite amazing day at Sixfields. The atmosphere was superb as Hoobs stooped to volley home the first and we never looked back. An own goal and a penalty later and we were in dreamland!
Sixfields was rocking, the Swans didn’t know what had hit them. But then came the inevitable goal for the visitors to sit us back down again. It was then a case of hanging on until half-time, and there’s not been a more welcome end to a half all season as City looked dangerously like getting back in the game.
If Mark Bunn’s miss kick had led to a second goal for Swansea early in the second half the game could have gone a completely different way but fortunately the impressive Jason Scotland couldn’t finish this time. Jackman’s fourth was one of the goals of the season and well deserved after his transformation from unsure defender to storming midfielder.
Cobblers fans are surely the only ones in the country who can be 4-1 ahead with twenty minutes to play and still be as nervy as they are with a 1-0 lead! The atmosphere was one of “it’s not over yet” and I think it takes a 5 or 6-0 lead for our fans to be fully comfortable with getting three points!
Full credit to Swansea for continuing to play good football but their second was too late to cause any further threat. It really was a real step up for Stuart Gray’s side and four more points over Easter would mean we’d be really in contention!
Brighton were on a real roll until last night when they were beaten at Huddersfield and they made no further push up the table, keeping them in touch. We must now hope for Port Vale to pull a real rabbit out of the hat by beating Tranmere tomorrow if we’re to know that a Friday night win would take us to the heady heights of sixth!
Even a point against Forest wouldn’t be the end of the world as it keeps us well in touch even if results go against us on Saturday. A win, though, and the belief really does begin to grow!
With Colin Calderwood desperately needing the win as well as he faces mounting pressure it’ll be a fascinating game and the evening kick off will add to the atmosphere for a game that could mean so much come the final reckoning.
Up The Cobblers!
Danny
So how much better can this season get? The big question now as the Cobblers defy the odds yet again to now be in with a genuine shout of a playoff place with eight games remaining. Swansea were shell shocked on a quite amazing day at Sixfields. The atmosphere was superb as Hoobs stooped to volley home the first and we never looked back. An own goal and a penalty later and we were in dreamland!
Sixfields was rocking, the Swans didn’t know what had hit them. But then came the inevitable goal for the visitors to sit us back down again. It was then a case of hanging on until half-time, and there’s not been a more welcome end to a half all season as City looked dangerously like getting back in the game.
If Mark Bunn’s miss kick had led to a second goal for Swansea early in the second half the game could have gone a completely different way but fortunately the impressive Jason Scotland couldn’t finish this time. Jackman’s fourth was one of the goals of the season and well deserved after his transformation from unsure defender to storming midfielder.
Cobblers fans are surely the only ones in the country who can be 4-1 ahead with twenty minutes to play and still be as nervy as they are with a 1-0 lead! The atmosphere was one of “it’s not over yet” and I think it takes a 5 or 6-0 lead for our fans to be fully comfortable with getting three points!
Full credit to Swansea for continuing to play good football but their second was too late to cause any further threat. It really was a real step up for Stuart Gray’s side and four more points over Easter would mean we’d be really in contention!
Brighton were on a real roll until last night when they were beaten at Huddersfield and they made no further push up the table, keeping them in touch. We must now hope for Port Vale to pull a real rabbit out of the hat by beating Tranmere tomorrow if we’re to know that a Friday night win would take us to the heady heights of sixth!
Even a point against Forest wouldn’t be the end of the world as it keeps us well in touch even if results go against us on Saturday. A win, though, and the belief really does begin to grow!
With Colin Calderwood desperately needing the win as well as he faces mounting pressure it’ll be a fascinating game and the evening kick off will add to the atmosphere for a game that could mean so much come the final reckoning.
Up The Cobblers!
Danny
Monday, March 17, 2008
Forest game heads for Good Friday sell out!
The Cobblers’ home game with Nottingham Forest on Friday evening is heading for a sell out following the 4-2 win over Swansea City at the weekend. We know that a win could take us into the top six, depending on one or two midweek results, until the other sides play on Saturday, and the game looks set for a bumper crowd.
Reports from Sixfields say that there have been plenty of further tickets for the clash with Colin Calderwood’s men sold today as our former manager returns to Sixfields once again. Forest are in a playoff place themselves but recent form has seen them drift away from their ambitions of automatic promotion.
Stuart Gray’s side are one of the form sides in the league, suffering just two defeats in sixteen games going into the Forest clash so it promises to be a Good Friday spectacular at Sixfields!
Reports from Sixfields say that there have been plenty of further tickets for the clash with Colin Calderwood’s men sold today as our former manager returns to Sixfields once again. Forest are in a playoff place themselves but recent form has seen them drift away from their ambitions of automatic promotion.
Stuart Gray’s side are one of the form sides in the league, suffering just two defeats in sixteen games going into the Forest clash so it promises to be a Good Friday spectacular at Sixfields!
Sunday, March 16, 2008
Northampton Town 4-2 Swansea City
The Cobblers moved to within two points of a playoff place as league leaders Swansea were swept aside in a stunning performance at Sixfields. Two goals from Poul Hubertz helped the Town to victory and the win keeps alive the playoff hopes with just eight games to go.
After a couple of train delays I was up in my homeland and nervously anticipating the clash with the leagues’ topside. For some reason we were all pretty optimistic but when Dad put £2 on the Cobblers to win 3-1 we still burst out laughing! Jason Crowe and Adebayo Akinfenwa returned from injury but Mark Hughes sat out through suspension, meaning Stuart Gray had to switch to a flat back four with Gabor Gyepes and Mark Little in the middle.
The Cobblers stormed into the game and never gave the Swans an inch as we started well, Danny Jackman going close early on with a right-footed shot that was pushed away for a corner by visiting keeper Dorus De Vries. Just a few minutes later and Adebayo Akinfenwa went even closer as he met a Jackman cross and glanced a header against the under side of the cross bar.
After fifteen minutes, we had the lead that our early pressure had deserved as a corner from Daniel Jones was nodded back by Akinfenwa and Poul Hubertz stooped from close range to volley the ball home to fire Sixfields into raptures!
A couple of minutes later and the momentum built up earned a second goal as Jones’ cross was diverted into his own net by Alan Tate. Worse was still to come though for the Swans defender.
Tate brought down Ryan Gilligan in the area and conceded a penalty barely twenty minutes into the game. Hubertz stepped up after taking the ball off an enthusiastic Akinfenwa, looking for a goal against his former employers, and blasted us into dreamland and a 3-0 lead.
Jason Scotland made it 3-1 on the half hour as he broke through and beat Mark Bunn at the second attempt, the Cobblers keeper doing well to force him wide at first but the striker made no mistake the second time around.
By half time, Swansea had started to get back into the game and we were grateful of the whistle at the break. Sixfields was a cauldron of nerves as we all knew it was ny no means over just yet!
A couple of minutes into the second half, a rare error by Bunn presented Scotland with a glorious chance to make it 3-2. Bunn couldn’t control a bubbly back pass and he miss kicked, presenting the ball straight to Scotland but he made up for it by smothering the ball down low.
The miss would prove costly as the Cobblers scored with their next attack. Akinfenwa knocked the ball on to Danny Jackman on the right hand side and the midfielder scored his first goal of the club, curling the ball home left footed into the top corner to make it 4-1!
Akinfenwa nearly made it five before being replaced by Giles Coke as his header flashed wide. The big man was given a standing ovation from all four sides of the ground as Swansea fans joined in the appreciation of their former striker.
From then on we kept up the pressure, fought for every ball and won second balls all over the pitch as we held on brilliantly. Jason Scotland added a second for the Swans late on but we earned the result of the season at Sixfields in one of the best performances in recent years.
The result keeps us in touch with the playoffs and incredibly if we win on Friday night in the second of the big three Easter games against Forest we could be momentarily in sixth place if some midweek results go our way! The belief and fight that the side are showing is showing no signs of letting up as we enjoy a superb second half of the season.
After a couple of train delays I was up in my homeland and nervously anticipating the clash with the leagues’ topside. For some reason we were all pretty optimistic but when Dad put £2 on the Cobblers to win 3-1 we still burst out laughing! Jason Crowe and Adebayo Akinfenwa returned from injury but Mark Hughes sat out through suspension, meaning Stuart Gray had to switch to a flat back four with Gabor Gyepes and Mark Little in the middle.
The Cobblers stormed into the game and never gave the Swans an inch as we started well, Danny Jackman going close early on with a right-footed shot that was pushed away for a corner by visiting keeper Dorus De Vries. Just a few minutes later and Adebayo Akinfenwa went even closer as he met a Jackman cross and glanced a header against the under side of the cross bar.
After fifteen minutes, we had the lead that our early pressure had deserved as a corner from Daniel Jones was nodded back by Akinfenwa and Poul Hubertz stooped from close range to volley the ball home to fire Sixfields into raptures!
A couple of minutes later and the momentum built up earned a second goal as Jones’ cross was diverted into his own net by Alan Tate. Worse was still to come though for the Swans defender.
Tate brought down Ryan Gilligan in the area and conceded a penalty barely twenty minutes into the game. Hubertz stepped up after taking the ball off an enthusiastic Akinfenwa, looking for a goal against his former employers, and blasted us into dreamland and a 3-0 lead.
