The score of 2-2 and penalties was the theme of the week for both clubs so it was fitting that both of these features came about as the Cobblers drew with Brighton on Saturday.
Stuart Gray made two changes from the side that drew at Sunderland before losing on penalties as Leon Constantine and Giles Coke were replaced by Adebayo Akinfenwa and Karl Hawley. Frank Fielding kept his place in goal after the Blackburn keeper replaced Chris Dunn in midweek.
After a good start by the Cobblers, including a disallowed Akinfenwa goal, Hawley had a good chance when he rounded Brighton keeper Michael Kuipers only to see the stopper get back just in time to deny him.
It took until the twentieth minute for Brighton to get a foothold in the game as Andrew Whing curled their first effort just wide of the post. Just after the half hour mark, Abdul Osman broke away and Luke Guttridge collected the former Gretna man’s pass. Guttridge’s’ ball over to Colin Larkin and Larkin sent in a good shot that Kuipers had to beat away as we came close again.
Akinfenwa shot over the bar from a Guttridge free kick but it was the visitors who took a surprise lead against the run of play on the stroke of half-time. Joe Anyinsah was adjudged to have been brought down by Jason Crowe and Glenn Murray stepped up to convert the penalty and give Brighton the half-time lead.
After Karl Hawley was denied a spot kick at the other end just inside the second half, Jason Crowe went close. After playing a good one-two with Akinfenwa, Crowe sent a good shot wide of the post. Leon Constantine and Danny Jackman were then brought on for Colin Larkin and Andy Holt as Stuart Gray looked to get back into the game but it was Brighton who had the next effort with a Colin Hawkins free kick sailing over Fielding’s bar.
But the Cobblers had a deserved lead with fifteen minutes to go. After Giles Coke came on for Abdul Osman, Danny Jackman played in Karl Hawley and Hawley’s ball in was controlled well and finished by Akinfenwa to get us back into the game.
From then on it looked like the Cobblers would be the only winners as Liam Davis forcing Kuipers into a good save and referee Mr Hall angering the home fans with another turned down penalty appeal. But it looked as though Brighton would go home with all three points as Murray scored in stoppage time to put them back in front.
But there was more drama to come on as the Cobblers threw everything back at Albion. We won a late, late corner and even Frank Fielding came up to try and add confusion to the mix. The tactic worked and Akinfenwa headed home Jackman’s corner to equalise.
It was the Cobblers that were denied in midweek with a late, late equaliser but this time out we were celebrating as Bayo swooped to give us a share of the spoils. It’s now on to Crewe next weekend and this performance gives us hope of finally chalking up our first league win since the opening day of the season.
Sunday, September 28, 2008
Friday, September 26, 2008
Brighton and Hove Albion (H) Preview...
The Cobblers will be looking to bounce back from the mid-week agony at Sunderland as we host fellow Carling Cup adventurers Brighton and Hove Albion tomorrow afternoon.
Form
Both sides were involved in the Carling Cup Third Round in the week but only Brighton managed to get past the Premier League opposition. Sunderland came from 2-0 down in the final five minutes to take us to extra time before we were finally beaten on penalties in dramatic style on Tuesday night.
On Wednesday, it was Brighton’s turn and they saw off the money bags of Manchester City. After going 2-1 up in extra time, Albion conceded to a Stephen Ireland strike and their game also went to penalties. Brighton scraped through on spot kicks and now eagerly await the draw for the Fourth Round.
Team News
The Cobblers welcome back Karl Hawley to the squad after the striker was ruled out of the Sunderland game as he was cup-tied. The game comes too soon for Chris Doig who is out with a groin injury but Frank Fielding could keep his place in goal ahead of Chris Dunn.
Brighton have today signed midfielder Kevin Thornton with the 22-year-old arriving at the Withdean Stadium on a month long loan deal. Thornton goes straight into the squad for the trip to Sixfields while Joe Anyinsah could remain in the starting line-up. Colin Hawkins has returned to training after a hernia problem and could be back in the squad.
Recent Meetings
02/09/08: COBBLERS 0-1 BRIGHTON (JPT Round One)Kevin McLeod’s long range effort was enough to seal a dour Johnstone’s Paint Trophy game earlier this month at Sixfields.
29/01/08: COBBLERS 1-0 BRIGHTON
Mark Hughes scores the only goal of the game on the stroke of half-time as the Cobblers end the first month of 2008 on a high.
