In the final midweek review before the season comes to an end this Saturday I look back on the away day at Port Vale and the varying degrees of success on the road this season.
Vale was a typical end of season affair but entertaining nonetheless. The inflatable crocodile being thrown around provided most of the entertainment for the opening 20 minutes or so before the game came into life and we had a quick fire double from Gilligan and Holt to give us a “comfortable” lead.
Marc Richards got his inevitable goal following a scramble and the fight back was on. The Cobblers needed half time and it looked like we were settling again in the second half when Vale equalised. From then on it was a case of frustration up front for us as we upped the tempo in search of the winner.
Giles Coke had a fantastic couple of bursts and more of the same from him next season would be very nice! Bayo looked again like he was struggling but I’m convinced that with a pre-season behind him he can be an asset. Gilligan has been deserving of his goal burst of late and will hopefully sign his new deal soon having gone from uncertain midfielder to grafter at both ends in a matter of months.
Of course it had to be 2-2 in the final away game of the season. And of course we had to go 2-0 up and concede the lead; it just about summed up a season of “what ifs” on our travels. Leads have been thrown away at Tranmere, Orient, Forest, Southend and now Vale and just a couple of those being turned into wins could well have given us something more from the season.
I’ve come up with a list of my favourite away trips this season, memorable for whatever reason and the joy of the away day is that everyone has their own memories. But my top trips include:
Bournemouth (September 15th) 1-1
The hottest day of the year greeted us and the fact that it was my birthday weekend made it even better. Not the greatest of games as Colin Larkin grabbed a point but a superb weekend all round as my friends rallied round to join my on a birthday trip!
Millwall (October 2nd) 0-2
A dire night all round- we rushed up after work on the train from Southampton, legged it to the ground and were then told that the team bus was late and kick off was delayed! The team never recovered from a short warm-up and we performed awfully to go down 2-0.
Crewe (November 17th) 0-1
A totally awful game but meeting random fans of other teams en route to games plus a very nice stop off in Stafford meant it was a good day out all the same.
Nottingham Forest (December 15th) 2-2
It seemed all too easy for Forest early on and it looked like we were in for a severe beating until Hoobs and Jones put us 2-1 up inside a five minute period in the second half. Junior Agogo headed home in stoppage time to earn Forest a draw but the fight we showed at the City Ground went a long way to easing the pain of seven games without a win.
Leeds (5th January) 0-3
Outplayed, outclassed and with injuries meaning we were no match for the home side, all that gets this game onto the list is the fact that we were playing at Elland Road! The five hour trip back to Southampton wasn’t nice!
Yeovil (February 12th) 0-1
Another poor game but the fact that we were told it would take half an hour to walk from our hotel to Huish Park was totally wrong, meaning we missed the first 20 minutes, made it memorable for the wrong reasons! The last minute winner for Yeovil put the icing on the cake.
Southend (April 12th) 1-1
A group of us descended on Southend for the weekend to take in the game and then a night out and although playoff hopes were ended it was another fantastic road trip to combine with a game.
Finishing that list and I’ve just realised that I haven’t actually seen us win away all season as I missed out on all five successes at Oldham, Huddersfield, Gillingham, Hartlepool and Walsall!
We end the season with a home game against Tranmere with a place in the top ten at stake. Victory will guarantee that we finish in our highest league position for many a year and for that we should be congratulated.
Alex Dyer has won the young player of the season award after breaking into the first team while Bunny looks odds on to retain the senior crown. Jason Crowe looks likely to be the one who pushes him the hardest this time around.
It’ll be strange being without a Town game for a few months again but let’s hope that we go away for the summer break with real hope for the 2008/09 campaign!
Up The Cobblers!
Danny
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Saturday, April 26, 2008
Port Vale 2-2 Northampton Town
The Cobblers lost a two goal lead this afternoon as relegated Port Vale grabbed a point to send us out of the top ten of the league table.
There’s always a sense of extra excitement for an away day when it’s a new ground you’re visiting. Vale Park had passed me by on a few occasions over the years with the games falling in midweek or, as in the case of the ill-fated 3-2 collapse in 2003, down to a London Marathon run.
So it was a good feeling to be on the way to Stoke-on-Trent for the final away game of the season and nice to be in a relaxed mood that nothing could possibly go too wrong with nothing to play for and nothing at stake. The temptation of the top ten loomed though and we were looking at seeing the first over achieving Cobblers side for many a year.
I jumped on the train at 9:15; a relatively late wake up compared to some journeys, and decided to treat myself with it being payday the day before so chose the £10 upgrade to First Class for the first time!
The plan was to meet Tim and Debs at Coventry station as they had kindly offered a lift from, and back, there. I looked forward to seeing the Sixfields Boys flag that Tim had been glorifying since its purchase at the start of the season. This was to be the flags’ first airing.
Meeting up with Mr and Mrs Wazza and Dad in the Trust Travel pub stop location of Stone, we spent a good hour and half pondering the day and the season gone by before making the short hop to Vale Park, narrowly missing an angry Stokeonian on a roundabout after we lost the buses we were following!
We got there just in time for kick off and there were no surprises in Stuart Gray’s line-up with Poul Hubertz again pushed wide and Adebayo Akinfenwa alone up front.
Danny Glover had the first effort on goal for the home side just after the ten minute mark with a dipping shot just wide while at the other end Danny Jackman shot over the bar from long range in the Cobblers’ first attempt.
Poul Hubertz hit a stinging volley just over the bar but the Cobblers were soon in front after a good move involving Jason Crowe and Adebayo Akinfenwa. The ball was pushed on to Ryan Gilligan who shot the ball home from just inside the area for his second goal in two games.
The vast travelling support, taking advantage of the cheap tickets, had barely sat down again when we managed to get a second. Crowe again helped to set it up as his cross evaded everyone except the onrushing Andy Holt at the back post and the midfielder got the ball first to head the ball home at the far post.
Port Vale came back into the game though and very nearly had an immediate response. Danny Whitaker was sent clear on goal, rounded Mark Bunn and shot towards goal ut Gabor Gyepes was on hand to deflect the ball wide.
But moments later and they had halved the deficit. After a scramble in the goal mouth, former Cobbler Marc Richards applied a finishing touch and made it 2-1. Richards then went so close to levelling the scores with a header but the crossbar came to our rescue as the half neared its conclusion.
The Cobblers needed the half time whistle to settle down again but minutes after the break the home side had the equaliser. Danny Glover was set up by Richards and fired the ball past Bunn at his near post to complete the fight back.
The game then became open and either side could have gone on to win it. Giles Coke came right into the game for the Cobblers and hit a volley just wide as he began to make his mark on the game.
Coke made a couple of good breaks from midfield and almost gave us the lead again with just over ten minutes to go, running through the Vale defence before shooting low left footed but Vale keeper Chris Martin got a vital touch to the ball.
In stoppage time, a cross from Daniel Jones on the left hand side narrowly missed the head of Akinfenwa as the big front man got a slight touch on the ball but not enough to trouble Martin or the goal
So the game ended all square as the Cobblers let a two goal lead slip. We now know that we can still finish as high as 8th place with a win over Tranmere Rovers in the last game of the season next week whilst the lowest we can finish is 12th.
There’s always a sense of extra excitement for an away day when it’s a new ground you’re visiting. Vale Park had passed me by on a few occasions over the years with the games falling in midweek or, as in the case of the ill-fated 3-2 collapse in 2003, down to a London Marathon run.
So it was a good feeling to be on the way to Stoke-on-Trent for the final away game of the season and nice to be in a relaxed mood that nothing could possibly go too wrong with nothing to play for and nothing at stake. The temptation of the top ten loomed though and we were looking at seeing the first over achieving Cobblers side for many a year.
I jumped on the train at 9:15; a relatively late wake up compared to some journeys, and decided to treat myself with it being payday the day before so chose the £10 upgrade to First Class for the first time!
The plan was to meet Tim and Debs at Coventry station as they had kindly offered a lift from, and back, there. I looked forward to seeing the Sixfields Boys flag that Tim had been glorifying since its purchase at the start of the season. This was to be the flags’ first airing.
Meeting up with Mr and Mrs Wazza and Dad in the Trust Travel pub stop location of Stone, we spent a good hour and half pondering the day and the season gone by before making the short hop to Vale Park, narrowly missing an angry Stokeonian on a roundabout after we lost the buses we were following!
We got there just in time for kick off and there were no surprises in Stuart Gray’s line-up with Poul Hubertz again pushed wide and Adebayo Akinfenwa alone up front.
Danny Glover had the first effort on goal for the home side just after the ten minute mark with a dipping shot just wide while at the other end Danny Jackman shot over the bar from long range in the Cobblers’ first attempt.
Poul Hubertz hit a stinging volley just over the bar but the Cobblers were soon in front after a good move involving Jason Crowe and Adebayo Akinfenwa. The ball was pushed on to Ryan Gilligan who shot the ball home from just inside the area for his second goal in two games.
The vast travelling support, taking advantage of the cheap tickets, had barely sat down again when we managed to get a second. Crowe again helped to set it up as his cross evaded everyone except the onrushing Andy Holt at the back post and the midfielder got the ball first to head the ball home at the far post.
Port Vale came back into the game though and very nearly had an immediate response. Danny Whitaker was sent clear on goal, rounded Mark Bunn and shot towards goal ut Gabor Gyepes was on hand to deflect the ball wide.
But moments later and they had halved the deficit. After a scramble in the goal mouth, former Cobbler Marc Richards applied a finishing touch and made it 2-1. Richards then went so close to levelling the scores with a header but the crossbar came to our rescue as the half neared its conclusion.
The Cobblers needed the half time whistle to settle down again but minutes after the break the home side had the equaliser. Danny Glover was set up by Richards and fired the ball past Bunn at his near post to complete the fight back.
The game then became open and either side could have gone on to win it. Giles Coke came right into the game for the Cobblers and hit a volley just wide as he began to make his mark on the game.
Coke made a couple of good breaks from midfield and almost gave us the lead again with just over ten minutes to go, running through the Vale defence before shooting low left footed but Vale keeper Chris Martin got a vital touch to the ball.
In stoppage time, a cross from Daniel Jones on the left hand side narrowly missed the head of Akinfenwa as the big front man got a slight touch on the ball but not enough to trouble Martin or the goal
So the game ended all square as the Cobblers let a two goal lead slip. We now know that we can still finish as high as 8th place with a win over Tranmere Rovers in the last game of the season next week whilst the lowest we can finish is 12th.