Jason Scotland made it 3-1 on the half hour as he broke through and beat Mark Bunn at the second attempt, the Cobblers keeper doing well to force him wide at first but the striker made no mistake the second time around.
By half time, Swansea had started to get back into the game and we were grateful of the whistle at the break. Sixfields was a cauldron of nerves as we all knew it was ny no means over just yet!
A couple of minutes into the second half, a rare error by Bunn presented Scotland with a glorious chance to make it 3-2. Bunn couldn’t control a bubbly back pass and he miss kicked, presenting the ball straight to Scotland but he made up for it by smothering the ball down low.
The miss would prove costly as the Cobblers scored with their next attack. Akinfenwa knocked the ball on to Danny Jackman on the right hand side and the midfielder scored his first goal of the club, curling the ball home left footed into the top corner to make it 4-1!
Akinfenwa nearly made it five before being replaced by Giles Coke as his header flashed wide. The big man was given a standing ovation from all four sides of the ground as Swansea fans joined in the appreciation of their former striker.
From then on we kept up the pressure, fought for every ball and won second balls all over the pitch as we held on brilliantly. Jason Scotland added a second for the Swans late on but we earned the result of the season at Sixfields in one of the best performances in recent years.
The result keeps us in touch with the playoffs and incredibly if we win on Friday night in the second of the big three Easter games against Forest we could be momentarily in sixth place if some midweek results go our way! The belief and fight that the side are showing is showing no signs of letting up as we enjoy a superb second half of the season.
Friday, March 14, 2008
Swansea City (H) Preview...
League leaders Swansea City visit Sixfields tomorrow looking to take a step closer to automatic promotion. The Swans are six points clear at the summit of League One and will be a stern test for the Cobblers’ playoff ambitions.
Team News
Adebayo Akinfenwa is fighting to be fit again to face his former club after a virus kept him out of the 1-1 draw at Bristol Rovers but Mark Hughes will definitely miss out. Hughes was injured for the Rovers trip but will miss the next two games through suspension anyway. A decision on Jason Crowe, who picked up a hamstring injury at Walsall last weekend, will be made at the last minute. Meanwhile Ryan Gilligan is struggling with an ankle injury while Chris Doig and Brett Johnson remain out long term.
Swansea will be without captain Garry Monk after he suffered a set back in his recovery from a recent back problem but they do welcome back defender Marcos Painter from a hamstring injury.
The Story So Far…Swansea City in 2007/08…
The Swans are sitting pretty on top of League One despite picking up just one point in two games in the previous week.
Swansea began the 2007/08 campaign with defeat at Oldham but quickly bounced back with a League Cup win over newly promoted Walsall and a good home draw with fellow promotion favourites Nottingham Forest. They saw off Walsall again, this time 3-1 in the league at the Bescott Stadium before ending August with a 1-0 home defeat to Premiership side Reading in the second round of the League Cup, Leroy Lita scoring the only goal in extra time.
September brought a mixed bag of results and started with a 2-1 home defeat to Doncaster Rovers. After beating Millwall in the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy, late goals from Darryl Duffy and Paul Anderson gave them a 2-1 win over Carlisle United. This score line was repeated a week later as the Swans beat Cheltenham Town at Whaddon Road but a trip to Leeds ended in a 2-0 defeat. Swansea ended the month with a goalless draw at home to Brighton.
October was a superb month for the side as Roberto Martinez led his side to four straight wins to catapult them into the top six. A 2-1 home win over Swindon was followed by an incredible 5-0 success away at Leyton Orient. After seeing off Wycombe in the JPT, they won big away from home again, this time 4-1 at Bournemouth, and then claimed a 2-1 victory at Yeovil as Jason Scotland and Ferrie Bodde scored the goals.
This run of success was followed by two draws, at home to Gillingham and away at Millwall but they were soon back to winning ways. After seeing off non league Billericay in the F.A. Cup, they beat Yeovil in the JPT to progress into the area semi finals. Back in the league, there was a slight set back as Huddersfield won 1-0 at the Liberty Stadium but City responded with single goal wins at Tranmere and at home to Hartlepool United.
Two goals from Jason Scotland and one from Darren Pratley eased the Swans past the Cobblers at the start of December in perhaps our poorest performance of the season. Further heavy wins, 3-0 against Southend and 4-1 against Cheltenham was followed by a massive 3-2 success over Leeds that saw in 2007.
The New Year began with a draw at Swindon and then Havant and Waterlooville stunned City with a 1-1 draw at the Liberty Stadium in the F.A. Cup. Havant would go on to win the replay and set up a game at Anfield. The replay came after Swansea had kept their stunning league form going with a 3-1 victory at Luton. Successes against Port Vale, Crewe and Doncaster followed the cup exit but the run of league wins ended with a goalless draw at Forest.
It was back to winning ways at the start of February as goals from Gary McDonald and Fabian Brandy turned the game around at home to Oldham. A 2-2 draw at Crewe was follwed up with wins over Walsall and Port Vale before they were dumped out of the JPT by MK Dons. A first defeat in the league in months came at home to Millwall last Friday night and despite being seconds away from bouncing back against Tranmere on Tuesday, had to settle for a point after a late goal from Chris Greenacre earned Rovers a draw.
Recent Meetings…
04/12/08: SWANSEA 3-0 COBBLERS
A penalty from Jason Scotland is followed just three minutes later by a strike from Darren Pratley as Swansea eased to a first half lead. Scotland struck again in the second half to seal a comfortable win.
24/03/07: SWANSEA 2-1 COBBLERS
Brad Johnson hits a goal of the season contender in the first five minutes to give the Cobblers the lead but Swansea score on the stroke of half time through giant defender Dennis Lawrence. A minute after the break, the home side grabbed what turned out to be the winner as Andy Robinson scored following a quick break away.
28/10/06: COBBLERS 1-0 SWANSEA
The Cobblers finally record their first home win of the season thanks to a Luke Chambers volley in the 55th minute.
19/03/05: COBBLERS 2-2 SWANSEA
With both sides chasing promotion from League Two, Paul Connor puts the visitors in front. Goals from Martin Smith and Andy Kirk turn the game in the Cobblers’ favour but Lee Trundle rescues a point with twenty minutes to go.
07/08/04: SWANSEA 0-2 COBBLERS
In the opening game of the 2004/05 season, Scott McGleish outs us into the lead after just three minutes before an own goal from Sam Ricketts seals the perfect start to the season in our last ever visit to the Vetch Field.
24/04/04: SWANSEA 0-2 COBBLERS
A double from Eric Sabin the first half sends the Cobblers on the way to victory at the Vetch Field and proves to be a vital win in the race for the League Two playoffs.
The Man in the Middle…
Taking charge of tomorrow’s game is Jonathon Moss from Yorkshire. The whistler has already officiated in a Cobblers game this season, the 4-1 Sky Sports defeat to Luton Town back in October. Moss has refereed in all three football league divisions this season and has produced six red cards.
Head To Head…Cobblers v Swans…
GAMES PLAYED: 52
COBBLERS WINS: 23
DRAWS: 12
SWANSEA WINS: 17
Team News
Adebayo Akinfenwa is fighting to be fit again to face his former club after a virus kept him out of the 1-1 draw at Bristol Rovers but Mark Hughes will definitely miss out. Hughes was injured for the Rovers trip but will miss the next two games through suspension anyway. A decision on Jason Crowe, who picked up a hamstring injury at Walsall last weekend, will be made at the last minute. Meanwhile Ryan Gilligan is struggling with an ankle injury while Chris Doig and Brett Johnson remain out long term.
Swansea will be without captain Garry Monk after he suffered a set back in his recovery from a recent back problem but they do welcome back defender Marcos Painter from a hamstring injury.
The Story So Far…Swansea City in 2007/08…
The Swans are sitting pretty on top of League One despite picking up just one point in two games in the previous week.
Swansea began the 2007/08 campaign with defeat at Oldham but quickly bounced back with a League Cup win over newly promoted Walsall and a good home draw with fellow promotion favourites Nottingham Forest. They saw off Walsall again, this time 3-1 in the league at the Bescott Stadium before ending August with a 1-0 home defeat to Premiership side Reading in the second round of the League Cup, Leroy Lita scoring the only goal in extra time.
September brought a mixed bag of results and started with a 2-1 home defeat to Doncaster Rovers. After beating Millwall in the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy, late goals from Darryl Duffy and Paul Anderson gave them a 2-1 win over Carlisle United. This score line was repeated a week later as the Swans beat Cheltenham Town at Whaddon Road but a trip to Leeds ended in a 2-0 defeat. Swansea ended the month with a goalless draw at home to Brighton.
October was a superb month for the side as Roberto Martinez led his side to four straight wins to catapult them into the top six. A 2-1 home win over Swindon was followed by an incredible 5-0 success away at Leyton Orient. After seeing off Wycombe in the JPT, they won big away from home again, this time 4-1 at Bournemouth, and then claimed a 2-1 victory at Yeovil as Jason Scotland and Ferrie Bodde scored the goals.