18/08/07: BRIGHTON 2-1 COBBLERS
In our first away game of last season, Dean Hammond scores a second minute penalty at the Withdean Stadium. Andy Kirk deservedly gets us back on terms and we look the better side until poor decisions from referee Mike Thorpe winds up the players and loses their focus. Brighton inevitably take home the points as Alex Revell scores in the second half.
31/03/07: COBBLERS 0-2 BRIGHTON
The moonwalking Bas Savage hits a quick-fire double in the second half to steer his side to an impressive away day win.
21/10/06: BRIGHTON 1-1 COBBLERS
Jake Robinson’s goal five minutes before the break looks to have won it for the home side but a quickly taken throw in late on confuses the Brighton back line and James Quinn sneaks in for an equaliser and his only ever goal for the club.
Head to Head...Cobblers v Seagulls....
Games Played: 121
Cobblers Wins: 52
Draws: 31
Brighton Wins: 38
Form
Both sides were involved in the Carling Cup Third Round in the week but only Brighton managed to get past the Premier League opposition. Sunderland came from 2-0 down in the final five minutes to take us to extra time before we were finally beaten on penalties in dramatic style on Tuesday night.
On Wednesday, it was Brighton’s turn and they saw off the money bags of Manchester City. After going 2-1 up in extra time, Albion conceded to a Stephen Ireland strike and their game also went to penalties. Brighton scraped through on spot kicks and now eagerly await the draw for the Fourth Round.
Team News
The Cobblers welcome back Karl Hawley to the squad after the striker was ruled out of the Sunderland game as he was cup-tied. The game comes too soon for Chris Doig who is out with a groin injury but Frank Fielding could keep his place in goal ahead of Chris Dunn.
Brighton have today signed midfielder Kevin Thornton with the 22-year-old arriving at the Withdean Stadium on a month long loan deal. Thornton goes straight into the squad for the trip to Sixfields while Joe Anyinsah could remain in the starting line-up. Colin Hawkins has returned to training after a hernia problem and could be back in the squad.
Recent Meetings
02/09/08: COBBLERS 0-1 BRIGHTON (JPT Round One)Kevin McLeod’s long range effort was enough to seal a dour Johnstone’s Paint Trophy game earlier this month at Sixfields.
29/01/08: COBBLERS 1-0 BRIGHTON
Mark Hughes scores the only goal of the game on the stroke of half-time as the Cobblers end the first month of 2008 on a high.
18/08/07: BRIGHTON 2-1 COBBLERS
In our first away game of last season, Dean Hammond scores a second minute penalty at the Withdean Stadium. Andy Kirk deservedly gets us back on terms and we look the better side until poor decisions from referee Mike Thorpe winds up the players and loses their focus. Brighton inevitably take home the points as Alex Revell scores in the second half.
31/03/07: COBBLERS 0-2 BRIGHTON
The moonwalking Bas Savage hits a quick-fire double in the second half to steer his side to an impressive away day win.
21/10/06: BRIGHTON 1-1 COBBLERS
Jake Robinson’s goal five minutes before the break looks to have won it for the home side but a quickly taken throw in late on confuses the Brighton back line and James Quinn sneaks in for an equaliser and his only ever goal for the club.
Head to Head...Cobblers v Seagulls....
Games Played: 121
Cobblers Wins: 52
Draws: 31
Brighton Wins: 38
Thursday, September 25, 2008
The Midweek Review...25/09/08...
After 120 minutes of edge of the seat action on Tuesday night, we were edged out by Premier League Sunderland. Why, oh why, we asked, can’t we play like that in the league? This Saturday sees us try to turn the League One form around against Brighton.
Starting off the week that put us back in the nation’s spotlight was a Saturday afternoon slump at Huddersfield Town. Karl Hawley got us off and running but then came another downfall just like the one at Tranmere as Huddersfield tore past us on the pitch and in the league table at the same time. Their third goal was a big mistake from young Chris Dunn and Liam Davis’ first goal for the Cobblers couldn’t prevent defeat.
There’s been a lot of talk about Dunn recently and whether he’s ready to step into the large shoes of Mark Bunn. The first few performances from Dunn have been ok but nothing more and his defenders haven’t had the confidence in him so evident when Bunn was between the posts. By the time Bunn was our number one he’d been out on loan a couple of times and bided his time behind Lee Harper and Dunn has gone straight into the spotlight so there’s nothing to say that he can’t push on with his Cobblers career. But after a couple of shaky results and a good performance from Frank Fielding on Tuesday could mean the Blackburn loan man keeps his place for this weekend.