Friday, April 25, 2008
Port Vale (A) Preview...
In the final away game of the season we head to Vale Park tomorrow afternoon to face a side that are already relegated and who were hammered 6-0 at Swindon last week. Stuart Gray will be looking to cement a place in the top ten of League One with a victory and maybe even push for a place even higher up the table.
Team News
On loan Leicester midfielder Jonathon Hayes injured himself in the reserve team defeat to Colchester in midweek so he has returned to his parent club. Ian Henderson also picked up a knock and is a doubt for the trip whilst Mark Hughes is out for the season but apart from that there are no new injury worries for Stuart Gray.
Port Vale will be looking to bounce back from that hammering at Swindon last week and have doubts over Cobblers January target Luke Rodgers and Robin Hulbert. Shane Tudor and Colin Miles are definitely missing with knee and medial ligament injuries respectively.
Recent Meetings…
06/10/07: COBBLERS 2-1 PORT VALE
Andy Kirk’s double in the first half gives the Cobblers a comfortable half time lead. On loan Southampton forward David McGoldrick hits back in the second half but we hold on for a third straight home victory.
06/02/07: PORT VALE 1-0 COBBLERS
A Danny Whitaker goal just after half-time gives Vale all three points and keeps the Cobblers in the relegation fight.
30/09/06: COBBLERS 0-2 PORT VALE
George Pilkington and loan signing Stefan Moore score in the first half an hour to seal a Sixfields win for The Valiants.
12/04/03: PORT VALE 3-2 COBBLERS
In an incredible finish to the game at Vale Park, two injury time goals put us closer to the drop. Marco Gabbiadini equalises a Michael Walsh opener before Lawrie Dudfield thinks he’s won the game as he scores in the 89th minute. But the home side incredibly hit back with goals from Adrian Littlejohn and Peter Clarke in stoppage time to all but relegate the Cobblers.
23/11/02: COBBLERS 3-0 PORT VALE
Marco Gabbiadini scores twice and Jamie Forrester seals the win with his 50th goal for the club.
26/02/02: COBBLERS 1-0 PORT VALE
Jamie Forrester’s 19th minute strike is enough to hand us a home victory.
The Man in the Middle…
Mr East takes charge of tomorrow’s encounter and comes into the game having shown five red cards and sixty yellows so far this season. East overlooked the Cobblers’ 1-0 home defeat to Southend United back in November and has refereed as high up as the Championship in 2008.
For The Record…Valiants v Cobblers…
Games Played: 60
Vale Wins: 19
Draws: 16
Cobblers Wins: 25
Team News
On loan Leicester midfielder Jonathon Hayes injured himself in the reserve team defeat to Colchester in midweek so he has returned to his parent club. Ian Henderson also picked up a knock and is a doubt for the trip whilst Mark Hughes is out for the season but apart from that there are no new injury worries for Stuart Gray.
Port Vale will be looking to bounce back from that hammering at Swindon last week and have doubts over Cobblers January target Luke Rodgers and Robin Hulbert. Shane Tudor and Colin Miles are definitely missing with knee and medial ligament injuries respectively.
Recent Meetings…
06/10/07: COBBLERS 2-1 PORT VALE
Andy Kirk’s double in the first half gives the Cobblers a comfortable half time lead. On loan Southampton forward David McGoldrick hits back in the second half but we hold on for a third straight home victory.
06/02/07: PORT VALE 1-0 COBBLERS
A Danny Whitaker goal just after half-time gives Vale all three points and keeps the Cobblers in the relegation fight.
30/09/06: COBBLERS 0-2 PORT VALE
George Pilkington and loan signing Stefan Moore score in the first half an hour to seal a Sixfields win for The Valiants.
12/04/03: PORT VALE 3-2 COBBLERS
In an incredible finish to the game at Vale Park, two injury time goals put us closer to the drop. Marco Gabbiadini equalises a Michael Walsh opener before Lawrie Dudfield thinks he’s won the game as he scores in the 89th minute. But the home side incredibly hit back with goals from Adrian Littlejohn and Peter Clarke in stoppage time to all but relegate the Cobblers.
23/11/02: COBBLERS 3-0 PORT VALE
Marco Gabbiadini scores twice and Jamie Forrester seals the win with his 50th goal for the club.
26/02/02: COBBLERS 1-0 PORT VALE
Jamie Forrester’s 19th minute strike is enough to hand us a home victory.
The Man in the Middle…
Mr East takes charge of tomorrow’s encounter and comes into the game having shown five red cards and sixty yellows so far this season. East overlooked the Cobblers’ 1-0 home defeat to Southend United back in November and has refereed as high up as the Championship in 2008.
For The Record…Valiants v Cobblers…
Games Played: 60
Vale Wins: 19
Draws: 16
Cobblers Wins: 25
No Saints 1-6 Drunk and Horny
No Saints slipped to the foot of the League Two table after a defeat to the top side in the division as Drunk and Horny won their ninth game in a row.
Despite a plucky first half effort that saw us go in just 2-1 down thanks to a route one type goal from Abib, the top side came further into the game in the second half to hammer home their advantage despite No Saints having eight available players in the squad.
The defeat now means we head into the final game of the season next week needing the two sides above us to both lose and for us to win to stay in League Two so it'll be a tough ask. But in true No Saints spirit we will fight to the end despite looking like having a depleted squad already!
Despite a plucky first half effort that saw us go in just 2-1 down thanks to a route one type goal from Abib, the top side came further into the game in the second half to hammer home their advantage despite No Saints having eight available players in the squad.
The defeat now means we head into the final game of the season next week needing the two sides above us to both lose and for us to win to stay in League Two so it'll be a tough ask. But in true No Saints spirit we will fight to the end despite looking like having a depleted squad already!
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
Problems at both ends
Last night Liverpool and Chelsea played out a draw in the Champions League as a late own goal handed Avram Grant and his blue boys a lifeline. There has surely never been so much unrest at both clubs going into a European semi-final and so much uncertainty with the fans. Liverpool are being ripped apart by Hicks and Gillett while Chelsea are “underachieving” under Grant.
It’s a shame to see the focus so much off the actual game and so much on the terraces as we saw George Gillet, Tom Hicks, Rick Parry and Grant all squirming in their seats. Meanwhile, a few miles south and something far less publicised last night was going on that really is threatening a football club.
Wrexham’s 2-0 defeat at Hereford ended their 87 year existence in the football league and condemned them to non-league football. The welsh side have never really recovered from the ten point deduction that cruelly robbed them of a League One place a couple of seasons ago and it’s been downhill ever since then.
Brian Little is one of the better managers and football people out there and it remains to be seen as to whether he’ll stick with the club. It’s a shame to see that he couldn’t manage to turn things around at the Dragons and I’m sure their fans will be hoping he hangs on and gives non league a go.
Relegation could be a financial nightmare for them and you have to have a heart of stone to not feel sorry for the sides dropping out of the league at this stage of the season. Boston United’s plight meant that they couldn’t even start in the conference and were dropped down two leagues into the abyss and there are a million other stories that go unnoticed to the average fan of a top flight side.
So Liverpool and Chelsea fans out there take a look down a few leagues (yes, a league called League Two really does exist!) and then compare your problems to Wrexham fans. Maybe then you will appreciate that you’re actually in not too bad a state!
It’s a shame to see the focus so much off the actual game and so much on the terraces as we saw George Gillet, Tom Hicks, Rick Parry and Grant all squirming in their seats. Meanwhile, a few miles south and something far less publicised last night was going on that really is threatening a football club.
Wrexham’s 2-0 defeat at Hereford ended their 87 year existence in the football league and condemned them to non-league football. The welsh side have never really recovered from the ten point deduction that cruelly robbed them of a League One place a couple of seasons ago and it’s been downhill ever since then.
Brian Little is one of the better managers and football people out there and it remains to be seen as to whether he’ll stick with the club. It’s a shame to see that he couldn’t manage to turn things around at the Dragons and I’m sure their fans will be hoping he hangs on and gives non league a go.
Relegation could be a financial nightmare for them and you have to have a heart of stone to not feel sorry for the sides dropping out of the league at this stage of the season. Boston United’s plight meant that they couldn’t even start in the conference and were dropped down two leagues into the abyss and there are a million other stories that go unnoticed to the average fan of a top flight side.
So Liverpool and Chelsea fans out there take a look down a few leagues (yes, a league called League Two really does exist!) and then compare your problems to Wrexham fans. Maybe then you will appreciate that you’re actually in not too bad a state!
The Midweek Review...23/04/08...
And so we begin to wind down the season and the Oldham win means that we have still only been beaten once at home in 2008. Gilligan and Holt earned their new deals but Hoobs is off along with Johnson, May and Burnell. So there’s plenty to ponder this week as we prepare for the trip to relegated Port Vale.
The Oldham win seemed one of the most comfortable victories of the season and it’s strange how a side like Luton can cause us a whole lot more problems than Oldham, who we replaced in tenth place at the weekend. Reports I hear were of another poor game but Andy Holt starred in his midfield role while Gilligan got a goal he’s been working at getting for a long time.
Giles Coke seems to be really coming into his own now as he gets fitter by the game. With a full pre-season behind him he could be a lethal weapon at this level come August and the start of the 08/09 campaign. A fifth goal of the season for him set the ball rolling before Gilly’s second rounded things off and we break into the top ten.
Retained List
Many people were surprised at the release of Poul Hubertz this week as Stuart Gray announced his retained list. Hoobs has played a major role in this season, knocking in twelve goals and has become a popular figure on the terraces. I can only assume that he either wanted a move away that badly that he asked for the contract to not be renewed or that Gray felt that his wages would be better spent on a younger model.
Brett Johnson will be disappointed that his injury came when it did, otherwise he could well have been staying at Sixfields. Joe Burnell has never really had that much about him at this level and although he was a consistent member of the first eleven we need something more in midfield, something that Coke clearly gives us.
The summer will be an interesting one with Gray’s main focus clearly on the attack and midfield. Bayo has yet to have a decision made on him as to whether he will be offered a contract so that could well be a call by Gray for him to get his finger out and start performing in the final two games to earn the contract. After a storming start here, Bayo has gone off the boil a bit in recent weeks and will need to impress at Vale and at home to Tranmere in the run-in.