This run of success was followed by two draws, at home to Gillingham and away at Millwall but they were soon back to winning ways. After seeing off non league Billericay in the F.A. Cup, they beat Yeovil in the JPT to progress into the area semi finals. Back in the league, there was a slight set back as Huddersfield won 1-0 at the Liberty Stadium but City responded with single goal wins at Tranmere and at home to Hartlepool United.
Two goals from Jason Scotland and one from Darren Pratley eased the Swans past the Cobblers at the start of December in perhaps our poorest performance of the season. Further heavy wins, 3-0 against Southend and 4-1 against Cheltenham was followed by a massive 3-2 success over Leeds that saw in 2007.
The New Year began with a draw at Swindon and then Havant and Waterlooville stunned City with a 1-1 draw at the Liberty Stadium in the F.A. Cup. Havant would go on to win the replay and set up a game at Anfield. The replay came after Swansea had kept their stunning league form going with a 3-1 victory at Luton. Successes against Port Vale, Crewe and Doncaster followed the cup exit but the run of league wins ended with a goalless draw at Forest.
It was back to winning ways at the start of February as goals from Gary McDonald and Fabian Brandy turned the game around at home to Oldham. A 2-2 draw at Crewe was follwed up with wins over Walsall and Port Vale before they were dumped out of the JPT by MK Dons. A first defeat in the league in months came at home to Millwall last Friday night and despite being seconds away from bouncing back against Tranmere on Tuesday, had to settle for a point after a late goal from Chris Greenacre earned Rovers a draw.
Recent Meetings…
04/12/08: SWANSEA 3-0 COBBLERS
A penalty from Jason Scotland is followed just three minutes later by a strike from Darren Pratley as Swansea eased to a first half lead. Scotland struck again in the second half to seal a comfortable win.
24/03/07: SWANSEA 2-1 COBBLERS
Brad Johnson hits a goal of the season contender in the first five minutes to give the Cobblers the lead but Swansea score on the stroke of half time through giant defender Dennis Lawrence. A minute after the break, the home side grabbed what turned out to be the winner as Andy Robinson scored following a quick break away.
28/10/06: COBBLERS 1-0 SWANSEA
The Cobblers finally record their first home win of the season thanks to a Luke Chambers volley in the 55th minute.
19/03/05: COBBLERS 2-2 SWANSEA
With both sides chasing promotion from League Two, Paul Connor puts the visitors in front. Goals from Martin Smith and Andy Kirk turn the game in the Cobblers’ favour but Lee Trundle rescues a point with twenty minutes to go.
07/08/04: SWANSEA 0-2 COBBLERS
In the opening game of the 2004/05 season, Scott McGleish outs us into the lead after just three minutes before an own goal from Sam Ricketts seals the perfect start to the season in our last ever visit to the Vetch Field.
24/04/04: SWANSEA 0-2 COBBLERS
A double from Eric Sabin the first half sends the Cobblers on the way to victory at the Vetch Field and proves to be a vital win in the race for the League Two playoffs.
The Man in the Middle…
Taking charge of tomorrow’s game is Jonathon Moss from Yorkshire. The whistler has already officiated in a Cobblers game this season, the 4-1 Sky Sports defeat to Luton Town back in October. Moss has refereed in all three football league divisions this season and has produced six red cards.
Head To Head…Cobblers v Swans…
GAMES PLAYED: 52
COBBLERS WINS: 23
DRAWS: 12
SWANSEA WINS: 17
Thursday, March 13, 2008
The Midweek Review...13/03/08...
A late midweek review this week as we come off the back of four useful points at tricky away games. A Bayo double gave us an unlikely looking win at The Bescot before Hoobs salvaged a point in Bristol last night. Four points off the playoffs and there’s still everything to play for…
I’m guessing when most Town fans said they would take four points from these two away days the order in which we gathered those points would have been most likely to be three at Bristol and one at Walsall. So when Bayo sealed a superb win at the Bescot it would have surprised even the most diehard of Cobblers.
It’s six goals in six games for the big man now since joining a couple of months ago and his presence has been a major factor in the climb up the table. He took his goals very well at The Bescot, particularly the first, a lob over a stranded home goalkeeper. Bayo’s becoming a iconic figure already at Sixfields and if kept fit for the remainder of the season could be the lethal weapon that gets us closer to the playoffs.
By all account the overall performance was solid in the 2-0 win and Tommy Mooney even failed to bag his customary goal against us as Bunny came to the rescue on more than one occasion once again.
So that took us to midweek and a clash with Bristol “I smell Gas” Rovers. After flicking through Ceefax on Tuesday night as the others in our league played out their games it turned out that a win would take us to within a couple of points of the top six. Leeds lost out to Cheltenham and the Gary McAllister revolution has certainly not taken off just yet as time begins to run out in the season. A late goal for Tranmere at Swansea kept them in touch while wins for Southend and Oldham kept up their push.
But with a depleted squad it was a point in the end that keeps us in touch. Bayo, Crowe and Hughes are part of the backbone of the side right now and to lose all three right away leaves us with little left in reserve and considering the injuries we did a good job to get a point from a side that would have been fired up after the F.A. Cup hammering.
Good to see Hoobs back in the goals, his first of 2008, and hopefully it’ll lift his spirits after a barren run of late. Apparently we should have had a blatant penalty in the last seconds of the game and the decision could end up costing us big time come the final reckoning.
But for now we should all be delighted to be involved in a battle to stay in touch with the playoffs and to be virtually safe with ten games to go is a big achievement, especially with the run of seven games without a win in mid-season that took us close to the other end of the table. Stuart Gray has worked his transfer window magic once again and we’re in a great position going into three games against three of the top four.
These three games could have a massive impact on the season and if we’re still in touch with the top six after these crunch clashes I’ll be delighted! Swansea are first up and after a couple of slip ups in the last week they will be wanting to get right back on track straight away at Sixfields. But on our day we know we can give anyone a game and hopefully Bayo will be back to put his former side to the sword!
Up The Cobblers!
Danny
I’m guessing when most Town fans said they would take four points from these two away days the order in which we gathered those points would have been most likely to be three at Bristol and one at Walsall. So when Bayo sealed a superb win at the Bescot it would have surprised even the most diehard of Cobblers.
It’s six goals in six games for the big man now since joining a couple of months ago and his presence has been a major factor in the climb up the table. He took his goals very well at The Bescot, particularly the first, a lob over a stranded home goalkeeper. Bayo’s becoming a iconic figure already at Sixfields and if kept fit for the remainder of the season could be the lethal weapon that gets us closer to the playoffs.
By all account the overall performance was solid in the 2-0 win and Tommy Mooney even failed to bag his customary goal against us as Bunny came to the rescue on more than one occasion once again.
So that took us to midweek and a clash with Bristol “I smell Gas” Rovers. After flicking through Ceefax on Tuesday night as the others in our league played out their games it turned out that a win would take us to within a couple of points of the top six. Leeds lost out to Cheltenham and the Gary McAllister revolution has certainly not taken off just yet as time begins to run out in the season. A late goal for Tranmere at Swansea kept them in touch while wins for Southend and Oldham kept up their push.
But with a depleted squad it was a point in the end that keeps us in touch. Bayo, Crowe and Hughes are part of the backbone of the side right now and to lose all three right away leaves us with little left in reserve and considering the injuries we did a good job to get a point from a side that would have been fired up after the F.A. Cup hammering.
Good to see Hoobs back in the goals, his first of 2008, and hopefully it’ll lift his spirits after a barren run of late. Apparently we should have had a blatant penalty in the last seconds of the game and the decision could end up costing us big time come the final reckoning.
But for now we should all be delighted to be involved in a battle to stay in touch with the playoffs and to be virtually safe with ten games to go is a big achievement, especially with the run of seven games without a win in mid-season that took us close to the other end of the table. Stuart Gray has worked his transfer window magic once again and we’re in a great position going into three games against three of the top four.
These three games could have a massive impact on the season and if we’re still in touch with the top six after these crunch clashes I’ll be delighted! Swansea are first up and after a couple of slip ups in the last week they will be wanting to get right back on track straight away at Sixfields. But on our day we know we can give anyone a game and hopefully Bayo will be back to put his former side to the sword!
Up The Cobblers!
Danny
No Saints 3-0 Athletico Norfolk (Automatic win)
No Saints were handed victory last night in our birthday game as just three players from our opposition turned up. Some jdfives all stars made up the team and we thought that the result would stand after we were beaten 6-3 but were told at the end of the game that we get a 3-0 due to the initial lack of numbers from Athletico Norfolk.
Goals from Phil, Dave and myself earned a forfeit 3-0 win for us and we fought well against one or two players that were a completely different class so there was no shame in losing 6-3 despite a couple of glaring misses from Will and Jamie including one or two open goal chances plus a very silly back pass from me to let them in for number six.
But the automatic win means we’re up to four points this season but take on league leaders Drunk and Horny next week as we head into year two of No Saints!
Goals from Phil, Dave and myself earned a forfeit 3-0 win for us and we fought well against one or two players that were a completely different class so there was no shame in losing 6-3 despite a couple of glaring misses from Will and Jamie including one or two open goal chances plus a very silly back pass from me to let them in for number six.