I was hooked, as were thousands more I would imagine, to Tuesday night’s commentary of the trip to Sunderland. When I turned on at 20 minutes fully expecting us to be behind, I couldn’t quite believe my ears when I heard that Colin Larkin had given us the lead! After Huddersfield and Tranmere though, and with us being the Cobblers, there was still a lot to do even at half-time.
But even the most pessimistic (and there are a lot) Cobblers fan would have been looking towards another upset when Luke Guttridge calmly side footed us into an incredible 2-0 lead. There were four minutes of Town fans singing about Wembley before Sunderland got one back through Anthony Stokes and the nerves began going into stoppage time. With a couple of minutes left of time added on, they got a corner and you could hear a collective grumble of Town fans all over the country.
Inevitably, Stokes grabbed a second goal and extra time came and went with us doing most of the running against a Sunderland side wanting to just get to penalties. The shoot-out went the way of the home side and we were unfairly dumped out of the Carling Cup in circumstances that made you wish you were there even though it ended in heartache. Hearing stories from fans who were there of Sunderland fans shaking their hands after the game and players giving everything for the cause makes you feel gutted that those nights don’t come around too often.
Leon Constantine was the unfortunate man to miss the vital spot kick and he’s been in for a bit of stick recently but there seems to have been a big change in the front man’s performance up at the Stadium of Light. His hard work for the team didn’t go unnoticed and we have to now hope and pray that his form continues to improve in the league and not just for the big games.
Frank Fielding made a good showing and should keep his place against Brighton while Karl Hawley comes back to challenge for a place in the front two. With Brighton having gone one step further than us by beating Premier League opposition on penalties, their tails will be up but having played a day later tiredness could also creep in.
Stuart Gray is desperate for a league win and this weekend is a big chance to start turning things around with a home game that is winnable. Brighton have a decent away record including a win at Sixfields in the JPT already to their names so will be no pushover but we have to see it as a chance to push away from the bottom four.
We must hope that the performance against Sunderland can be repeated on Saturday and we don’t get another hangover like the Tranmere hammering that followed our win at Bolton.
Up The Cobblers!
Danny
Starting off the week that put us back in the nation’s spotlight was a Saturday afternoon slump at Huddersfield Town. Karl Hawley got us off and running but then came another downfall just like the one at Tranmere as Huddersfield tore past us on the pitch and in the league table at the same time. Their third goal was a big mistake from young Chris Dunn and Liam Davis’ first goal for the Cobblers couldn’t prevent defeat.
There’s been a lot of talk about Dunn recently and whether he’s ready to step into the large shoes of Mark Bunn. The first few performances from Dunn have been ok but nothing more and his defenders haven’t had the confidence in him so evident when Bunn was between the posts. By the time Bunn was our number one he’d been out on loan a couple of times and bided his time behind Lee Harper and Dunn has gone straight into the spotlight so there’s nothing to say that he can’t push on with his Cobblers career. But after a couple of shaky results and a good performance from Frank Fielding on Tuesday could mean the Blackburn loan man keeps his place for this weekend.
I was hooked, as were thousands more I would imagine, to Tuesday night’s commentary of the trip to Sunderland. When I turned on at 20 minutes fully expecting us to be behind, I couldn’t quite believe my ears when I heard that Colin Larkin had given us the lead! After Huddersfield and Tranmere though, and with us being the Cobblers, there was still a lot to do even at half-time.
But even the most pessimistic (and there are a lot) Cobblers fan would have been looking towards another upset when Luke Guttridge calmly side footed us into an incredible 2-0 lead. There were four minutes of Town fans singing about Wembley before Sunderland got one back through Anthony Stokes and the nerves began going into stoppage time. With a couple of minutes left of time added on, they got a corner and you could hear a collective grumble of Town fans all over the country.
Inevitably, Stokes grabbed a second goal and extra time came and went with us doing most of the running against a Sunderland side wanting to just get to penalties. The shoot-out went the way of the home side and we were unfairly dumped out of the Carling Cup in circumstances that made you wish you were there even though it ended in heartache. Hearing stories from fans who were there of Sunderland fans shaking their hands after the game and players giving everything for the cause makes you feel gutted that those nights don’t come around too often.
Leon Constantine was the unfortunate man to miss the vital spot kick and he’s been in for a bit of stick recently but there seems to have been a big change in the front man’s performance up at the Stadium of Light. His hard work for the team didn’t go unnoticed and we have to now hope and pray that his form continues to improve in the league and not just for the big games.