Onwards to Vale Park
Port Vale were hammered 6-0 last week at Swindon with a 17-year-old goalkeeper having a nightmare of a debut between the sticks. They will be wanting to show something in their final home game of the season to give their fans something to hope for next time around in League Two. Usually you find a team that’s just been beaten heavily want to prove something in the next game so we could be facing a fired up side on Saturday.
You would still fancy our chances of success though and three points would cement a top ten position and guarantee a top half finish at least. Aiming even higher and slip ups could mean we’re as high as eighth come Saturday at 5pm!
The ticket prices at Vale have been severely reduced to just £8 so that could persuade a few more Town fans to make the trip and the final away game usually attracts a decent number anyway. Let’s hope we can send Vale down in style!
Up The Cobblers!
Danny
The Oldham win seemed one of the most comfortable victories of the season and it’s strange how a side like Luton can cause us a whole lot more problems than Oldham, who we replaced in tenth place at the weekend. Reports I hear were of another poor game but Andy Holt starred in his midfield role while Gilligan got a goal he’s been working at getting for a long time.
Giles Coke seems to be really coming into his own now as he gets fitter by the game. With a full pre-season behind him he could be a lethal weapon at this level come August and the start of the 08/09 campaign. A fifth goal of the season for him set the ball rolling before Gilly’s second rounded things off and we break into the top ten.
Retained List
Many people were surprised at the release of Poul Hubertz this week as Stuart Gray announced his retained list. Hoobs has played a major role in this season, knocking in twelve goals and has become a popular figure on the terraces. I can only assume that he either wanted a move away that badly that he asked for the contract to not be renewed or that Gray felt that his wages would be better spent on a younger model.
Brett Johnson will be disappointed that his injury came when it did, otherwise he could well have been staying at Sixfields. Joe Burnell has never really had that much about him at this level and although he was a consistent member of the first eleven we need something more in midfield, something that Coke clearly gives us.
The summer will be an interesting one with Gray’s main focus clearly on the attack and midfield. Bayo has yet to have a decision made on him as to whether he will be offered a contract so that could well be a call by Gray for him to get his finger out and start performing in the final two games to earn the contract. After a storming start here, Bayo has gone off the boil a bit in recent weeks and will need to impress at Vale and at home to Tranmere in the run-in.
Onwards to Vale Park
Port Vale were hammered 6-0 last week at Swindon with a 17-year-old goalkeeper having a nightmare of a debut between the sticks. They will be wanting to show something in their final home game of the season to give their fans something to hope for next time around in League Two. Usually you find a team that’s just been beaten heavily want to prove something in the next game so we could be facing a fired up side on Saturday.
You would still fancy our chances of success though and three points would cement a top ten position and guarantee a top half finish at least. Aiming even higher and slip ups could mean we’re as high as eighth come Saturday at 5pm!
The ticket prices at Vale have been severely reduced to just £8 so that could persuade a few more Town fans to make the trip and the final away game usually attracts a decent number anyway. Let’s hope we can send Vale down in style!
Up The Cobblers!
Danny
Monday, April 21, 2008
Hubertz heading out of Sixfields
Poul Hubertz will not be offered a new contract at the end of this campaign. The Cobblers’ leading goal scorer is rumoured to be heading back to his native Denmark in the summer and has not been given a new deal by Stuart Gray after the Cobblers boss named his retained list this morning.
Also heading out of Sixfields are Joe Burnell, Brett Johnson and Danny May. Ryan Gilligan has been offered a new contract, as has Andy Holt whilst Adebayo Akinfenwa is waiting in the wings without a decision made on him just yet.
Hubertz joined the club last summer on a free transfer from Millwall and has hit twelve goals this season. But his time at Sixfields looks now to be over and the 31-year-old will leave after the final game of the season at home to Tranmere Rovers. Joe Burnell was given the captaincy recently in the absence of Chris Doig but the midfielder is also surplus to requirements.
Brett Johnson will be disappointed to miss out after a string of good performances in the middle of the season before injury set in while Danny May never really got a good run in the side.
Ryan Gilligan’s hard work has paid off while Andy Holt’s strength and height advantage was also seen to be something that Stuart Gray didn’t want to lose.
The players offered new deals have until June 17th to come to a decision on their futures.
Also heading out of Sixfields are Joe Burnell, Brett Johnson and Danny May. Ryan Gilligan has been offered a new contract, as has Andy Holt whilst Adebayo Akinfenwa is waiting in the wings without a decision made on him just yet.
Hubertz joined the club last summer on a free transfer from Millwall and has hit twelve goals this season. But his time at Sixfields looks now to be over and the 31-year-old will leave after the final game of the season at home to Tranmere Rovers. Joe Burnell was given the captaincy recently in the absence of Chris Doig but the midfielder is also surplus to requirements.
Brett Johnson will be disappointed to miss out after a string of good performances in the middle of the season before injury set in while Danny May never really got a good run in the side.
Ryan Gilligan’s hard work has paid off while Andy Holt’s strength and height advantage was also seen to be something that Stuart Gray didn’t want to lose.
The players offered new deals have until June 17th to come to a decision on their futures.
Northampton Town 2-0 Oldham Athletic
The Cobblers won their penultimate home game on Saturday with a comfortable victory over Oldham Athletic at Sixfields. The win means that we leapfrog the Latics into tenth place in the table and we now know that a win at Port Vale next week guarantees us a top half finish this season.
Stuart Gray brought Poul Hubertz back into the starting line-up for the game while Danny Jackman and Giles Coke also returned to the first eleven following their bouts of illness before the game at Southend last week.
The Cobblers began the game the brighter of the two sides and went close with two early headers. First, Andy Holt nodded the ball over the bar and then Adebayo Akinfenwa headed a Daniel Jones corner towards goal but that was cleared off the goal line by covering defender Neal Eardley.
After a quiet spell, Akinfenwa tested veteran Oldham goalkeeper Mark Crossley with a run and shot before Poul Hubertz had a header saved. Giles Coke shot wide late in the half but Oldham had no response of their own in a poor first half as they failed to get a shot on goal away.
The Cobblers began the second 45 well and had the lead just five minutes after the break. Andy Holt collected the ball after a corner and he set up Giles Coke who hit a deflected shot into the net to put us a goal to the good.
It took until just before the hour mark for Oldham to register a shot on goal as Dean Smalley shot wide of the mark. But just a few minutes later and it was the Cobblers who added to the goals.
Ryan Gilligan picked up a pass from Holt and the midfielder had his initial effort saved by Crossley but tucked home the rebound with a cool volley.
Danny Jackman and Daniel Jones both had good efforts on goal from range as we looked to add a third while at the other end Oldham finally got a shot on target as Matt Wolfenden hit a shot from distance but it was easily saved by Mark Bunn, making his 100th Cobblers appearance.
Jackman had a late shot cleared off the line but we had done enough and claimed another good home win, meaning we have now been beaten at Sixfields just once in the last fourteen home games.
Mark Bunn’s 100th game couldn’t have been a quieter one and we now travel to relegated Port Vale as we look to aim even higher in the league table.
Stuart Gray brought Poul Hubertz back into the starting line-up for the game while Danny Jackman and Giles Coke also returned to the first eleven following their bouts of illness before the game at Southend last week.
The Cobblers began the game the brighter of the two sides and went close with two early headers. First, Andy Holt nodded the ball over the bar and then Adebayo Akinfenwa headed a Daniel Jones corner towards goal but that was cleared off the goal line by covering defender Neal Eardley.
After a quiet spell, Akinfenwa tested veteran Oldham goalkeeper Mark Crossley with a run and shot before Poul Hubertz had a header saved. Giles Coke shot wide late in the half but Oldham had no response of their own in a poor first half as they failed to get a shot on goal away.
The Cobblers began the second 45 well and had the lead just five minutes after the break. Andy Holt collected the ball after a corner and he set up Giles Coke who hit a deflected shot into the net to put us a goal to the good.
It took until just before the hour mark for Oldham to register a shot on goal as Dean Smalley shot wide of the mark. But just a few minutes later and it was the Cobblers who added to the goals.
Ryan Gilligan picked up a pass from Holt and the midfielder had his initial effort saved by Crossley but tucked home the rebound with a cool volley.
Danny Jackman and Daniel Jones both had good efforts on goal from range as we looked to add a third while at the other end Oldham finally got a shot on target as Matt Wolfenden hit a shot from distance but it was easily saved by Mark Bunn, making his 100th Cobblers appearance.
Jackman had a late shot cleared off the line but we had done enough and claimed another good home win, meaning we have now been beaten at Sixfields just once in the last fourteen home games.
Mark Bunn’s 100th game couldn’t have been a quieter one and we now travel to relegated Port Vale as we look to aim even higher in the league table.
Friday, April 18, 2008
Oldham Athletic (H) Preview...
Oldham Athletic are the visitors tomorrow afternoon as The Cobblers look to leap up to tenth in the table and replace The Latics. Oldham still have an outside chance of the playoffs thanks to Leeds and Walsall slipping up in midweek so will be desperate for all three points.
Team News
The good news for Stuart Gray is that the bug that swept through the squad last week before the game at Southend is clearing and the likes of Giles Coke and Danny Jackman will be pushing for a start once again. Poul Hubertz could also come back into the reckoning but Colin Larkin will also want to keep his place after scoring his first goal in give months at Roots Hall. Chris Doig came through the game unscathed and should captain the side once again while Joe Burnell played and scored for the reserves in midweek so could push for a starting place himself.
Oldham could have striker Lewis Alessandra back after he recovered from an ankle injury that has kept him out for the last few weeks while Sean Gregan could return to the defence after a foot problem.
Recent Meetings…
27/10/07: OLDHAM 0-1 COBBLERS
A long range effort from on loan Bristol City midfielder Alex Russell condemns Oldham to a home defeat at Boundary Park but the Cobblers then go on a run of seven games without a win as the winter kicked in.
28/01/07: COBBLERS 2-3 OLDHAM
Ritchie Wellens gives Oldham a second minute lead before Andy Kirk hits back mid-way through the half. But goals from Paul Warne and Chris Porter put the visitors three up. A Jordan Robertson goal two minutes from time isn’t enough for the Cobblers to avoid defeat.
23/12/06: OLDHAM 3-0 COBBLERS
Ian Sampson’s first game in charge is a heavy defeat last Christmas as Oldham score three without reply.
22/03/03: COBBLERS 0-2 OLDHAM
Wayne Andrews’ double condemns the Cobblers to defeat at Sixfields.
