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
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