Frank Fielding made a good showing and should keep his place against Brighton while Karl Hawley comes back to challenge for a place in the front two. With Brighton having gone one step further than us by beating Premier League opposition on penalties, their tails will be up but having played a day later tiredness could also creep in.
Stuart Gray is desperate for a league win and this weekend is a big chance to start turning things around with a home game that is winnable. Brighton have a decent away record including a win at Sixfields in the JPT already to their names so will be no pushover but we have to see it as a chance to push away from the bottom four.
We must hope that the performance against Sunderland can be repeated on Saturday and we don’t get another hangover like the Tranmere hammering that followed our win at Bolton.
Up The Cobblers!
Danny
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
No Saints 2-3 Kashima Antlers
A disappointing end to the season for No Saints meant that we missed out on promotion back to League Two. On a rain drenched pitch, there were plenty of fouls early on.
It was Kashima who took the lead mid-way through the first half and our task got more difficult after an unfortunate own goal put Antlers 2-0 up. As desperation kicked in, we surged forward and Abib gave us hope of the point we needed.
But almost straight away, Kashima made it 3-1 and the dreams of promotion began to fade. A late strike from Jamie, his ninth of the season, made it 3-2 but it wasn't enough and we will spend another season in League Three, starting next week.
It was Kashima who took the lead mid-way through the first half and our task got more difficult after an unfortunate own goal put Antlers 2-0 up. As desperation kicked in, we surged forward and Abib gave us hope of the point we needed.
But almost straight away, Kashima made it 3-1 and the dreams of promotion began to fade. A late strike from Jamie, his ninth of the season, made it 3-2 but it wasn't enough and we will spend another season in League Three, starting next week.
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Sunderland 2-2 Northampton Town (Sunderland win 4-3 on penalties)
The Cobblers were cruelly beaten on penalties by Sunderland after the Black Cats came from 2-0 down in the final five minutes of normal time to take the game to an extra half hour. Leon Constantine’s penalty miss helped the home side through after an agonising Third Round tie.
Stuart Gray brought in Frank Fielding to replace Chris Dunn in the Cobblers goal while Adebayo Akinfenwa dropped to the bench in place of Leon Constantine. Giles Coke and Abdul Osman also started the game while Liam Dolman dropped to the bench. Striker Karl Hawley was cup-tied and was forced to sit out of the game.
Andy Holt’s long throw created the first chance of the game early on, setting up Luke Guttridge, who shot over the bar. Leon Constantine shot side via a deflection ten minutes later but we did have a deserved lead on the twenty minute mark. A long ball up field was flicked on by Leon Constantine and Colin Larkin latched onto it well before finished low past home keeper Martin Fulop.
As Sunderland looked to get right back into the game, Frank Fielding was called into action, saving from Carlos Edwards. A few minutes later, Grant Leadbitter drove wide of Fielding’s post. Fielding was called into action again with ten minutes to go until half-time as he pushed away a Darryl Murphy header.
Andy Reid then went close with a driven shot from distance but the Cobblers went into the break in front to a chorus of boos from the home fans. Fielding had made another good save just moments before the break and it was clear that the game was far from over as the sides went in at the break.
Michael Chopra and Kieran Richardson were introduced into the action as Sunderland looked to get back into the game. Chopra had a couple of good chances early in the half but we were dealing well with the early onslaught from the Black Cats. Leon Constantine had our first real chance of the half as he forced Fulop into a save.
After Ryan Gilligan replaced Giles Coke in midfield, Chopra went close with a free kick. Roy Keane made his final change with Grant Leadbitter coming off for Anthony Stokes but incredibly it was the Cobblers who struck the next blow in the game.
Larkin did well on the right and his cross was side footed home by Luke Guttridge to give us a two goal cushion with ten minutes to play. We should have known that it’s never game over with the Cobblers but you couldn’t help but dream. I couldn’t help leaping around my living room but should have known better!
Nyron Nosworthy’s injury meant that Sunderland were down to ten men late on as they had used all of their subs but they found a way back into the game. With five minutes left, Anthony Stokes latched onto a long free kick to scramble the ball home and give the home side some hope.
As stoppage time ticked away, it looked like we were about to cause another shock but Stokes popped up again as Sunderland won a late corner. Stokes rose the highest to head home the set play and send the game into extra time!
Extra time was as nervy as usual with Stuart Gray bringing on Adebayo Akinfenwa and Danny Jackman for Colin Larkin and Andy Holt. The fresh legs put a spark back into our play and Liam Davis and Luke Guttridge went close with long range efforts. The Cobblers were pressing hard against the ten men to try and avoid penalties but Sunderland were looking happy to preserve the draw and take the game to spot kicks.