29/10/02: OLDHAM 4-0 COBBLERS
Oldham serve up a hammering at Boundary Park. Wayne Andrews, former Cobbler Carlo Corazzin and two from David Eyres complete a comfortable win.
29/12/0/01: COBBLERS 0-1 OLDHAM
David Eyres scores ten minutes from time to give Oldham all three points.
The Man in the Middle…
Referee Darren Drysdale last took charge of the Cobblers in our 2-0 home defeat to Walsall back in November. He has taken charge of games in all three tiers of the football league this season, showing a total of eighty yellow cards and six reds.
FOR THE RECORD….COBBLERS v LATICS…
GAMES PLAYED: 29
OLDHAM WINS: 12
DRAWS: 7
COBBLERS WINS: 10
Team News
The good news for Stuart Gray is that the bug that swept through the squad last week before the game at Southend is clearing and the likes of Giles Coke and Danny Jackman will be pushing for a start once again. Poul Hubertz could also come back into the reckoning but Colin Larkin will also want to keep his place after scoring his first goal in give months at Roots Hall. Chris Doig came through the game unscathed and should captain the side once again while Joe Burnell played and scored for the reserves in midweek so could push for a starting place himself.
Oldham could have striker Lewis Alessandra back after he recovered from an ankle injury that has kept him out for the last few weeks while Sean Gregan could return to the defence after a foot problem.
Recent Meetings…
27/10/07: OLDHAM 0-1 COBBLERS
A long range effort from on loan Bristol City midfielder Alex Russell condemns Oldham to a home defeat at Boundary Park but the Cobblers then go on a run of seven games without a win as the winter kicked in.
28/01/07: COBBLERS 2-3 OLDHAM
Ritchie Wellens gives Oldham a second minute lead before Andy Kirk hits back mid-way through the half. But goals from Paul Warne and Chris Porter put the visitors three up. A Jordan Robertson goal two minutes from time isn’t enough for the Cobblers to avoid defeat.
23/12/06: OLDHAM 3-0 COBBLERS
Ian Sampson’s first game in charge is a heavy defeat last Christmas as Oldham score three without reply.
22/03/03: COBBLERS 0-2 OLDHAM
Wayne Andrews’ double condemns the Cobblers to defeat at Sixfields.
29/10/02: OLDHAM 4-0 COBBLERS
Oldham serve up a hammering at Boundary Park. Wayne Andrews, former Cobbler Carlo Corazzin and two from David Eyres complete a comfortable win.
29/12/0/01: COBBLERS 0-1 OLDHAM
David Eyres scores ten minutes from time to give Oldham all three points.
The Man in the Middle…
Referee Darren Drysdale last took charge of the Cobblers in our 2-0 home defeat to Walsall back in November. He has taken charge of games in all three tiers of the football league this season, showing a total of eighty yellow cards and six reds.
FOR THE RECORD….COBBLERS v LATICS…
GAMES PLAYED: 29
OLDHAM WINS: 12
DRAWS: 7
COBBLERS WINS: 10
Thursday, April 17, 2008
Bunn set for 100th Cobblers game
Cobblers goalkeeper Mark Bunn will clock up his 100th game for the club this weekend in the home game with Oldham Athletic as he looks to continue his 100% record of appearing in every game this season. Bunn has been the only ever present in the side during this campaign and looks a safe bet to retain his Player of the Year award.
Bunn signed his professional contract with the club back in August 2001 and had to bide his time before finally ousting Lee Harper from the number one slot. Bunn played his first game in a League cup tie at home to Q.P.R IN August 2005 and fully established himself at the start of last season as Harper grew out of favour with then boss Colin Calderwood.
The goalkeeper has continuously been linked with clubs at a higher level but put pen to paper on a new contract back in January.
Bunn signed his professional contract with the club back in August 2001 and had to bide his time before finally ousting Lee Harper from the number one slot. Bunn played his first game in a League cup tie at home to Q.P.R IN August 2005 and fully established himself at the start of last season as Harper grew out of favour with then boss Colin Calderwood.
The goalkeeper has continuously been linked with clubs at a higher level but put pen to paper on a new contract back in January.
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
No Saints vs Athletico Norfolk preview...
No Saints look back up to full strength this evening as we take on Athletico Norfolk. Norfolk didn’t have a team last time we played them so we got an automatic win but this time out they look like they’ll be stronger as they’ve either started turning up or been replaced as they got a great win last week over Rat Madrid.
Abib will be looking to repeat his flicking antics from last week while Andy returns from holiday. Nathan is set to continue his come back and help us continue to fight relegation.
A win today coupled with defeat for Giggedy Wumba would take us out of the bottom two and give us real hope for a great escape!
Abib will be looking to repeat his flicking antics from last week while Andy returns from holiday. Nathan is set to continue his come back and help us continue to fight relegation.
A win today coupled with defeat for Giggedy Wumba would take us out of the bottom two and give us real hope for a great escape!
The Midweek Review...
So the season came to a psychological end at least up at Roots Hall on Saturday as any lingering playoff hopes were ended with a 1-1 draw. With a bout of illness sweeping the club, though, a draw was a fine result despite the implications that means the top six are just out of reach.
At the start of the game we knew that nothing less than a win would do as Leeds had already beaten Carlisle at Elland Road earlier in the day. Without Giles Coke, Brett Johnson and Joe Burnell through the bug going round the club we were a bit patched up while a couple of other players reportedly played with the illness.
A positive note was the return to action of skipper Chris Doig. Since injuring himself at Darlington in the F.A. Cup in November, Doig has struggled to get back to full fitness but it was a great sign to see him back at Roots Hall. Doig had a typically good game and his power at the back was a welcome addition to the defence.
Colin Larkin took his goal well after getting a rare start and will be hoping he’s done enough to get back into the starting line-up for Oldham’s visit this Saturday. Bayo had a quiet game other than a bustling run that was blocked off and he could do with a rest if Hoobs is fit enough to start.
The inevitable onslaught on our goal began and the expected equaliser came through former Cobblers loan man Lee Barnard who Colin Calderwood brought to the club during his reign. Southend could be aggrieved that they didn’t win the game but they still showed a lot of quality going forward and will make the playoffs with ease.
The playoffs are set to be the best in this division for many years with Forest, Leeds, Southend and Doncaster/Carlisle looking likely to slug it out for a place in the Championship and shows just how tough a job it’s been this season in League One. Looking at it that way and a mid-table finish is a great achievement for Stuart Gray.
Gabor Gyepes signing on is a great start to building next season’s squad and he joins the likes of Bunn, Crowe, Hughes, Doig, Jackman and Coke in being signed up.
Of the players out of contract, Joe Burnell seems a favourite with Gray so could sign again but Gyepes signing may mean the end, unfortunately, for Brett Johnson who showed real promise mid-season. Ryan Gilligan is touch and go while I expect Danny May to be moved on.
Looking ahead now it’s a fight to finish as high as we possibly can with three games left in the season. The Oldham game gives us a chance to break into the top ten while the one at Port Vale could be trickier now as teams suddenly start to play when they are relegated and playing with a bit more freedom!
We round things off with a home game against Tranmere so there’s still a chance of building on the 59 points that we have so far. Bit first up is Oldham and we can end any chance of them getting into the playoffs with a win whilst also replacing them in tenth place.
The season may be coming to an end but now we must show some appreciation for what has been a terrific campaign, especially after the mid season blip that threatened to pull us towards to bottom four. Instead we have real stability and a base with which to build on for the summer.
Up The Cobblers!
Danny
At the start of the game we knew that nothing less than a win would do as Leeds had already beaten Carlisle at Elland Road earlier in the day. Without Giles Coke, Brett Johnson and Joe Burnell through the bug going round the club we were a bit patched up while a couple of other players reportedly played with the illness.
A positive note was the return to action of skipper Chris Doig. Since injuring himself at Darlington in the F.A. Cup in November, Doig has struggled to get back to full fitness but it was a great sign to see him back at Roots Hall. Doig had a typically good game and his power at the back was a welcome addition to the defence.
Colin Larkin took his goal well after getting a rare start and will be hoping he’s done enough to get back into the starting line-up for Oldham’s visit this Saturday. Bayo had a quiet game other than a bustling run that was blocked off and he could do with a rest if Hoobs is fit enough to start.
The inevitable onslaught on our goal began and the expected equaliser came through former Cobblers loan man Lee Barnard who Colin Calderwood brought to the club during his reign. Southend could be aggrieved that they didn’t win the game but they still showed a lot of quality going forward and will make the playoffs with ease.
The playoffs are set to be the best in this division for many years with Forest, Leeds, Southend and Doncaster/Carlisle looking likely to slug it out for a place in the Championship and shows just how tough a job it’s been this season in League One. Looking at it that way and a mid-table finish is a great achievement for Stuart Gray.
Gabor Gyepes signing on is a great start to building next season’s squad and he joins the likes of Bunn, Crowe, Hughes, Doig, Jackman and Coke in being signed up.
Of the players out of contract, Joe Burnell seems a favourite with Gray so could sign again but Gyepes signing may mean the end, unfortunately, for Brett Johnson who showed real promise mid-season. Ryan Gilligan is touch and go while I expect Danny May to be moved on.
Looking ahead now it’s a fight to finish as high as we possibly can with three games left in the season. The Oldham game gives us a chance to break into the top ten while the one at Port Vale could be trickier now as teams suddenly start to play when they are relegated and playing with a bit more freedom!
We round things off with a home game against Tranmere so there’s still a chance of building on the 59 points that we have so far. Bit first up is Oldham and we can end any chance of them getting into the playoffs with a win whilst also replacing them in tenth place.
The season may be coming to an end but now we must show some appreciation for what has been a terrific campaign, especially after the mid season blip that threatened to pull us towards to bottom four. Instead we have real stability and a base with which to build on for the summer.
Up The Cobblers!
Danny
Monday, April 14, 2008
Southend United 1-1 Northampton Town
The Cobblers’ playoff hopes are over despite a good draw at Southend on Saturday. Lee Barnard’s equaliser in the second half means that, although not mathematically impossible as yet, it would take a miracle for us to finish in the top six.
I headed up to Southend for a weekend getaway with my friends from Southampton, persuading three of them to join me at the game itself. The journey was straight forward enough after a stop somewhere on the M25 for, by then, a much needed breakfast intake. We arrived at the hotel after a lot of driving around small streets of Southend looking for it and quickly had to check in with just an hour to spare before kick off.