But the automatic win means we’re up to four points this season but take on league leaders Drunk and Horny next week as we head into year two of No Saints!
Bristol Rovers 1-1 Northampton Town
Poul Hubertz earned the Cobblers a point last night as his first goal this year kept us in touch with the rest of the teams vying for a playoff place. Hubertz struck in the second half and we could even have won it late on. But a point it is and that’s now just two defeats in fifteen games for Stuart Gray’s side as we prepare to host top club Swansea on Saturday.
Adebayo Akinfenwa was missing from the squad after he failed to get over a virus so Ian Henderson partnered Poul Hubertz up front. At the back, Stuart Gray switched to a four man defence with the absence of Jason Crowe and Mark Hughes so Liam Dolman came in while stand in captain Joe Burnell and Ryan Gilligan made up a central midfield partnership. Daniel Jones came in for his first start since rejoining the club from Wolves.
The poor pitch at the Memorial Stadium was affecting the game and there were no early chances for either side. On twenty minutes, Ryan Gilligan had the first opportunity but was denied by home goalkeeper Steve Phillips. The ball wasn’t cleared and Ian Henderson followed up and smashed the ball against the crossbar in an agonising near miss for the Cobblers.
Mark Bunn was called into action for the first time on the half hour as he saved a header from Lewis Haldane before former Cobbler Richard Walker fired over the bar as Rovers got a foothold in the game.
But the home side did have the lead just a minute before the break as Sean Rigg found space to beat Bunn from just outside the area to send us into half-time a goal down.
With the Cobblers playing with the wind in the second half we pressed Rovers back and grabbed a vital equaliser with ten minutes of the half played. Danny Jackman’s corner was cleared before Ryan Gilligan put the ball back over and Poul Hubertz slotted the ball home.
Giles Coke and Colin Larkin came off the bench to replace Ian Henderson and Ryan Gilligan while Rovers replaced Richard Walker and Lewis Haldane with Rickie Lambert and Joe Jacobson.
Hubertz had a chance to put us in front with a header from a Daniel Jones cross and then Coke forced Phillips into a good save. In stoppage time, we had a penalty appeal turned down as Mark Little seemed to be pulled down in the area but there was nothing given by referee Ray Lee and the points were shared.
Next up are leaders Swansea at home on Saturday at the start of a run of games that sees us play three of the top four and our destiny will be a lot clearer after this run of tough games. But for now, we’re four points off the playoffs and in 12th place in the table going into an exciting period of the season for the club.
Adebayo Akinfenwa was missing from the squad after he failed to get over a virus so Ian Henderson partnered Poul Hubertz up front. At the back, Stuart Gray switched to a four man defence with the absence of Jason Crowe and Mark Hughes so Liam Dolman came in while stand in captain Joe Burnell and Ryan Gilligan made up a central midfield partnership. Daniel Jones came in for his first start since rejoining the club from Wolves.
The poor pitch at the Memorial Stadium was affecting the game and there were no early chances for either side. On twenty minutes, Ryan Gilligan had the first opportunity but was denied by home goalkeeper Steve Phillips. The ball wasn’t cleared and Ian Henderson followed up and smashed the ball against the crossbar in an agonising near miss for the Cobblers.
Mark Bunn was called into action for the first time on the half hour as he saved a header from Lewis Haldane before former Cobbler Richard Walker fired over the bar as Rovers got a foothold in the game.
But the home side did have the lead just a minute before the break as Sean Rigg found space to beat Bunn from just outside the area to send us into half-time a goal down.
With the Cobblers playing with the wind in the second half we pressed Rovers back and grabbed a vital equaliser with ten minutes of the half played. Danny Jackman’s corner was cleared before Ryan Gilligan put the ball back over and Poul Hubertz slotted the ball home.
Giles Coke and Colin Larkin came off the bench to replace Ian Henderson and Ryan Gilligan while Rovers replaced Richard Walker and Lewis Haldane with Rickie Lambert and Joe Jacobson.
Hubertz had a chance to put us in front with a header from a Daniel Jones cross and then Coke forced Phillips into a good save. In stoppage time, we had a penalty appeal turned down as Mark Little seemed to be pulled down in the area but there was nothing given by referee Ray Lee and the points were shared.
Next up are leaders Swansea at home on Saturday at the start of a run of games that sees us play three of the top four and our destiny will be a lot clearer after this run of tough games. But for now, we’re four points off the playoffs and in 12th place in the table going into an exciting period of the season for the club.
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
HAPPY BIRTHDAY NO SAINTS!
As No Saints celebrate a year in existence today, I take a quick look at some of the classic encounters over the five and a bit seasons so far. From own goals, tense encounters and more own goals it’s been a hell of a year. So here’s some of my personal favourites from the collection…
No Saints 4-12 B and Q
In only our second game in existence, this game will forever be remembered for my two own goals. I did manage two at the right end but they were quickly overshadowed by the two at the other, past goalkeeper at the time Sean. A week before I had scored an own goal in our first ever game, so these took my tally to three in two games! I still don’t hear the end of it…
No Saints 2-8 Southampton Allstars
Another heavy defeat in Season One but the bank holiday game saw as much guts and fighting spirit as you’re likely to see. With the game finely in the balance after just a couple of minutes, Sean suffered his injury and we were down to four men for around three quarters of the game as we had no subs! Me, Dave, Jamie and Rich, the original members of No Saints plugged together and even got a couple of goals. Unfortunately we never got our revenge on those pesky Allstars as they dropped out a season later.
No Saints 5-4 Stones
The first game in Season Two saw a titanic battle with Stones. We had been relegated after not picking up a single point from the first season but after going 3-1 down we pulled the game back in our favour to lead 5-3. A late goal for Stones and a couple of agonising goal mouth moments in front of new keeper Jamie tested the nerves but we held out for our first ever victory in jdfives!
No Saints 7-2 Unathletico
A landmark moment for No Saints after a dismal third season up until this point. With low numbers, we struggled to find five players every week until the arrival for this game of Abib and Andy from Skandia Towers. Both slotted in very nicely and Abib got a couple of goals on his debut to seal a first win of the season. We went on to finish very well in that season, seeing off league leaders TBA United 3-2 the following week as we departed from the Monday league.
No Saints 4-2 Kashima Antlers
The first game of a momentus season, our first in the Wednesday league. Kitted out in our new white strip, we took a 2-0 lead through Andy and Abib. Antlers fought back to 2-2 but the one more for Abib and one for Andy meant we started the season in style.
No Saints 4-2 The Players
Going into this game, No Saints knew that four points from the remaining three games would see us promoted in our first season of the Wednesday league. Abib, Dave and Nathan saw us lead 3-1. A fourth from Abib sealed the win and despite a late goal from The Players we held on and recorded a win that we thought would take us to within a point of promotion. Little did we know that Posh had slipped up against Kashima and we were there already! So after three seasons of struggle we finally had a moment of glory!
No Saints 5-4 Red Star Five
The week after promotion saw us come up against leaders Red Star Five. We knew a win would take us to the unthinkable position of top spot and in an epic encounter we led 1-0 and 2-1 before Red Star turned it back in their favour. Andy scored to make it 3-3 but Red Star hit back quickly with a fourth. But with all the spirit of seasons past, we fought back and Aaron scored from his 110th effort from his goal kicks to set up a frantic finale. Abib was put through with two minutes to go and his shot rebounded off the keeper, giving me the easiest of tap ins to make it 5-4! We held out to win and momentarily went top before the Posh hoodoo struck again in an agonising final day defeat that meant we had to settle for second place.
No Saints 2-1 Red Star Five
This was our last recorded victory apart from a friendly win handed to us as a late goal from Jamie saw us see off Red Star five again. They would get their revenge later in the season though by putting the final nail in our relegation coffin.
So it’s been a roller coaster ride in the past year but from murky beginnings we’ve got together a fantastic group of lads with the right balance of speed, skill and guts as we look to bounce back at the first attempt back into League One. I didn’t have a clue a year ago how we would improve so much and how much we would grow to love the weekly battles of jdfives.
We’re hopefully gathering for a drink or two following tonight’s’ clash with Athletico Norfolk to celebrate twelve months of No Saints and here’s hoping we toast the evening with our first win of 2008!
No Saints 4-12 B and Q
In only our second game in existence, this game will forever be remembered for my two own goals. I did manage two at the right end but they were quickly overshadowed by the two at the other, past goalkeeper at the time Sean. A week before I had scored an own goal in our first ever game, so these took my tally to three in two games! I still don’t hear the end of it…
No Saints 2-8 Southampton Allstars
Another heavy defeat in Season One but the bank holiday game saw as much guts and fighting spirit as you’re likely to see. With the game finely in the balance after just a couple of minutes, Sean suffered his injury and we were down to four men for around three quarters of the game as we had no subs! Me, Dave, Jamie and Rich, the original members of No Saints plugged together and even got a couple of goals. Unfortunately we never got our revenge on those pesky Allstars as they dropped out a season later.
No Saints 5-4 Stones
The first game in Season Two saw a titanic battle with Stones. We had been relegated after not picking up a single point from the first season but after going 3-1 down we pulled the game back in our favour to lead 5-3. A late goal for Stones and a couple of agonising goal mouth moments in front of new keeper Jamie tested the nerves but we held out for our first ever victory in jdfives!