Leon Constantine headed over the bar at the start of the second half of extra time before Sunderland came to life. Stokes went on a winding run and nearly scored his hat-trick but shot just wide and the game went onwards to penalties.
After Michael Chopra had put Sunderland in front on penalties, Mark Hughes shot over the bar for the Cobblers. Darryl Murphy made it 2-0 before Akinfenwa scored for the Cobblers. Black Cats hero Stokes missed for the home side and Liam Davis kept his nerve to equalise. Andy Reid and Abdul Osman both scored before Kieran Richardson’s successful kick meant that Leon Constantine had to score to keep us in the game.
But the front man saw his penalty saved and the Cobblers were out of the Carling Cup after a brave fight against their Premier League opposition.
Stuart Gray brought in Frank Fielding to replace Chris Dunn in the Cobblers goal while Adebayo Akinfenwa dropped to the bench in place of Leon Constantine. Giles Coke and Abdul Osman also started the game while Liam Dolman dropped to the bench. Striker Karl Hawley was cup-tied and was forced to sit out of the game.
Andy Holt’s long throw created the first chance of the game early on, setting up Luke Guttridge, who shot over the bar. Leon Constantine shot side via a deflection ten minutes later but we did have a deserved lead on the twenty minute mark. A long ball up field was flicked on by Leon Constantine and Colin Larkin latched onto it well before finished low past home keeper Martin Fulop.
As Sunderland looked to get right back into the game, Frank Fielding was called into action, saving from Carlos Edwards. A few minutes later, Grant Leadbitter drove wide of Fielding’s post. Fielding was called into action again with ten minutes to go until half-time as he pushed away a Darryl Murphy header.
Andy Reid then went close with a driven shot from distance but the Cobblers went into the break in front to a chorus of boos from the home fans. Fielding had made another good save just moments before the break and it was clear that the game was far from over as the sides went in at the break.
Michael Chopra and Kieran Richardson were introduced into the action as Sunderland looked to get back into the game. Chopra had a couple of good chances early in the half but we were dealing well with the early onslaught from the Black Cats. Leon Constantine had our first real chance of the half as he forced Fulop into a save.
After Ryan Gilligan replaced Giles Coke in midfield, Chopra went close with a free kick. Roy Keane made his final change with Grant Leadbitter coming off for Anthony Stokes but incredibly it was the Cobblers who struck the next blow in the game.
Larkin did well on the right and his cross was side footed home by Luke Guttridge to give us a two goal cushion with ten minutes to play. We should have known that it’s never game over with the Cobblers but you couldn’t help but dream. I couldn’t help leaping around my living room but should have known better!
Nyron Nosworthy’s injury meant that Sunderland were down to ten men late on as they had used all of their subs but they found a way back into the game. With five minutes left, Anthony Stokes latched onto a long free kick to scramble the ball home and give the home side some hope.
As stoppage time ticked away, it looked like we were about to cause another shock but Stokes popped up again as Sunderland won a late corner. Stokes rose the highest to head home the set play and send the game into extra time!
Extra time was as nervy as usual with Stuart Gray bringing on Adebayo Akinfenwa and Danny Jackman for Colin Larkin and Andy Holt. The fresh legs put a spark back into our play and Liam Davis and Luke Guttridge went close with long range efforts. The Cobblers were pressing hard against the ten men to try and avoid penalties but Sunderland were looking happy to preserve the draw and take the game to spot kicks.
Leon Constantine headed over the bar at the start of the second half of extra time before Sunderland came to life. Stokes went on a winding run and nearly scored his hat-trick but shot just wide and the game went onwards to penalties.
After Michael Chopra had put Sunderland in front on penalties, Mark Hughes shot over the bar for the Cobblers. Darryl Murphy made it 2-0 before Akinfenwa scored for the Cobblers. Black Cats hero Stokes missed for the home side and Liam Davis kept his nerve to equalise. Andy Reid and Abdul Osman both scored before Kieran Richardson’s successful kick meant that Leon Constantine had to score to keep us in the game.
But the front man saw his penalty saved and the Cobblers were out of the Carling Cup after a brave fight against their Premier League opposition.
Sunderland (a) Carling Cup Third Round Preview
The Cobblers look to put their poor league form behind them tonight with the distraction of a Carling Cup trip to Sunderland.