The hotel was owned by one of the strictest landladies you’re ever likely to meet so I won’t mention the name of it in case she hunts me down and attacks me with one of the spiders we found in the bathroom! After a few warnings about not getting home too drunk, questions about who the people outside waiting for us were and making sure we didn’t breathe too much, we were out of her hair and on the short drive to Roots Hall.
Passing by a big advertising hoarding showing off the new stadium being built for the football team, it was a shame to think that it could be one of my final visits to Roots Hall, always a good trip for a bit of atmosphere in the away end despite memories of the playoffs a couple of years ago.
Mum and Dad joined us right on kick off and there was a healthy gathering of Town fans in attendance. The earlier news that Leeds had beaten Carlisle dampened spirits a bit and meant that only a win would keep alive our playoff hopes. Even then it would be a massive task ahead of us with just three games left after this one.
Stuart Gray made a couple of changes to the starting line-up with Colin Larkin getting a surprise start in place of Poul Hubertz and Chris Doig finally making his return from long term injury to captain the side. Alex Dyer kept his place in the side after scoring against Luton last weekend while Danny Jackman dropped to the bench to accommodate the return from suspension of Ryan Gilligan.
An illness was sweeping through the Cobblers camp in the build-up to the game and Joe Burnell didn’t even make it onto the team bus. Giles Coke and Brett Johnson travelled but were taken ill en route and were not included in the squad while some squad members were also ill but had to make up the numbers in the sixteen!
Despite this, the Cobblers started well and Ryan Gilligan had a shot blocked before Jason Crowe’s follow up was deflected behind for a corner ten minutes in. At the other end, James Walker had the first real effort on goal for the Shrimpers but shot wide of Mark Bunn’s post.
A couple of minutes later and we had a strong claim for a penalty as Colin Larkin was tripped in the area but referee Darren Deadman waved play on. Deadman then further got into the Cobblers bad books by not even booking a Southend player for a clear two footed lunge by the dead ball line. He didn’t connect with the challenge but if he did it would have been a dreadful tackle and Deadman lived up to his reputation by simply waving play on and not even coming back to the incident!
Adebayo Akinfenwa had a shot turned away by Darryl Flahavan in the Southend goal mid way through the half before the Cobblers took the lead from the resulting corner. Ryan Gilligan crossed from the right and Larkin rose to head home his first goal for the Cobblers in five months.
Southend came back strong but the Cobblers’ defence held firm amid a Southend penalty claim and went in a goal up at half-time.
Within five minutes of the restart, though, Southend were level. A free kick was lined up by Charlie Mulgrew and he curled a fantastic effort against Bunn’s cross bar. Former Cobblers loanee Lee Barnard was there to tap home the rebound and suddenly Southend were in the driving seat.
A few minutes after the goal, mark Bunn pulled off a terrific save as Mark Gower crossed for Adam Barrett. Barrett, a prolific scorer against the Cobblers, looked certain to give them the lead but Bunn pushed the header away in superb style.
Adebayo Akinfenwa had a good run blocked off as he looked to make an impact but was then taken off to be replaced by Ian Henderson. Daniel Jones had to clear the ball away to safety from a Tommy Black shot before Poul Hubertz was introduced for Larkin.
Southend were unlucky not to win the game with ten minutes left as a Nicky Bailey shot hit the cross bar while Hubertz headed over for the Cobblers in our last real effort on goal from a Jones free kick.
Mark Bunn was stupidly booked for time wasting late on just a couple of seconds after placing the ball down as referee Deadman continued his awful game right up to the end and the game ended 1-1.
A point is a good result at Roots Hall, particularly with the form Southend are in, but in the circumstances nothing more than three points would have done and our season is effectively over with three games to go. We can now just look to finish as high as possible and anything above the half way mark would be a very good achievement and progression from last season.
We headed back into Southend for a meal at Nandos before heading out for a high brow evening in Reflex to round off the day! A game of “Chav Blockbusters” was also very well participated in after being invented by Jamie. The aim of the game was to get through your personal Blockbusters game board by spotting chavs donning particular items of clothing. There was no winner but I just missed out by failing to spot a fake logo t-shirt on a Southend local youth!
Sunday was spent on the sea front downing a massive “fat boy” breakfast before heading to Jamie’s Nan’s house in Hornchurch for a “bite to eat.” What we didn’t know was that his whole family were there and the bite to eat turned out to be a Sunday roast, complimenting the huge breakfast just a few hours before!
With bellies full, it was back to Southampton at the end of another grand road trip!
I headed up to Southend for a weekend getaway with my friends from Southampton, persuading three of them to join me at the game itself. The journey was straight forward enough after a stop somewhere on the M25 for, by then, a much needed breakfast intake. We arrived at the hotel after a lot of driving around small streets of Southend looking for it and quickly had to check in with just an hour to spare before kick off.
The hotel was owned by one of the strictest landladies you’re ever likely to meet so I won’t mention the name of it in case she hunts me down and attacks me with one of the spiders we found in the bathroom! After a few warnings about not getting home too drunk, questions about who the people outside waiting for us were and making sure we didn’t breathe too much, we were out of her hair and on the short drive to Roots Hall.
Passing by a big advertising hoarding showing off the new stadium being built for the football team, it was a shame to think that it could be one of my final visits to Roots Hall, always a good trip for a bit of atmosphere in the away end despite memories of the playoffs a couple of years ago.
Mum and Dad joined us right on kick off and there was a healthy gathering of Town fans in attendance. The earlier news that Leeds had beaten Carlisle dampened spirits a bit and meant that only a win would keep alive our playoff hopes. Even then it would be a massive task ahead of us with just three games left after this one.
Stuart Gray made a couple of changes to the starting line-up with Colin Larkin getting a surprise start in place of Poul Hubertz and Chris Doig finally making his return from long term injury to captain the side. Alex Dyer kept his place in the side after scoring against Luton last weekend while Danny Jackman dropped to the bench to accommodate the return from suspension of Ryan Gilligan.
An illness was sweeping through the Cobblers camp in the build-up to the game and Joe Burnell didn’t even make it onto the team bus. Giles Coke and Brett Johnson travelled but were taken ill en route and were not included in the squad while some squad members were also ill but had to make up the numbers in the sixteen!
Despite this, the Cobblers started well and Ryan Gilligan had a shot blocked before Jason Crowe’s follow up was deflected behind for a corner ten minutes in. At the other end, James Walker had the first real effort on goal for the Shrimpers but shot wide of Mark Bunn’s post.
A couple of minutes later and we had a strong claim for a penalty as Colin Larkin was tripped in the area but referee Darren Deadman waved play on. Deadman then further got into the Cobblers bad books by not even booking a Southend player for a clear two footed lunge by the dead ball line. He didn’t connect with the challenge but if he did it would have been a dreadful tackle and Deadman lived up to his reputation by simply waving play on and not even coming back to the incident!
Adebayo Akinfenwa had a shot turned away by Darryl Flahavan in the Southend goal mid way through the half before the Cobblers took the lead from the resulting corner. Ryan Gilligan crossed from the right and Larkin rose to head home his first goal for the Cobblers in five months.
Southend came back strong but the Cobblers’ defence held firm amid a Southend penalty claim and went in a goal up at half-time.
Within five minutes of the restart, though, Southend were level. A free kick was lined up by Charlie Mulgrew and he curled a fantastic effort against Bunn’s cross bar. Former Cobblers loanee Lee Barnard was there to tap home the rebound and suddenly Southend were in the driving seat.
A few minutes after the goal, mark Bunn pulled off a terrific save as Mark Gower crossed for Adam Barrett. Barrett, a prolific scorer against the Cobblers, looked certain to give them the lead but Bunn pushed the header away in superb style.
Adebayo Akinfenwa had a good run blocked off as he looked to make an impact but was then taken off to be replaced by Ian Henderson. Daniel Jones had to clear the ball away to safety from a Tommy Black shot before Poul Hubertz was introduced for Larkin.
Southend were unlucky not to win the game with ten minutes left as a Nicky Bailey shot hit the cross bar while Hubertz headed over for the Cobblers in our last real effort on goal from a Jones free kick.
Mark Bunn was stupidly booked for time wasting late on just a couple of seconds after placing the ball down as referee Deadman continued his awful game right up to the end and the game ended 1-1.
A point is a good result at Roots Hall, particularly with the form Southend are in, but in the circumstances nothing more than three points would have done and our season is effectively over with three games to go. We can now just look to finish as high as possible and anything above the half way mark would be a very good achievement and progression from last season.
We headed back into Southend for a meal at Nandos before heading out for a high brow evening in Reflex to round off the day! A game of “Chav Blockbusters” was also very well participated in after being invented by Jamie. The aim of the game was to get through your personal Blockbusters game board by spotting chavs donning particular items of clothing. There was no winner but I just missed out by failing to spot a fake logo t-shirt on a Southend local youth!
Sunday was spent on the sea front downing a massive “fat boy” breakfast before heading to Jamie’s Nan’s house in Hornchurch for a “bite to eat.” What we didn’t know was that his whole family were there and the bite to eat turned out to be a Sunday roast, complimenting the huge breakfast just a few hours before!
With bellies full, it was back to Southampton at the end of another grand road trip!
Friday, April 11, 2008
Southend United (A) Preview...
With four games left to play, it’s a trip to Southend tomorrow in what is, on paper at least, our most difficult of the remaining fixtures. The Shrimpers are in fine form and are unbeaten in eleven games going into the clash with the Cobblers and we’ll need to be right on top of our game to come away with something from the game.
Team News
Gabor Gyepes looks set to return for the Cobblers after missing the last two games. He should come in for Mark Little who played the final game of his loan spell last weekend and has returned to Wolves. Chris Doig and Brett Johnson are also still pushing for a starting place after returning to full fitness. 17-year-old Alex Dyer could keep his place in midfield after scoring in the win over Luton but Ryan Gilligan returns from suspension to stake his claim for a place in midfield.
Southend could seal a playoff spot with a victory over the Cobblers combined with other results going their way and boss Steve Tilson has no new injury worries ahead of the game. Damien Scannell is still out with a groin injury and Lewis Hunt, Che Wilson and Richie Foran remain on the long term injury list.
Recent Meetings…
03/11/08: COBBLERS 0-1 SOUTHEND
Adam Barrett’s second half header gives Southend all three points at Sixfields and starts us off on a run of seven games without a win.