No Saints 7-2 Unathletico
A landmark moment for No Saints after a dismal third season up until this point. With low numbers, we struggled to find five players every week until the arrival for this game of Abib and Andy from Skandia Towers. Both slotted in very nicely and Abib got a couple of goals on his debut to seal a first win of the season. We went on to finish very well in that season, seeing off league leaders TBA United 3-2 the following week as we departed from the Monday league.
No Saints 4-2 Kashima Antlers
The first game of a momentus season, our first in the Wednesday league. Kitted out in our new white strip, we took a 2-0 lead through Andy and Abib. Antlers fought back to 2-2 but the one more for Abib and one for Andy meant we started the season in style.
No Saints 4-2 The Players
Going into this game, No Saints knew that four points from the remaining three games would see us promoted in our first season of the Wednesday league. Abib, Dave and Nathan saw us lead 3-1. A fourth from Abib sealed the win and despite a late goal from The Players we held on and recorded a win that we thought would take us to within a point of promotion. Little did we know that Posh had slipped up against Kashima and we were there already! So after three seasons of struggle we finally had a moment of glory!
No Saints 5-4 Red Star FiveThe week after promotion saw us come up against leaders Red Star Five. We knew a win would take us to the unthinkable position of top spot and in an epic encounter we led 1-0 and 2-1 before Red Star turned it back in their favour. Andy scored to make it 3-3 but Red Star hit back quickly with a fourth. But with all the spirit of seasons past, we fought back and Aaron scored from his 110th effort from his goal kicks to set up a frantic finale. Abib was put through with two minutes to go and his shot rebounded off the keeper, giving me the easiest of tap ins to make it 5-4! We held out to win and momentarily went top before the Posh hoodoo struck again in an agonising final day defeat that meant we had to settle for second place.
No Saints 2-1 Red Star Five
This was our last recorded victory apart from a friendly win handed to us as a late goal from Jamie saw us see off Red Star five again. They would get their revenge later in the season though by putting the final nail in our relegation coffin.
So it’s been a roller coaster ride in the past year but from murky beginnings we’ve got together a fantastic group of lads with the right balance of speed, skill and guts as we look to bounce back at the first attempt back into League One. I didn’t have a clue a year ago how we would improve so much and how much we would grow to love the weekly battles of jdfives.
We’re hopefully gathering for a drink or two following tonight’s’ clash with Athletico Norfolk to celebrate twelve months of No Saints and here’s hoping we toast the evening with our first win of 2008!
No Saints vs Athletico Norfolk Preview...
As No Saints celebrate a year in existence tonight we take on bottom club Athletico Norfolk in an early 7pm kick off.
Andy returns after a couple of weeks off while Will is also set to play a part in the game as we look for our first win of the season. Last week’s 4-4 draw with red Stripe was our opening point of the campaign and we’ll be looking to push on from that with three points tonight.
So it’s Happy Birthday to No Saints and the best present we can get is the points in the bag this evening!
Andy returns after a couple of weeks off while Will is also set to play a part in the game as we look for our first win of the season. Last week’s 4-4 draw with red Stripe was our opening point of the campaign and we’ll be looking to push on from that with three points tonight.
So it’s Happy Birthday to No Saints and the best present we can get is the points in the bag this evening!
Bristol Rovers (a) Preview...
The Cobblers face a second successive away day tonight as we visit Bristol Rovers in another vital League One clash. Rovers are smarting after their 5-1 home defeat to West Bromwich Albion in the F.A. Cup Quarter finals at the weekend but will be hoping to bounce back at The Memorial Ground.
Team News
Jason Crowe will miss the Rovers clash after picking up a hamstring injury in the 2-0 win at Walsall on Saturday. Mark Hughes is also a major doubt as he picked up a dead leg in the same game. Daniel Jones could feature after remaining on the bench in the Walsall win but Chris Doig and Brett Johnson remain sidelined long term.
Anthony Pullis returns for Rovers after he was cup-tied for the F.A. Cup quarter final defeat to West Bromwich Albion at the weekend. But defender Ryan Green remains out with an Achilles problem and Steve Elliot could miss out again.
The Story So Far…Bristol Rovers in 2007/08…
A run to the F.A.Cup Quarter Finals means Rovers are off the pace in terms of games played but can now fully focus on league action following the weekend exit at home to West Brom.
After promotion last season from League Two, Paul Trollope’s side started the season with draws against Port Vale and Crewe before recording their first win at the end of August as Joe Jacobson’s goal was enough to see off Oldham at Boundary Park.
September saw the unbeaten start stretch to five games with a 2-2 draw against Forest and victory at Luton but a 3-0 home defeat to Leeds finally ended the good run. Another draw, this time at Carlisle was followed by defeat to Leyton Orient, 3-2 at The Memorial Stadium.
October saw Rovers record no wins as they were frustrated in attempts to kick start their season. Draws against Southend and Brighton was followed up by a single goal defeat at Hartlepool. Steve Elliott secured a late point at home to Yeovil and then Gillingham won 3-2 at The Priestfield.
After a 2-0 home defeat to Bournemouth at the start of November, The Gas recorded back to back wins for the first time this season with a 1-0 win at Sixfields and a 2-1 success at home to Millwall either side of the start of their cup run at Orient. They would need a replay to see off the Londoners on penalties the week after a 1-0 loss in the league at Swindon but the spot kick win set up a game at home to Rushden and Diamonds in Round Two.
After a 5-1 demolition of our neighbours in Round Two, Rovers visited Yorkshire twice in a week but came home empty handed from both Huddersfield and Leeds. A home draw with Luton on Boxing Day eased the worries before a 3-0 home win over high flying Carlisle completed 2007.
2008 kick off with Rovers recording another big win, this time at Southend to really put them in good form going into the game with Fulham in the F.A. Cup Third Round. Rovers twice took the lead at Craven Cottage but were forced to a replay by Danny Murphy. The league form continued to improve as the side won 2-0 at Tranmere to make it three straight wins and then they held Walsall to a draw a week later. Rovers took Fulham all the way to penalties in the cup replay and came through 5-3 in the shootout to progress into Round Four, where they saw off League Two Barnet a couple of days later. A busy January was rounded off with a 1-1 draw at Crewe as Tom Pope earned a point.
February continued to push the club on up the table as the excellent form continued. Strugglers Port Vale and Cheltenham were put to the sword before Trollope’s men were finally beaten for the first time in 2008 at Doncaster. They bounced back with a 1-0 win over Oldham and then dumped Southampton out of the cup to book a place in the quarter finals, Rickie Lambert’s goal the difference between the sides. The last game of the month was a 1-1 draw with Tranmere Rovers at The Memorial Stadium.
So far in March, Doncaster have completed a quick fire double by beating them 1-0 and then Rovers were seen off 5-1 on Sunday by Championship side West Bromwich Albion to finally end their cup dreams.
Recent Meetings…
06/11/07: COBBLERS 0-1 ROVERS
Days after our good run came to an end against Southend, Rovers doubled the misery by winning by a single Rickie Lambert goal.
19/11/05: COBBLERS 4-0 ROVERS
Two goals from Andy Kirk, one from Martin Smith and a late header from Pedj Bojic seal a comfortable win en route to promotion.
07/10/05: ROVERS 0-0 COBBLERS
Stalemate in the Cobblers’ promotion season of 05/06.
03/01/05: ROVERS 3-1 COBBLERS
Former Cobbler James Hunt gives Rovers the lead before it’s doubled by Chris Edwards. Eric Sabin gives us hope with ten minutes to go but Junior Agogo makes it 3-1 in stoppage time.
25/09/04: COBBLERS 2-1 ROVERS
Two goals in the first half from Scott Mcgleish puts us in the driving seat and despite a late goal from Dave Savage we held out for the win.
The Man in the Middle…
Tonight’s referee is Brentwood official Ray Lee. Lee has most recently took charge of Wycombe’s 2-0 home win over Darlington at the weekend and has produced six red cards so far this season, including two Swindon players in their 3-2 win against Huddersfield at the start of this month.
For The Record…Rovers v Cobblers
GAMES PLAYED: 119
ROVERS WINS: 39
DRAWS: 33
COBBLERS WINS: 47
Team News
Jason Crowe will miss the Rovers clash after picking up a hamstring injury in the 2-0 win at Walsall on Saturday. Mark Hughes is also a major doubt as he picked up a dead leg in the same game. Daniel Jones could feature after remaining on the bench in the Walsall win but Chris Doig and Brett Johnson remain sidelined long term.
Anthony Pullis returns for Rovers after he was cup-tied for the F.A. Cup quarter final defeat to West Bromwich Albion at the weekend. But defender Ryan Green remains out with an Achilles problem and Steve Elliot could miss out again.
The Story So Far…Bristol Rovers in 2007/08…
A run to the F.A.Cup Quarter Finals means Rovers are off the pace in terms of games played but can now fully focus on league action following the weekend exit at home to West Brom.