Stuart Gray's side saw off Premier League Bolton Wanderers in Round Two and will be looking to cause another upset at the Stadium of Light. Sunderland won 2-1 at Nottingham Forest to progress to this stage.
Form
After a 3-0 defeat at home to Manchester City rocked the Black Cat's steady start to the season, Sunderland got back on track with a 1-1 draw at Wigan. Last weekend, Roy Keane's men scored two late goals to win the local derby with Middlesbrough.
The Cobblers' season has gone downhill since the win at Bolton with a couple of big away defeats either side of draws with Peterborough and Stockport. After going a goal up at Huddersfield at the weekend, we were eventually beaten 3-2 and any sort of collapse this evening will mean we would have no chance of getting near the Premier League side.
Team News
Sunderland will be without George McCartney and Teemu Tainio for tonight's game. McCartney is cup-tied after playing in West Ham's second round tie at home to Macclesfield while Tainio injured his shoulder in the win over Middlesbrough at the weekend. Goal scorer in that game, Michael Chopra, is set to be involved though after shaking off a dead leg. Kenwyne Jones and Darren Ward are still missing through knee and back injuries respectively.
Stuart Gray will have skipper Chris Doig missing from his squad after the defender struggles with a groin injury. Meanwhile, Karl Hawley is cup-tied after playing in the competition already while at parent club Preston. Leon Constantine, a substitute at Huddersfield, could come back into contention for a starting role. Gray will also be considering starting on loan goalkeeper Frank Fielding after Chris Dunn's mistake for Huddersfield's third goal on Saturday.
Recent Meetings
There have been no recent games between the sides and you have to go back to the 1987/88 season for the last meeting. In that season, Sunderland did a league double over the Cobblers with a 2-0 win at The County Ground and a 3-1 success at Roker Park.
Head to Head...Black Cats v Cobblers
Games Played: 9
Sunderland Wins: 5
Draws: 1
Cobblers Wins: 3
Monday, September 22, 2008
Football League Review...22nd September 2008...
After another weekend of exciting Football League action, we take a look back on a week that saw Wolves extend their lead at the top of the Championship, Oldham remain on top in League One and the League Two leadership change hands once again.
Wolves are sitting pretty on top of the Championship after another fine victory this weekend. Mick McCarthy’s men came through a tough test at Preston to win 3-1 despite ending the game with nine men. Chris Iwelumo’s hat-trick was enough to see Wolves clear at the top but the striker was later sent off for a head butt on Preston’s Sean St. Ledger. Wolves keeper Wayne Hennessey was also shown a red card late on but Wolves had already bagged the points. They go three points clear at the top after Birmingham suffered a surprise home defeat to Blackpool. Gary Taylor-Fletcher was the Tangerine’s hero at St. Andrews but Birmingham remain second.
Below them, Preston stayed in third place despite that defeat to Wolves while QPR remain in fourth. Rangers beat Southampton last Sunday but were beaten by Coventry this weekend. Elliott Ward’s penalty gave Coventry the points at the Ricoh Arena on fifteen minutes. Bristol City continue to impress and are in the top six following a 4-1 hammering of Doncaster Rovers with two goals from Michael McIndoe helping City to the win.
The most bizarre incident of the weekend came as Watford drew 2-2 with Reading. Assistant referee Nigel Bannister appeared to award an opening goal to Reading despite the ball going yards WIDE of the goal. The incident is set to be reviewed by the Professional Game Match Officials Board.
Down at the bottom of the table, Southampton couldn’t escape the bottom three after a goalless draw at home to bottom club Barnsley at St. Mary’s. Nottingham Forest also drew 0-0, at home to Charlton as they continue to struggle to adapt to life back in The Championship.
League One leaders Oldham were involved in a six goal thriller at Hartlepool to come away with a point in a 3-3 draw. The draw keeps the Latics unbeaten after seven games on seventeen points. Scunthorpe keep the pressure on them after a 2-1 win at Hereford with Gary Hooper netting the winner. Hereford had taken the lead through Nick Chadwick but Sam Togwell eqialised before Hooper’s goal five minutes later.
Leeds saw off Carlisle in a battle of two sides in the top six and they rise to third place in the table. Millwall continue to surprise people and lie fourth after providing new Cheltenham manager Martin Allen with his first defeat. Leicester got back on track following last weekend’s defeat to Millwall by beating Leyton Orient 3-1 at Brisbane Road. That was Orient’s second heavy home defeat in a week after they were beaten 3-0 by Stockport last weekend.