21/05/05: SOUTHEND 1-0 COBBLERS (League Two Playoff Semi Final, 2nd Leg)
Fredy Eastwood’s controversial penalty sends Southend to the Millennium Stadium and the League Two playoff final as the Cobblers come up short in the playoffs for the second season in a row.
15/05/05: COBBLERS 0-0 SOUTHEND (League Two Playoff Semi Final, 1st Leg)
A nervy playoff semi final, first leg at Sixfields that ends goalless.
19/02/05: COBBLERS 1-2 SOUTHEND
Martin Smith fires the Cobblers into a seventh minute lead but two identical headers from Adam Barrett turns the game in Southend’s favour late in the game, the winner coming in stoppage time.
30/11/04: COBBLERS 0-2 SOUTHEND (JPT Southern Area Quarter Final)
Former Cobbler Lawrie Dudfield and Carl Pettifer score the goals to send The Shrimpers through to the Southern Area Semi Finals.
30/10/04: SOUTHEND 2-1 COBBLERS
Mark Gower and Wayne Gray score either side of a missed Scott McGleish penalty to hand Southend a two goal lead. Eric Sabin strikes late on to give us hope but the home side hang on.
The Man in the Middle…Darren Deadman
The referee for tomorrow’s game is a familiar one for Cobblers fans but by no means in a good way. Mr Deadman last took charge of the Cobblers in the 2-0 defeat at Millwall back in October but has often popped up to overlook our games in a dreadful manner. He was last in action at Vicarage Road as he took charge of Watford’s home win over Coventry last weekend.
For The Record…Shrimpers v Cobblers…
Games Played: 120
Southend Wins: 41
Draws: 27
Cobblers Wins: 52
Team News
Gabor Gyepes looks set to return for the Cobblers after missing the last two games. He should come in for Mark Little who played the final game of his loan spell last weekend and has returned to Wolves. Chris Doig and Brett Johnson are also still pushing for a starting place after returning to full fitness. 17-year-old Alex Dyer could keep his place in midfield after scoring in the win over Luton but Ryan Gilligan returns from suspension to stake his claim for a place in midfield.
Southend could seal a playoff spot with a victory over the Cobblers combined with other results going their way and boss Steve Tilson has no new injury worries ahead of the game. Damien Scannell is still out with a groin injury and Lewis Hunt, Che Wilson and Richie Foran remain on the long term injury list.
Recent Meetings…
03/11/08: COBBLERS 0-1 SOUTHEND
Adam Barrett’s second half header gives Southend all three points at Sixfields and starts us off on a run of seven games without a win.
21/05/05: SOUTHEND 1-0 COBBLERS (League Two Playoff Semi Final, 2nd Leg)
Fredy Eastwood’s controversial penalty sends Southend to the Millennium Stadium and the League Two playoff final as the Cobblers come up short in the playoffs for the second season in a row.
15/05/05: COBBLERS 0-0 SOUTHEND (League Two Playoff Semi Final, 1st Leg)
A nervy playoff semi final, first leg at Sixfields that ends goalless.
19/02/05: COBBLERS 1-2 SOUTHEND
Martin Smith fires the Cobblers into a seventh minute lead but two identical headers from Adam Barrett turns the game in Southend’s favour late in the game, the winner coming in stoppage time.
30/11/04: COBBLERS 0-2 SOUTHEND (JPT Southern Area Quarter Final)
Former Cobbler Lawrie Dudfield and Carl Pettifer score the goals to send The Shrimpers through to the Southern Area Semi Finals.
30/10/04: SOUTHEND 2-1 COBBLERS
Mark Gower and Wayne Gray score either side of a missed Scott McGleish penalty to hand Southend a two goal lead. Eric Sabin strikes late on to give us hope but the home side hang on.
The Man in the Middle…Darren Deadman
The referee for tomorrow’s game is a familiar one for Cobblers fans but by no means in a good way. Mr Deadman last took charge of the Cobblers in the 2-0 defeat at Millwall back in October but has often popped up to overlook our games in a dreadful manner. He was last in action at Vicarage Road as he took charge of Watford’s home win over Coventry last weekend.
For The Record…Shrimpers v Cobblers…
Games Played: 120
Southend Wins: 41
Draws: 27
Cobblers Wins: 52
Thursday, April 10, 2008
No Saints 4-3 Red Stripe
No Saints pulled off a magnificent win last night as goals from Dave and Abib helped us to our first proper win of 2008. Our only victories so far this year have been through default as teams didn’t turn up but last night we did it ourselves!
Nathan returned to the starting line-up after returning from chef duties in Austria while Abib returned after a couple of weeks out. Andy and Phil were both missing but we started with a seven man squad.
After Abib put us in front, Red Stripe pulled one back but two good finishes from Dave and another from Abib put us 4-1 up at half time. Once again we tired in the second half and fell to two more goals with seven minutes to play. It took every ounce of energy we had to fight for the win and an onslaught for the last five minutes got the nerves going.
But we held out for a great win despite some aggressive play from Red Stripe and the victory takes us to within two points of third bottom Giggedy Wumba with three games to play. The great escape could well be on yet.
Oh, and Abib did a flick that he’ll be reminding us of for years to come!
Nathan returned to the starting line-up after returning from chef duties in Austria while Abib returned after a couple of weeks out. Andy and Phil were both missing but we started with a seven man squad.
After Abib put us in front, Red Stripe pulled one back but two good finishes from Dave and another from Abib put us 4-1 up at half time. Once again we tired in the second half and fell to two more goals with seven minutes to play. It took every ounce of energy we had to fight for the win and an onslaught for the last five minutes got the nerves going.
But we held out for a great win despite some aggressive play from Red Stripe and the victory takes us to within two points of third bottom Giggedy Wumba with three games to play. The great escape could well be on yet.
Oh, and Abib did a flick that he’ll be reminding us of for years to come!
Wednesday, April 09, 2008
No Saints vs Red Stripe Preview...
It’s crunch time for No Saints this evening as we look to fight our way back out of relegation trouble in the biggest game of the season. We take on second placed Red Stripe who we drew 4-4 with last time out and we know that another defeat would mean we would be odds on favourites to join Athletico Norfolk in relegation from League Two.
Tonight does see the return to action of Abib though and he should boost the squad that also welcomes back the mercurial talents of Nathan after he missed the whole of last season and half of this season through international duty.
So with the return of Le Page, we’ll hopefully be coming out with a priceless win this evening in the late kick off!
Tonight does see the return to action of Abib though and he should boost the squad that also welcomes back the mercurial talents of Nathan after he missed the whole of last season and half of this season through international duty.
So with the return of Le Page, we’ll hopefully be coming out with a priceless win this evening in the late kick off!
Gig Review...KT Tunstall @Southampton Guildhall
My latest gig offering comes in the form of KT Tunstall as the wee Scottish lass visited Southampton Guildhall on Monday night. In a set full of charm, humour and energy, the singer/songwriter made a triumphant return to the Guildhall.
Following a bizarre support act that still seemed to work splendidly as a warm up from Faroe Islands born Teitur (one of his quips was “you probably know the Faroe Islands from the weather maps), Tunstall took to the stage.
The laid back walk onto the stage set the scene for the entire evening. There were no glitzy intros, sparks or fireworks to build it up and KT strolled onto the stage with her band like a group of friends performing at the school talent show.
Beginning in style with Little Favours from recent album Drastic Fantastic, the crowd began to realise that there is a whole lot more to this performer than meets the eye. You can forgive bands and artists for simply rolling through the “hits” and that’s fair enough to a point.
But what made KT stand out from quite a few gigs I’ve been to was the charming, humorous and, at times, crazy, personality shining through in between songs. She was totally enjoying every second of being on stage as if it was her only performance she’d ever give.
Apart from that, the performance of the songs from both albums were a far cry from what you hear on the radio and on CD’s, in a very good way. There’s nothing like a live gig to fully judge the standard of a band or singer and Tunstall was outstanding.
Jumping between her two albums with the likes of Other Side of the World, If Only, Suddenly I See and a finale of I Don’t Want You Now, ever song seemed to showcase something different about her vocal range and especially when she was left along on stage for two songs by the band.
There would be some fears that taking away the backing band and backing vocals would harm the quality of the performance but if anything it improved it and further saw Tunstall excel in her own right.
With two albums under her belt, there’s clearly a hell of a lot more to come from KT Tunstall and her down to earth manner will get her a long way and earn her a lot of respect in the music world.
Overall, a top class performance and well worth the wait after buying my tickets some time last year!
Next up on my gig radar is the Guillemots back at the Guildhall in May!
Following a bizarre support act that still seemed to work splendidly as a warm up from Faroe Islands born Teitur (one of his quips was “you probably know the Faroe Islands from the weather maps), Tunstall took to the stage.
The laid back walk onto the stage set the scene for the entire evening. There were no glitzy intros, sparks or fireworks to build it up and KT strolled onto the stage with her band like a group of friends performing at the school talent show.
Beginning in style with Little Favours from recent album Drastic Fantastic, the crowd began to realise that there is a whole lot more to this performer than meets the eye. You can forgive bands and artists for simply rolling through the “hits” and that’s fair enough to a point.
But what made KT stand out from quite a few gigs I’ve been to was the charming, humorous and, at times, crazy, personality shining through in between songs. She was totally enjoying every second of being on stage as if it was her only performance she’d ever give.
Apart from that, the performance of the songs from both albums were a far cry from what you hear on the radio and on CD’s, in a very good way. There’s nothing like a live gig to fully judge the standard of a band or singer and Tunstall was outstanding.
Jumping between her two albums with the likes of Other Side of the World, If Only, Suddenly I See and a finale of I Don’t Want You Now, ever song seemed to showcase something different about her vocal range and especially when she was left along on stage for two songs by the band.
There would be some fears that taking away the backing band and backing vocals would harm the quality of the performance but if anything it improved it and further saw Tunstall excel in her own right.
With two albums under her belt, there’s clearly a hell of a lot more to come from KT Tunstall and her down to earth manner will get her a long way and earn her a lot of respect in the music world.
Overall, a top class performance and well worth the wait after buying my tickets some time last year!
Next up on my gig radar is the Guillemots back at the Guildhall in May!
The Midweek Review...09/04/08...
As the gap gets that ever so slightly smaller the optimists of Cobbler land still believe we can make a surge into the playoffs. The pessimists believe it’s over for another season despite a home win over Luton but if we can claw anything back on the pack this weekend it would be a magnificent effort against in form Southend.
