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
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