At the foot of the table, Hereford continue to struggle to adapt to life in League One and are at the bottom of the league. Colchester are also still struggling following a 3-0 home defeat by MK Dons. The win takes Dons up to eighth as substitute Sam Baldock scored twice to keep their momentum going. Meanwhile, Cheltenham stay in the bottom four following that defeat at Millwall while Crewe didn’t warm up for their big game at Liverpool in the Carling Cup as they were beaten 4-3 at home by Southend in the game of the day in League One.
In League Two, Bury are the new leaders as they beat struggling Barnet at Underhill with in-form Andy Morrell netting the winner. Wycombe beat Dagenham and Redbridge in the big game of the day at the top of the table as Ben Strevens missed an injury time penalty for the Daggers. Making up the top three are Bradford who lost ground on the leaders after a home defeat to Bournemouth.
Shrewsbury lie in fourth place after Grant Holt’s goal was cancelled out by Paul McManus in their draw at Chester. Dagenham are down to fifth while Aldershot and won well at home to Gillingham, Scott Davies scoring from long range against the ten man Gills. Brentford drew at home with Lincoln to remain in the playoff places.
Down at the bottom, two sides docked points met as Rotherham reduced their deficit to minus three with a single goal win over Luton Town at the Don Valley Stadium. Bournemouth are down to minus eleven following their away win at high flying Bradford.
We now turn our attention to the midweek fixtures as the Football League clubs challenge the big guns in the Carling Cup Third Round. The pick of the challenges sees Crewe travel to Liverpool, Northampton take on Sunderland in the Stadium of Light and Watford host West Ham. There’s also a derby between Swansea and Cardiff to whet the appetite for their league meetings later this year.
That’s all for this week, see you again next Monday!
Huddersfield Town 3-2 Northampton Town
The Cobblers were beaten at Huddersfield yesterday as Liam Davis’ late consolation wasn’t enough to prevent a disappointing afternoon at the Galpharm Stadium.
Cobblers boss Stuart Gray brought back Jason Crowe after suspension and Mark Hughes replaced the injured Chris Doig in defence. Adebayo Akinfenwa also returned to the starting line-up in place of Ryan Gilligan.
The first chance of the game fell to Karl Hawley. After good work from Jason Crowe down the right hand side, Hawley met the ball with a good header but the ball crashed against the crossbar as the front man looked to make it two goals in a week. Shortly after, Jonathon Worthington flashed the home side’s first chance over the bar.
At the other end, Hawley had a header cleared off the line and a second one tipped over the bar by Matt Glennon in the Huddersfield goal. But the Cobblers early pressure was rewarded on twenty five minutes. Luke Guttridge received the ball from Danny Jackman and his cross was diverted into his own net by Jim Goodwin.
We were denied a penalty shortly after the goal after Hawley has appeared to be tripped in the area and the frustration grew soon afterwards as the home side had an equaliser. Liam Dickinson caused havoc in the Cobblers defence and Andy Booth scored from close range to continue his good run of form against us.
The sides went in at half-time level despite a late effort from Abdul Osman but the game would soon turn against us after the break.
After Hawley had a shot diverted wide, Huddersfield had the lead for the first time in the game. Dickinson was again the architect and he played in Michael Flynn who finished well past Chris Dunn in the Cobblers goal.
Liam Davis came off the bench and immediately had a shot saved by Glennon but the game was over with around ten minutes to go as Flynn scored with a long range effort that snuck under the body of Chris Dunn. As we looked to get back into the game, Leon Constantine, a substitute for Adebayo Akinfenwa, lobbed the ball just over.
Davis did get on the score sheet with a good header from a Ryan Gilligan cross but it was too little too late and The Cobblers had let another lead slip on our travels. We now regroup before we travel to Sunderland on Tuesday night in the Carling Cup.
Cobblers boss Stuart Gray brought back Jason Crowe after suspension and Mark Hughes replaced the injured Chris Doig in defence. Adebayo Akinfenwa also returned to the starting line-up in place of Ryan Gilligan.
The first chance of the game fell to Karl Hawley. After good work from Jason Crowe down the right hand side, Hawley met the ball with a good header but the ball crashed against the crossbar as the front man looked to make it two goals in a week. Shortly after, Jonathon Worthington flashed the home side’s first chance over the bar.
At the other end, Hawley had a header cleared off the line and a second one tipped over the bar by Matt Glennon in the Huddersfield goal. But the Cobblers early pressure was rewarded on twenty five minutes. Luke Guttridge received the ball from Danny Jackman and his cross was diverted into his own net by Jim Goodwin.