No report I’ve heard from the Luton game has been too positive as the blustery conditions in the second half meant that our seemingly comfortable 2-0 lead at half time came under threat. Bunny was again the hero with a long line of saves and the ever present goalkeeper is looking a dead cert for the player of the year award.
Luton look doomed now and that’s a shame with the other derby days we should be looking forward to next season if we do stay in League One. Boro and MK Dons look set for promotion and Leicester or even Coventry could provide another local game for us should one of those be relegated. From my home in Southampton though, I’m secretly hoping the Saints dip in form again so I get a very local game next season!
But staying positive and Southend gives us a massive test and once again it’s a game that could end our season once and for all. They’re in storming form at the moment having won eight of their last eleven games, drawing the other three. Considering that two of those draws came against Forest and Swansea it makes the record that bit more impressive!
We do owe them one at Roots Hall though after our previous visit back in 2005 when the controversial Fredy Eastwood penalty saw us off in the League Two playoff semi-finals. Any result like that agonising day a couple of years ago and once again we’ll be coming away from Southend with a season finished.
Yet Cobblers Law states that any team in that sort of form could come a cropper against us and it’s strange to say but I would prefer them to be in this rich vein of form coming into our meeting rather than having lost five in a row!
There should be a healthy turn-out by the seaside as we traditionally travel well towards the end of the season when a beach is in the offering and it should be a good one if we can contain them for long enough. Poul Hubertz has suddenly found his shooting boots again and could be the key while the energy of Ryan Gilligan could prove a major plus as he returns from suspension.
So all is set for a grand day up in the Essex sun and hopefully this time we won’t be hanging our heads after exiting Roots Hall.
Up The Cobblers!
Danny
No report I’ve heard from the Luton game has been too positive as the blustery conditions in the second half meant that our seemingly comfortable 2-0 lead at half time came under threat. Bunny was again the hero with a long line of saves and the ever present goalkeeper is looking a dead cert for the player of the year award.
Luton look doomed now and that’s a shame with the other derby days we should be looking forward to next season if we do stay in League One. Boro and MK Dons look set for promotion and Leicester or even Coventry could provide another local game for us should one of those be relegated. From my home in Southampton though, I’m secretly hoping the Saints dip in form again so I get a very local game next season!
But staying positive and Southend gives us a massive test and once again it’s a game that could end our season once and for all. They’re in storming form at the moment having won eight of their last eleven games, drawing the other three. Considering that two of those draws came against Forest and Swansea it makes the record that bit more impressive!
We do owe them one at Roots Hall though after our previous visit back in 2005 when the controversial Fredy Eastwood penalty saw us off in the League Two playoff semi-finals. Any result like that agonising day a couple of years ago and once again we’ll be coming away from Southend with a season finished.
Yet Cobblers Law states that any team in that sort of form could come a cropper against us and it’s strange to say but I would prefer them to be in this rich vein of form coming into our meeting rather than having lost five in a row!
There should be a healthy turn-out by the seaside as we traditionally travel well towards the end of the season when a beach is in the offering and it should be a good one if we can contain them for long enough. Poul Hubertz has suddenly found his shooting boots again and could be the key while the energy of Ryan Gilligan could prove a major plus as he returns from suspension.
So all is set for a grand day up in the Essex sun and hopefully this time we won’t be hanging our heads after exiting Roots Hall.
Up The Cobblers!
Danny
Monday, April 07, 2008
Northampton Town 2-1 Luton Town
The Cobblers clung on to hope of a playoff place on Saturday as a narrow win over Luton Town was enough to pull us a point closer to the top six. Other results mean that we still must surely win all four remaining games to stand a chance of sneaking in but there is at least still a glimmer of hope!
Stuart Gray was without Ryan Gilligan who served the second of a two game suspension. Youngster Alex Dyer came into midfield in place of Joe Burnell while Jonathon Hayes was replaced in the starting line-up by Poul Hubertz. Former Cobblers striker Sam Parkin lined up for the visitors.
17-Year-old Dyer came close to opening the scoring after just a couple of minutes. Danny Jackman pulled the ball back and Dyer hit a shot just over the bar. Parkin then had a chance at the other end but headed wide of Mark Bunn’s post.
In a disappointing game from both sides’ perspectives, it wasn’t the most entertaining of games but the Cobblers converted a penalty to take the lead just after the half hour mark. Poul Hubertz was pulled down in the area and he dusted himself off to fire home the spot kick and give us the lead.
We began to enforce our authority on the game and Andy Holt so nearly made it two but his header was cleared off the line by veteran Don Hutchison. After Parkin had shot at Bunn at the other end, though, we did have a vital second goal.
Daniel Jones did well down the left hand side and provided a good cross for Alex Dyer and the youth team player made no mistake with a header that beat Dean Brill and we went into half-time in high spirits.
Luton started the second half the brighter side and Calvin Andrew did well to beat a couple of men and shoot just wide of Bunn’s post early in the half. Daniel Jones then headed wide for the Cobblers after he started and ended a good move up field.
Alex Dyer’s afternoon was ended mid-way through the half as he was replaced by Jonathon Hayes and Joe Burnell then came on for Giles Coke.
It was a quiet ending to the game until Sam Parkin got the Sixfields nerves working overtime as he tapped the ball home from close range. But that was too little too late and Luton sank to the foot of the League One table as the Cobblers jumped a place to eleventh.
Southend away is up next and we’re still in with an outside chance of the playoffs…until that isn’t the case we can still believe in an exciting conclusion to the 2007/08 story.
Stuart Gray was without Ryan Gilligan who served the second of a two game suspension. Youngster Alex Dyer came into midfield in place of Joe Burnell while Jonathon Hayes was replaced in the starting line-up by Poul Hubertz. Former Cobblers striker Sam Parkin lined up for the visitors.
17-Year-old Dyer came close to opening the scoring after just a couple of minutes. Danny Jackman pulled the ball back and Dyer hit a shot just over the bar. Parkin then had a chance at the other end but headed wide of Mark Bunn’s post.
In a disappointing game from both sides’ perspectives, it wasn’t the most entertaining of games but the Cobblers converted a penalty to take the lead just after the half hour mark. Poul Hubertz was pulled down in the area and he dusted himself off to fire home the spot kick and give us the lead.
We began to enforce our authority on the game and Andy Holt so nearly made it two but his header was cleared off the line by veteran Don Hutchison. After Parkin had shot at Bunn at the other end, though, we did have a vital second goal.
Daniel Jones did well down the left hand side and provided a good cross for Alex Dyer and the youth team player made no mistake with a header that beat Dean Brill and we went into half-time in high spirits.
Luton started the second half the brighter side and Calvin Andrew did well to beat a couple of men and shoot just wide of Bunn’s post early in the half. Daniel Jones then headed wide for the Cobblers after he started and ended a good move up field.
Alex Dyer’s afternoon was ended mid-way through the half as he was replaced by Jonathon Hayes and Joe Burnell then came on for Giles Coke.
It was a quiet ending to the game until Sam Parkin got the Sixfields nerves working overtime as he tapped the ball home from close range. But that was too little too late and Luton sank to the foot of the League One table as the Cobblers jumped a place to eleventh.
Southend away is up next and we’re still in with an outside chance of the playoffs…until that isn’t the case we can still believe in an exciting conclusion to the 2007/08 story.
Friday, April 04, 2008
No Saints Update
No Saints are back in relegation trouble in League Two as the latest season has taken a real turn for the worst. After one win the first half of the season and player absentees most weeks, it’s been hard to get the same rhythm going and the standard is certainly going up.
With Aaron coming out of goal through injury, I’ve been sharing the goalkeeping duties with Jamie and Will but the form has gone downhill of late and two defeats in the last two weeks have consolidated our position in second bottom.
We’re now five points adrift of safety after Wednesday’s 12-2 defeat to Rat Madrid and it will take a massive effort to stay up with four games to go. But with the possible return of Nathan after a few months away next week we could still manage to survive…next up are second places Red Stripe who we managed a draw against last time out.
With Aaron coming out of goal through injury, I’ve been sharing the goalkeeping duties with Jamie and Will but the form has gone downhill of late and two defeats in the last two weeks have consolidated our position in second bottom.
We’re now five points adrift of safety after Wednesday’s 12-2 defeat to Rat Madrid and it will take a massive effort to stay up with four games to go. But with the possible return of Nathan after a few months away next week we could still manage to survive…next up are second places Red Stripe who we managed a draw against last time out.
Luton Town (H) Preview...
With just five games to go in the 2007/08 season, relegation threatened Luton Town are the next visitors to Sixfields. If we defeat The Hatters and results go against them, Luton could be relegated come the end of play tomorrow so will be looking to prolong their season for a little longer at least.
Stuart Gray is refusing to give up on the playoffs and knows that only five wins will be enough to mount a serious challenge with so many sides vying for the final place in the top six.
Team News
Gabor Gyepes remains on the sidelines for the Cobblers after missing out of the 1-1 draw at Cheltenham last week. Mark Little plays his final game for the club before going back to Wolves under the terms of his loan spell while Chris Doig and Brett Johnson will be pushing for a place in the squad after they both came through a behind closed doors friendly in midweek.
Luton are set to name an unchanged side to the one that lsot out 2-1 at Gillingham on Tuesday night.
RECENT MEETINGS…
15/10/07: LUTON 4-1 COBBLERS
In a live Sky game, Darren Currie curls the home side into the lead on four minutes. A Bradley Johnson rocket levels things mid-way through the half but a second half collapse sees two penalties from Matthew Spring and a Paul Furlong goal kill off the challenge.
04/09/07: LUTON 2-0 COBBLERS (JPT)
In the opening round of this seasons’ Johnstone’s Paint Trophy, Don Hutchison and Paul Peschisolido secure progression for the Hatters.
15/02/03: LUTON 3-2 COBBLERS
Daryl Burgess puts the Cobblers in front but John Hughes equalises just a few minutes later. Kevin Nicholls puts Luton in front just before the hour and despite an equalising spot kick from loanee Richard Johnson, The Hatters win it late on through Hughes again.
02/11/02: COBBLERS 3-0 LUTON
A double from Jamie Forrester and one from Marco Gabbiadini complete a convincing Cobblers victory at Sixfields.