After promotion last season from League Two, Paul Trollope’s side started the season with draws against Port Vale and Crewe before recording their first win at the end of August as Joe Jacobson’s goal was enough to see off Oldham at Boundary Park.
September saw the unbeaten start stretch to five games with a 2-2 draw against Forest and victory at Luton but a 3-0 home defeat to Leeds finally ended the good run. Another draw, this time at Carlisle was followed by defeat to Leyton Orient, 3-2 at The Memorial Stadium.
October saw Rovers record no wins as they were frustrated in attempts to kick start their season. Draws against Southend and Brighton was followed up by a single goal defeat at Hartlepool. Steve Elliott secured a late point at home to Yeovil and then Gillingham won 3-2 at The Priestfield.
After a 2-0 home defeat to Bournemouth at the start of November, The Gas recorded back to back wins for the first time this season with a 1-0 win at Sixfields and a 2-1 success at home to Millwall either side of the start of their cup run at Orient. They would need a replay to see off the Londoners on penalties the week after a 1-0 loss in the league at Swindon but the spot kick win set up a game at home to Rushden and Diamonds in Round Two.
After a 5-1 demolition of our neighbours in Round Two, Rovers visited Yorkshire twice in a week but came home empty handed from both Huddersfield and Leeds. A home draw with Luton on Boxing Day eased the worries before a 3-0 home win over high flying Carlisle completed 2007.
2008 kick off with Rovers recording another big win, this time at Southend to really put them in good form going into the game with Fulham in the F.A. Cup Third Round. Rovers twice took the lead at Craven Cottage but were forced to a replay by Danny Murphy. The league form continued to improve as the side won 2-0 at Tranmere to make it three straight wins and then they held Walsall to a draw a week later. Rovers took Fulham all the way to penalties in the cup replay and came through 5-3 in the shootout to progress into Round Four, where they saw off League Two Barnet a couple of days later. A busy January was rounded off with a 1-1 draw at Crewe as Tom Pope earned a point.
February continued to push the club on up the table as the excellent form continued. Strugglers Port Vale and Cheltenham were put to the sword before Trollope’s men were finally beaten for the first time in 2008 at Doncaster. They bounced back with a 1-0 win over Oldham and then dumped Southampton out of the cup to book a place in the quarter finals, Rickie Lambert’s goal the difference between the sides. The last game of the month was a 1-1 draw with Tranmere Rovers at The Memorial Stadium.
So far in March, Doncaster have completed a quick fire double by beating them 1-0 and then Rovers were seen off 5-1 on Sunday by Championship side West Bromwich Albion to finally end their cup dreams.
Recent Meetings…
06/11/07: COBBLERS 0-1 ROVERS
Days after our good run came to an end against Southend, Rovers doubled the misery by winning by a single Rickie Lambert goal.
19/11/05: COBBLERS 4-0 ROVERS
Two goals from Andy Kirk, one from Martin Smith and a late header from Pedj Bojic seal a comfortable win en route to promotion.
07/10/05: ROVERS 0-0 COBBLERS
Stalemate in the Cobblers’ promotion season of 05/06.
03/01/05: ROVERS 3-1 COBBLERS
Former Cobbler James Hunt gives Rovers the lead before it’s doubled by Chris Edwards. Eric Sabin gives us hope with ten minutes to go but Junior Agogo makes it 3-1 in stoppage time.
25/09/04: COBBLERS 2-1 ROVERS
Two goals in the first half from Scott Mcgleish puts us in the driving seat and despite a late goal from Dave Savage we held out for the win.
The Man in the Middle…
Tonight’s referee is Brentwood official Ray Lee. Lee has most recently took charge of Wycombe’s 2-0 home win over Darlington at the weekend and has produced six red cards so far this season, including two Swindon players in their 3-2 win against Huddersfield at the start of this month.
For The Record…Rovers v Cobblers
GAMES PLAYED: 119
ROVERS WINS: 39
DRAWS: 33
COBBLERS WINS: 47
Saturday, March 08, 2008
Walsall 0-2 Northampton Town
Adebayo Akinfenwa struck twice as the Cobblers recorded a massive win at The Bescot Stadium this afternoon to keep alive hopes of a playoff place. The win lifts us to tenth in the table as Akinfenwa continued his superb start to his Cobblers career.
Poul Hubertz dropped to the bench after suffering from a viral illness all week and was replaced by Ian Henderson in the starting line-up. Daniel Jones returned to the squad after rejoining the club from Wolves this week.
The home side started well and had chances through Ian Roper and veteran striker Tommy Mooney but it was the Cobblers who took the lead after just eight minutes as Akinfenwa scored with a superb opener. The big man controlled the ball from a high pass down field and spotted keeper Clayton Ince off his line before lobbing the ball over him from range.
Shortly after the goal, Jason Crowe was taken off injured, replaced by Giles Coke before the substitute shot over the bar with a good effort. The home side didn’t look like getting back into the game and the Cobblers seemed in control as the first 45 came to an end.
Mark Bunn was called into action mid way through the second half as Mooney met the ball with a bullet header but Bunn was equal to it. But just a couple of minutes later we were further ahead as Akinfenwa met a Danny Jackman cross with a header to double the Cobblers’ lead.
Lee Holmes shot wide from a free kick as Walsall tried to get a way back into the game before Mooney shot over the bar. He then had another header saved well by Bunn in the Cobblers goal as the game drew to a close and the Cobbler held out for an excellent away success and inflicted Walsall’s first home defeat in five months.
The win means that the Cobblers are now just four points off a playoff place and travel to Bristol Rovers on Wednesday evening knowing that another three points would keep us well in the hunt for an unlikely finish in the top six.
Poul Hubertz dropped to the bench after suffering from a viral illness all week and was replaced by Ian Henderson in the starting line-up. Daniel Jones returned to the squad after rejoining the club from Wolves this week.
The home side started well and had chances through Ian Roper and veteran striker Tommy Mooney but it was the Cobblers who took the lead after just eight minutes as Akinfenwa scored with a superb opener. The big man controlled the ball from a high pass down field and spotted keeper Clayton Ince off his line before lobbing the ball over him from range.
Shortly after the goal, Jason Crowe was taken off injured, replaced by Giles Coke before the substitute shot over the bar with a good effort. The home side didn’t look like getting back into the game and the Cobblers seemed in control as the first 45 came to an end.
Mark Bunn was called into action mid way through the second half as Mooney met the ball with a bullet header but Bunn was equal to it. But just a couple of minutes later we were further ahead as Akinfenwa met a Danny Jackman cross with a header to double the Cobblers’ lead.
Lee Holmes shot wide from a free kick as Walsall tried to get a way back into the game before Mooney shot over the bar. He then had another header saved well by Bunn in the Cobblers goal as the game drew to a close and the Cobbler held out for an excellent away success and inflicted Walsall’s first home defeat in five months.
The win means that the Cobblers are now just four points off a playoff place and travel to Bristol Rovers on Wednesday evening knowing that another three points would keep us well in the hunt for an unlikely finish in the top six.
Friday, March 07, 2008
Walsall (A) Preview...
As we head into six pointer territory this weekend, the Cobblers make the short trip to Walsall in a massive game in terms of playoff aspirations. The Saddlers have been on a good run of form and lie fifth in League One while the Cobblers are eight points behind them in thirteenth but just five points off a playoff berth themselves.
Team News
Daniel Jones is available after resigning for on loan from Wolves for the rest of the season and goes straight into the squad. Poul Hubertz is hoping to shake off a viral infection in time for the trip to the Bescott but Ian Henderson, scorer of two goals in the reserves in midweek, and Colin Larkin are both fit to stake a claim to replace the striker if needed. Giles Coke could start after recent appearances from the bench but Chris Doig and Brett Johnson remain on the sidelines.
Walsall welcome back Mark Bradley from an ankle injury after he was forced out of the 1-0 win over Luton. Striker Stefan Moore could feature again after grabbing the winner at Kenilworth Road. But Alassane N’Dour could miss out with a thigh strain picked up in training last week.
The Story so far…Walsall in 2007/08…
Walsall sit in a playoff place going into the game as they look for back to back promotions.The Saddlers had a tough start to life in League One, losing five of their opening six games and picking up just a point in their first month, on the opening day against Carlisle United.Richard
Money's side picked up their first win, though, in September (a 2-1 win at Millwall) and momentum began to build for the side, who then went on to record further away wins at Hartlepool (1-0) and Doncaster (3-2). Their first home win of the season came in a thumping 4-0 success over Huddersfield Town, Tommy Mooney wrapping up the win with the final goal.The following week, they gained a good point at Tranmere but were beaten at home by Southend United. A 1-1 draw at Bournemouth kept their away form rolling on and a 2-0 home win over Cheltenham Town began November well for the newly promoted side.
Another point on the road, this time a draw with Brighton, was followed by a 2-0 win over Shrewsbury Town in the first round of the F.A. Cup. Walsall were help to a goalless draw at home to Luton Town in League One before a 2-0 win at Sixfields lifted them up to tenth in League One.