The Man in the Middle…Kevin Friend…
Referee Kevin Friend has taken charge of games in all three tiers of the Football League this season, most recently in the Championship game between Charlton and West Bromwich Albion a couple of weeks ago. Friend has produced 85 yellow cards and nine reds this season.
For The Record…Cobblers v Hatters
Games Played: 76
Cobblers Wins: 26
Draws: 14
Luton Wins: 36
Stuart Gray is refusing to give up on the playoffs and knows that only five wins will be enough to mount a serious challenge with so many sides vying for the final place in the top six.
Team News
Gabor Gyepes remains on the sidelines for the Cobblers after missing out of the 1-1 draw at Cheltenham last week. Mark Little plays his final game for the club before going back to Wolves under the terms of his loan spell while Chris Doig and Brett Johnson will be pushing for a place in the squad after they both came through a behind closed doors friendly in midweek.
Luton are set to name an unchanged side to the one that lsot out 2-1 at Gillingham on Tuesday night.
RECENT MEETINGS…
15/10/07: LUTON 4-1 COBBLERS
In a live Sky game, Darren Currie curls the home side into the lead on four minutes. A Bradley Johnson rocket levels things mid-way through the half but a second half collapse sees two penalties from Matthew Spring and a Paul Furlong goal kill off the challenge.
04/09/07: LUTON 2-0 COBBLERS (JPT)
In the opening round of this seasons’ Johnstone’s Paint Trophy, Don Hutchison and Paul Peschisolido secure progression for the Hatters.
15/02/03: LUTON 3-2 COBBLERS
Daryl Burgess puts the Cobblers in front but John Hughes equalises just a few minutes later. Kevin Nicholls puts Luton in front just before the hour and despite an equalising spot kick from loanee Richard Johnson, The Hatters win it late on through Hughes again.
02/11/02: COBBLERS 3-0 LUTON
A double from Jamie Forrester and one from Marco Gabbiadini complete a convincing Cobblers victory at Sixfields.
The Man in the Middle…Kevin Friend…
Referee Kevin Friend has taken charge of games in all three tiers of the Football League this season, most recently in the Championship game between Charlton and West Bromwich Albion a couple of weeks ago. Friend has produced 85 yellow cards and nine reds this season.
For The Record…Cobblers v Hatters
Games Played: 76
Cobblers Wins: 26
Draws: 14
Luton Wins: 36
Thursday, April 03, 2008
The Midweek Review…03/04/08…
The playoff hopes are hanging by a thread as we go into the last five games of the season and a 1-1 draw at Cheltenham could well have all but ended the dreams of a top six finish this season. Still, plenty still to play for as mathematicians of Northampton go to work on figuring out if it can still be done!
Cheltenham were on a good run of form going into the game and were always going to be a stiff test for us as they tried to stabilise their position of safety in League One. When you fall behind away from home you have to dig deep to get something from the game and it seems a half time grilling inspired the players.
More than one member of the side has come out this week saying how Stuart Gray’s half-time talk was behind the come back and by all accounts it was a much improved display in the second half. We’re finding a real knack of coming from a goal down of late to snatch draws against Swindon, Leeds, Bristol Rovers and now Cheltenham and that’s only since the start of February.
Stuart Gray seems to be able to turn a game back in his favour and that’s one of the reasons why we’re in this position in the table. The odd draw here and there may not look like much but when you put them all together, particularly after we fall behind in games, it makes a healthy addition to the points tally.
It’s certainly a blessing to have a manager who’s not scared of changing the shape of the team when things are against him and it will go wrong on the odd occasion but it can just as easily go in our favour.
Giles Coke won the plaudits after another impressive display, rounded off by his well taken goal. The player himself says he needs a full pre-season to be fully fit so by the time 2008/09 begins we could well have a hell of a player on our hands.
According to Stuart Gray the players are now playing for their contracts as the playoffs slip away from view. The situation shouldn’t be as desperate as last summer when the likes of Jason Crowe’s contracts were up so it could be a big time to improve the playing staff.
But we can’t give up on the playoffs as they’re still in sight, albeit seven points away now, and the derby day against Luton should provide another good Sixfields atmosphere on Saturday.
Luton are fighting for their lives and by my calculations if we beat the Hatters and both Crewe and Millwall pick up wins, Luton will be relegated. So all to play for and the return of the forgotten man, Sam Parkin, should give the home fans something to shout at!
It’s not over yet and let’s just keep believing that we can win every game. Three points on Saturday could take us a little closer going into the clash at Southend so here’s hoping we’re still at least in the hunt come this time next week!
Up The Cobblers!
Danny
Cheltenham were on a good run of form going into the game and were always going to be a stiff test for us as they tried to stabilise their position of safety in League One. When you fall behind away from home you have to dig deep to get something from the game and it seems a half time grilling inspired the players.
More than one member of the side has come out this week saying how Stuart Gray’s half-time talk was behind the come back and by all accounts it was a much improved display in the second half. We’re finding a real knack of coming from a goal down of late to snatch draws against Swindon, Leeds, Bristol Rovers and now Cheltenham and that’s only since the start of February.
Stuart Gray seems to be able to turn a game back in his favour and that’s one of the reasons why we’re in this position in the table. The odd draw here and there may not look like much but when you put them all together, particularly after we fall behind in games, it makes a healthy addition to the points tally.
It’s certainly a blessing to have a manager who’s not scared of changing the shape of the team when things are against him and it will go wrong on the odd occasion but it can just as easily go in our favour.
Giles Coke won the plaudits after another impressive display, rounded off by his well taken goal. The player himself says he needs a full pre-season to be fully fit so by the time 2008/09 begins we could well have a hell of a player on our hands.
According to Stuart Gray the players are now playing for their contracts as the playoffs slip away from view. The situation shouldn’t be as desperate as last summer when the likes of Jason Crowe’s contracts were up so it could be a big time to improve the playing staff.
But we can’t give up on the playoffs as they’re still in sight, albeit seven points away now, and the derby day against Luton should provide another good Sixfields atmosphere on Saturday.
Luton are fighting for their lives and by my calculations if we beat the Hatters and both Crewe and Millwall pick up wins, Luton will be relegated. So all to play for and the return of the forgotten man, Sam Parkin, should give the home fans something to shout at!
It’s not over yet and let’s just keep believing that we can win every game. Three points on Saturday could take us a little closer going into the clash at Southend so here’s hoping we’re still at least in the hunt come this time next week!
Up The Cobblers!
Danny
The Midweek Review…03/04/08…
The playoff hopes are hanging by a thread as we go into the last five games of the season and a 1-1 draw at Cheltenham could well have all but ended the dreams of a top six finish this season. Still, plenty still to play for as mathematicians of Northampton go to work on figuring out if it can still be done!
Cheltenham were on a good run of form going into the game and were always going to be a stiff test for us as they tried to stabilise their position of safety in League One. When you fall behind away from home you have to dig deep to get something from the game and it seems a half time grilling inspired the players.
More than one member of the side has come out this week saying how Stuart Gray’s half-time talk was behind the come back and by all accounts it was a much improved display in the second half. We’re finding a real knack of coming from a goal down of late to snatch draws against Swindon, Leeds, Bristol Rovers and now Cheltenham and that’s only since the start of February.
Stuart Gray seems to be able to turn a game back in his favour and that’s one of the reasons why we’re in this position in the table. The odd draw here and there may not look like much but when you put them all together, particularly after we fall behind in games, it makes a healthy addition to the points tally.
It’s certainly a blessing to have a manager who’s not scared of changing the shape of the team when things are against him and it will go wrong on the odd occasion but it can just as easily go in our favour.
Giles Coke won the plaudits after another impressive display, rounded off by his well taken goal. The player himself says he needs a full pre-season to be fully fit so by the time 2008/09 begins we could well have a hell of a player on our hands.
According to Stuart Gray the players are now playing for their contracts as the playoffs slip away from view. The situation shouldn’t be as desperate as last summer when the likes of Jason Crowe’s contracts were up so it could be a big time to improve the playing staff.
But we can’t give up on the playoffs as they’re still in sight, albeit seven points away now, and the derby day against Luton should provide another good Sixfields atmosphere on Saturday.
Luton are fighting for their lives and by my calculations if we beat the Hatters and both Crewe and Millwall pick up wins, Luton will be relegated. So all to play for and the return of the forgotten man, Sam Parkin, should give the home fans something to shout at!
It’s not over yet and let’s just keep believing that we can win every game. Three points on Saturday could take us a little closer going into the clash at Southend so here’s hoping we’re still at least in the hunt come this time next week!
Up The Cobblers!
Danny
Cheltenham were on a good run of form going into the game and were always going to be a stiff test for us as they tried to stabilise their position of safety in League One. When you fall behind away from home you have to dig deep to get something from the game and it seems a half time grilling inspired the players.
More than one member of the side has come out this week saying how Stuart Gray’s half-time talk was behind the come back and by all accounts it was a much improved display in the second half. We’re finding a real knack of coming from a goal down of late to snatch draws against Swindon, Leeds, Bristol Rovers and now Cheltenham and that’s only since the start of February.
Stuart Gray seems to be able to turn a game back in his favour and that’s one of the reasons why we’re in this position in the table. The odd draw here and there may not look like much but when you put them all together, particularly after we fall behind in games, it makes a healthy addition to the points tally.
It’s certainly a blessing to have a manager who’s not scared of changing the shape of the team when things are against him and it will go wrong on the odd occasion but it can just as easily go in our favour.
Giles Coke won the plaudits after another impressive display, rounded off by his well taken goal. The player himself says he needs a full pre-season to be fully fit so by the time 2008/09 begins we could well have a hell of a player on our hands.
According to Stuart Gray the players are now playing for their contracts as the playoffs slip away from view. The situation shouldn’t be as desperate as last summer when the likes of Jason Crowe’s contracts were up so it could be a big time to improve the playing staff.
But we can’t give up on the playoffs as they’re still in sight, albeit seven points away now, and the derby day against Luton should provide another good Sixfields atmosphere on Saturday.
Luton are fighting for their lives and by my calculations if we beat the Hatters and both Crewe and Millwall pick up wins, Luton will be relegated. So all to play for and the return of the forgotten man, Sam Parkin, should give the home fans something to shout at!
It’s not over yet and let’s just keep believing that we can win every game. Three points on Saturday could take us a little closer going into the clash at Southend so here’s hoping we’re still at least in the hunt come this time next week!
Up The Cobblers!
Danny
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