The Cobblers then drew with Walsall in the F.A. Cup but the Saddlers followed up with a home win over Nottingham Forest and a draw at Crewe. A late winner in the cup replay saw us off in mid December before a Tommy Mooney goal helped them to a 1-1 draw with Leeds at The Bescot. The Christmas period saw the side record seven points from three games with a 3-0 win over Millwall, a draw with Port Vale and a 2-0 win at Oldham in the final game of 2007.
2008 began with a draw against Doncaster and then goals from Scott Dann and Alex Nicholls earned a 2-0 success at Yeovil. The unbeaten run continued with draws against Swindon and Bristol Rovers before a 2-1 home win over Gillingham kept momentum going. January closed with a goalless draw against Leyton Orient.
February began with Walsall’s first defeat of the calendar year as Carlisle won 2-0 at Brunton Park but they bounced back by completing the double over Yeovil in a 2-0 win at home, Kevin Betsy sealing the win late on. Defeat at top club Swansea was again recovered from with a thumping win at Swindon, 3-0, before last weekend’s single goal win at Luton moved the Saddlers into 5th place.
Recent Meetings…
11/12/07: WALSALL 1-0 COBBLERS (F.A. Cup Second Round Replay)
A Michael Ricketts penalty with five minutes to go hands Walsall progress to Round Three.
01/12/07: COBBLERS 1-1 WALSALL (F.A. Cup Second Round)
Tommy Mooney put the visitors in front in the F.A. Cup Second Round but Andy Kirk forced tonight’s replay.
24/05/07: COBBLERS 0-2 WALSALL
Mark Bradley and substitute Ishmel Demontagnac seal a comfortable win at Sixfields last weekend.
05/05/01: COBBLERS 0-3 WALSALL
Brett Angel scores a second half hat-trick on the final day of the 2000/01 season as Walsall end the season in style.
25/11/00: WALSALL 3-0 COBBLERS
Jorge Leitao gives the home side an early lead and they never look back, as Paul Hall and Brett Angel seal a comfortable win.
23/02/09: COBBLERS 0-1 WALSALL
Darko Mavrak scores the only goal of the game in 65th minute to give Walsall all three points.
The Man in the Middle…
The referee for tomorrow’s game is Mr. Haines, who last took charge of a Cobblers game back in November as we lost out 1-0 at Crewe. The official has produced just one red card all season, dismissing Wrexham’s Silvio Spann in their 2-1 defeat to Notts County in October.
For The Record…Saddlers v Cobblers…
Games Played: 75
Walsall wins: 30
Draws: 16
Cobblers wins: 29
Team News
Daniel Jones is available after resigning for on loan from Wolves for the rest of the season and goes straight into the squad. Poul Hubertz is hoping to shake off a viral infection in time for the trip to the Bescott but Ian Henderson, scorer of two goals in the reserves in midweek, and Colin Larkin are both fit to stake a claim to replace the striker if needed. Giles Coke could start after recent appearances from the bench but Chris Doig and Brett Johnson remain on the sidelines.
Walsall welcome back Mark Bradley from an ankle injury after he was forced out of the 1-0 win over Luton. Striker Stefan Moore could feature again after grabbing the winner at Kenilworth Road. But Alassane N’Dour could miss out with a thigh strain picked up in training last week.
The Story so far…Walsall in 2007/08…
Walsall sit in a playoff place going into the game as they look for back to back promotions.The Saddlers had a tough start to life in League One, losing five of their opening six games and picking up just a point in their first month, on the opening day against Carlisle United.Richard
Money's side picked up their first win, though, in September (a 2-1 win at Millwall) and momentum began to build for the side, who then went on to record further away wins at Hartlepool (1-0) and Doncaster (3-2). Their first home win of the season came in a thumping 4-0 success over Huddersfield Town, Tommy Mooney wrapping up the win with the final goal.The following week, they gained a good point at Tranmere but were beaten at home by Southend United. A 1-1 draw at Bournemouth kept their away form rolling on and a 2-0 home win over Cheltenham Town began November well for the newly promoted side.
Another point on the road, this time a draw with Brighton, was followed by a 2-0 win over Shrewsbury Town in the first round of the F.A. Cup. Walsall were help to a goalless draw at home to Luton Town in League One before a 2-0 win at Sixfields lifted them up to tenth in League One.
The Cobblers then drew with Walsall in the F.A. Cup but the Saddlers followed up with a home win over Nottingham Forest and a draw at Crewe. A late winner in the cup replay saw us off in mid December before a Tommy Mooney goal helped them to a 1-1 draw with Leeds at The Bescot. The Christmas period saw the side record seven points from three games with a 3-0 win over Millwall, a draw with Port Vale and a 2-0 win at Oldham in the final game of 2007.
2008 began with a draw against Doncaster and then goals from Scott Dann and Alex Nicholls earned a 2-0 success at Yeovil. The unbeaten run continued with draws against Swindon and Bristol Rovers before a 2-1 home win over Gillingham kept momentum going. January closed with a goalless draw against Leyton Orient.
February began with Walsall’s first defeat of the calendar year as Carlisle won 2-0 at Brunton Park but they bounced back by completing the double over Yeovil in a 2-0 win at home, Kevin Betsy sealing the win late on. Defeat at top club Swansea was again recovered from with a thumping win at Swindon, 3-0, before last weekend’s single goal win at Luton moved the Saddlers into 5th place.
Recent Meetings…
11/12/07: WALSALL 1-0 COBBLERS (F.A. Cup Second Round Replay)
A Michael Ricketts penalty with five minutes to go hands Walsall progress to Round Three.
01/12/07: COBBLERS 1-1 WALSALL (F.A. Cup Second Round)
Tommy Mooney put the visitors in front in the F.A. Cup Second Round but Andy Kirk forced tonight’s replay.
24/05/07: COBBLERS 0-2 WALSALL
Mark Bradley and substitute Ishmel Demontagnac seal a comfortable win at Sixfields last weekend.
05/05/01: COBBLERS 0-3 WALSALL
Brett Angel scores a second half hat-trick on the final day of the 2000/01 season as Walsall end the season in style.
25/11/00: WALSALL 3-0 COBBLERS
Jorge Leitao gives the home side an early lead and they never look back, as Paul Hall and Brett Angel seal a comfortable win.
23/02/09: COBBLERS 0-1 WALSALL
Darko Mavrak scores the only goal of the game in 65th minute to give Walsall all three points.
The Man in the Middle…
The referee for tomorrow’s game is Mr. Haines, who last took charge of a Cobblers game back in November as we lost out 1-0 at Crewe. The official has produced just one red card all season, dismissing Wrexham’s Silvio Spann in their 2-1 defeat to Notts County in October.
For The Record…Saddlers v Cobblers…
Games Played: 75
Walsall wins: 30
Draws: 16
Cobblers wins: 29
Jones makes Sixfields return
The Cobblers have resigned Daniel Jones on loan from Wolves until the end of the season while Mark Little has signed on at Sixfields for a third and final month as the club look to make a late push for the playoffs.
Jones, who spent most of the first half of the season at Sixfields, was reportedly frustrated at the lack of first team chances with his parent club and rejoins Stuart Gray for the remainder of the campaign.
Stuart Gray was delighted to see Jones, who struck three goals in his previous loan spell with club, return. He said, “We are delighted that Daniel is coming back. He doesn’t need any introduction. We know all about Daniel and he knows all about us, and I am sure that he is looking forward to getting stuck in again.”
“It’s only been a few weeks since he was with us, so hopefully he will be able to hit the ground running. We have a busy spell coming up in the next few weeks and having Daniel here again is a big boost.”
The loan deal that Jones has signed also includes a 24 hour recall for Wolves that becomes active after 28 days. Meanwhile, Mark Little’s loan extension will expire after the game at home to Luton Town at the start of April.
Jones, who spent most of the first half of the season at Sixfields, was reportedly frustrated at the lack of first team chances with his parent club and rejoins Stuart Gray for the remainder of the campaign.
Stuart Gray was delighted to see Jones, who struck three goals in his previous loan spell with club, return. He said, “We are delighted that Daniel is coming back. He doesn’t need any introduction. We know all about Daniel and he knows all about us, and I am sure that he is looking forward to getting stuck in again.”
“It’s only been a few weeks since he was with us, so hopefully he will be able to hit the ground running. We have a busy spell coming up in the next few weeks and having Daniel here again is a big boost.”
The loan deal that Jones has signed also includes a 24 hour recall for Wolves that becomes active after 28 days. Meanwhile, Mark Little’s loan extension will expire after the game at home to Luton Town at the start of April.
Thursday, March 06, 2008
No Saints 4-4 Red Stripe
In a rare draw last night, we were held by Red Stripe in an entertaining 4-4 score line. After last week’s collapse after being 3-0 to the good, we once again suffered an almighty coming off the rails at the same score but this time were able to fight back to claim a point.
Dave struck first with his now traditional early goal before Abib made it 2-0 on his return to the side. I grabbed a third after good work from Jamie but Red Stripe fought back as the game got more intense by the minute with tempers flaring all over the park. We were 4-3 behind before we knew it but Abib popped up with an equaliser with just over five minutes to play to set up an exciting conclusion.
Dave agonisingly hit the bar in the closing stages as we finished strong but couldn’t find the winner. But at least the run of defeats is now over and we can look forward to our one year anniversary game next Wednesday knowing we’re off the mark this season!
Dave struck first with his now traditional early goal before Abib made it 2-0 on his return to the side. I grabbed a third after good work from Jamie but Red Stripe fought back as the game got more intense by the minute with tempers flaring all over the park. We were 4-3 behind before we knew it but Abib popped up with an equaliser with just over five minutes to play to set up an exciting conclusion.
Dave agonisingly hit the bar in the closing stages as we finished strong but couldn’t find the winner. But at least the run of defeats is now over and we can look forward to our one year anniversary game next Wednesday knowing we’re off the mark this season!
Wednesday, March 05, 2008
No Saints vs Red Stripe Preview...
And so to Week Two of the birthday season for No Saints. Next Wednesday sees us play exactly a year after our first ever game but tonight we need to focus on getting a result to kick start the season following last week’s turnover by Rat Madrid.
Abib is set to return following his absence last week but we’re without Andy and Will as we go in search of our first win of 2008. I’ve got rid of a stomach bug that had me down as a doubt yesterday but that’s all cleared in time.
Dave, Jamie and Phil (2) were on the score sheet last week so will be looking to add to their tallies against one of the new teams in the league. Red Stripe last week recorded a 10-4 victory so will be stern opposition.
Abib is set to return following his absence last week but we’re without Andy and Will as we go in search of our first win of 2008. I’ve got rid of a stomach bug that had me down as a doubt yesterday but that’s all cleared in time.
Dave, Jamie and Phil (2) were on the score sheet last week so will be looking to add to their tallies against one of the new teams in the league. Red Stripe last week recorded a 10-4 victory so will be stern opposition.
The Midweek Review...05/03/08...
So the clean sheets go on but the momentum has been stopped by a dogged Crewe side that came to Sixfields and earned a draw that they probably, and annoyingly, deserved. As Bayo and Hoobs were starved of clear cut chances, the need for another loan forward is now the aim as we look to finish strongly.
The atmosphere was one of “you entertain us before we make noise” again at Sixfields despite knowing that a win could have (and would have) taken us to within three points of the top six. It was a massive chance to get up closer to the playoff places so it was disappointing that we lacked atmosphere once again. It does show the expectation levels have changed but a top half finish would still be a very good achievement for a side with our limitations.
Crewe could have stolen all three points had it not been for the heroics once again of Mark Bunn. The one save he had to make in the first half was straight out of the top drawer and at least helped us to a clean sheet. Mark Little was outstanding again and was unlucky to lose out for man of the match to Danny Jackman.
Giles Coke looked confident when he came off the bench and his presence in midfield is something we were very much lacking in the first half of the season. Surely he’s in for a start at Walsall, a game which could well define our season.
Defeat at the Bescott Stadium would be fatal to the outside chances of the playoffs but we owe them a beating this season after the cup exit on a replay and the league defeat at Sixfields. They’re on a terrific run of form and sit in 5th place in the table going into the game so it’ll be as difficult as they come as we look to resurrect the ambitious assault up the table.
We follow the trip to Walsall with a jaunt to Bristol to take on those gas heads Rovers and the points accumulation from these two games is vital in the final run in. Around four points would keep the hopes alive for the playoffs but anything less and we could have a run-in where we’re not playing for anything other than league positions.
Stuart Gray has been trying in vain to bring in a loan striker to supplement Hubertz and Akinfenwa and a bid to lure Izale Mcleod this week failed as the former Dons striker joined Colchester instead to help them out with their battle against the League One drop. Rumour has it that another target is Matty Fryatt, currently out of favour at Leicester, and someone of that standard could be a lethal weapon for the final frontier of 07/08.
For now though we make do and Hoobs and Bayo will surely relish the battle of the Bescott on Saturday. The reports on Walsall’s pitch say that it’s cut up a bit and not one for playing football on but this could well suit our front two.
We can only keep believing that our season can still end in glory. Last night’s results mean we’re back in the bottom half but despite the Crewe draw we’re still just five points off the top six with a cluster of teams laying in wait to make a late assault.
Up The Cobblers!
Danny
The atmosphere was one of “you entertain us before we make noise” again at Sixfields despite knowing that a win could have (and would have) taken us to within three points of the top six. It was a massive chance to get up closer to the playoff places so it was disappointing that we lacked atmosphere once again. It does show the expectation levels have changed but a top half finish would still be a very good achievement for a side with our limitations.
Crewe could have stolen all three points had it not been for the heroics once again of Mark Bunn. The one save he had to make in the first half was straight out of the top drawer and at least helped us to a clean sheet. Mark Little was outstanding again and was unlucky to lose out for man of the match to Danny Jackman.
Giles Coke looked confident when he came off the bench and his presence in midfield is something we were very much lacking in the first half of the season. Surely he’s in for a start at Walsall, a game which could well define our season.
Defeat at the Bescott Stadium would be fatal to the outside chances of the playoffs but we owe them a beating this season after the cup exit on a replay and the league defeat at Sixfields. They’re on a terrific run of form and sit in 5th place in the table going into the game so it’ll be as difficult as they come as we look to resurrect the ambitious assault up the table.
We follow the trip to Walsall with a jaunt to Bristol to take on those gas heads Rovers and the points accumulation from these two games is vital in the final run in. Around four points would keep the hopes alive for the playoffs but anything less and we could have a run-in where we’re not playing for anything other than league positions.
Stuart Gray has been trying in vain to bring in a loan striker to supplement Hubertz and Akinfenwa and a bid to lure Izale Mcleod this week failed as the former Dons striker joined Colchester instead to help them out with their battle against the League One drop. Rumour has it that another target is Matty Fryatt, currently out of favour at Leicester, and someone of that standard could be a lethal weapon for the final frontier of 07/08.
For now though we make do and Hoobs and Bayo will surely relish the battle of the Bescott on Saturday. The reports on Walsall’s pitch say that it’s cut up a bit and not one for playing football on but this could well suit our front two.
We can only keep believing that our season can still end in glory. Last night’s results mean we’re back in the bottom half but despite the Crewe draw we’re still just five points off the top six with a cluster of teams laying in wait to make a late assault.
Up The Cobblers!
Danny
Sunday, March 02, 2008
Northampton Town 0-0 Crewe Alexandra
The Cobblers were held to a goalless draw on Saturday as we missed the chance to move within three points of the top six. In a frustrating afternoon at Sixfields, Crewe defended well to earn a point and shut out Stuart Gray’s side.
Gray named an unchanged side to the one that saw off Hartlepool a week ago and we came out of the blocks well early on. Ryan Gilligan had the first effort on goal that Ben Williams tipped wide before Joe Burnell shot over the bar from range.
Mark Little had to clear the ball close to his own goal line in Crewe’s first chance as Mark Bunn was lobbed and Little had to hook the ball away. A goalmouth scramble followed but the Cobblers managed to clear the danger.
Poul Hubertz created a chance for Jason Crowe minutes later as he dummied the ball and Crowe ran onto it before smashing the ball just over. Adebayo Akinfenwa could have given us the lead mid-way through the half as he first had a shot cleared away and then knocked the rebound just inches wide of Williams’ post.
Mark Bunn kept the scores level on the half hour mark by making a superb save to his left from a Daniel O’Donnell shot away and then recovered to stop the rebound as well. Danny Jackman shot wide late in the half but the sides went in goalless at the break.
The second half saw the tempo die down a little until the hour mark when Jason Crowe was seemingly dragged down in the area by Williams but referee Mr Hayward waved play on.
Giles Coke was introduced in place of Ryan Gilligan as he looked to score after coming off the bench for the third game in a row. Fellow substitute Jonathon Hayes had a shot saved in the closing stages as we looked to get the vital breakthrough. But a stubborn Crewe defensive line blocked us off despite a flurry of late corners they held out and we had to settle for just the single point.
Gray named an unchanged side to the one that saw off Hartlepool a week ago and we came out of the blocks well early on. Ryan Gilligan had the first effort on goal that Ben Williams tipped wide before Joe Burnell shot over the bar from range.
Mark Little had to clear the ball close to his own goal line in Crewe’s first chance as Mark Bunn was lobbed and Little had to hook the ball away. A goalmouth scramble followed but the Cobblers managed to clear the danger.
Poul Hubertz created a chance for Jason Crowe minutes later as he dummied the ball and Crowe ran onto it before smashing the ball just over. Adebayo Akinfenwa could have given us the lead mid-way through the half as he first had a shot cleared away and then knocked the rebound just inches wide of Williams’ post.
Mark Bunn kept the scores level on the half hour mark by making a superb save to his left from a Daniel O’Donnell shot away and then recovered to stop the rebound as well. Danny Jackman shot wide late in the half but the sides went in goalless at the break.
The second half saw the tempo die down a little until the hour mark when Jason Crowe was seemingly dragged down in the area by Williams but referee Mr Hayward waved play on.
Giles Coke was introduced in place of Ryan Gilligan as he looked to score after coming off the bench for the third game in a row. Fellow substitute Jonathon Hayes had a shot saved in the closing stages as we looked to get the vital breakthrough. But a stubborn Crewe defensive line blocked us off despite a flurry of late corners they held out and we had to settle for just the single point.
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