We were denied a penalty shortly after the goal after Hawley has appeared to be tripped in the area and the frustration grew soon afterwards as the home side had an equaliser. Liam Dickinson caused havoc in the Cobblers defence and Andy Booth scored from close range to continue his good run of form against us.
The sides went in at half-time level despite a late effort from Abdul Osman but the game would soon turn against us after the break.
After Hawley had a shot diverted wide, Huddersfield had the lead for the first time in the game. Dickinson was again the architect and he played in Michael Flynn who finished well past Chris Dunn in the Cobblers goal.
Liam Davis came off the bench and immediately had a shot saved by Glennon but the game was over with around ten minutes to go as Flynn scored with a long range effort that snuck under the body of Chris Dunn. As we looked to get back into the game, Leon Constantine, a substitute for Adebayo Akinfenwa, lobbed the ball just over.
Davis did get on the score sheet with a good header from a Ryan Gilligan cross but it was too little too late and The Cobblers had let another lead slip on our travels. We now regroup before we travel to Sunderland on Tuesday night in the Carling Cup.
Friday, September 19, 2008
Huddersfield Town (A) Preview...
Next up for the Cobblers is a trip to struggling Huddersfield Town as we travel to the Galpharm Stadium still looking for our first league win since the opening day of the season.
Form
The Terriers have had a tough start to the season and lie in the bottom four before the Cobblers come to town. After two draws in the first two league games this season, Huddersfield were beaten at home by MK Dons and away at Millwall. Their only win came in the 2-1 win at Cheltenham but last weekend they were beaten at The Galpharm again, this time at the hands of Tranmere Rovers.
The Cobblers go into the game off the back of two draws, at home to Peterborough United last weekend and at Stockport in our game in hand on Tuesday night. Karl Hawley struck his first goal for the club in the week but it was cancelled out late on by Leon McSweeney.
Team News
Huddersfield could still be without captain Chris Lucketti who is struggling with a groin injury while Danny Cadamarteri could also be missing. Tom Clarke is definitely ruled out of the game with a thigh strain. But the Terriers could be boosted by the return of striker Andy Booth who is recovering well from a back problem.
The Cobblers welcomed back Chris Doig in the midweek draw at Stockport but the defender could miss out after his groin injury flared up again following the game. Liam Davis is back in training after recovering from an illness while Jason Crowe will return after a one game ban.
Recent Meetings
29/12/07: HUDDERSFIELD 1-2 COBBLERS
Andy Booth adds to his collection of goals against the Cobblers on the stroke of half time but we fight back in the second half as Poul Hubertz and Jason Crowe turn the game in our favour with Crowe’s winner coming just five minutes from time.
22/09/07: COBBLERS 3-0 HUDDERSFIELD
Goals from Poul Hubertz, Andy Holt and Andy Kirk eased the Cobblers to victory at Sixfields earlier on this season.
27/04/07: COBBLERS 1-1 HUDDERSFIELD
Andy Holt puts the Cobblers in front on 63 minutes but David Mirfin equalises with fifteen minutes to go in Ian Taylor’s final game in professional football.
16/12/06: HUDDERSFIELD 1-1 COBBLERS
Joe Burnell fires the Cobblers into the lead but Danny Schofield earns the home side a deserved point.
20/04/04: COBBLERS 0-1 HUDDERSFIELD
Andy Booth scores the only goal of the game as Huddersfield make a giant leap towards automatic promotion from League Two.
13/09/03: HUDDERSFIELD 3-0 COBBLERS
Two goals from Jon Stead and an Anthony Carss penalty tie up the points for Huddersfield before half time.
Head to Head...Terriers v Cobblers...
Games Played: 29
Huddersfield Wins: 12
Draws: 6
Cobblers Wins: 12
Thursday, September 18, 2008
No Saints 4-1 Real Manuel
We now need just a point to seal promotion on goal difference after a fightback this evening against bottom club Real Manuel.
After a debated goal was given in the second half for Manuel, we survived a period of frustration to get back on terms through a quickly taken free kick from Aaron and went in front with Jamie calmly netting an open goal.
Will and Phil added to our tally and we sealed a vital win in our bid for promotion. Just a draw should do in our final game to seal promotion barring a miraculous turn around of goal difference by Hen 222. It's all going to the wire!
After a debated goal was given in the second half for Manuel, we survived a period of frustration to get back on terms through a quickly taken free kick from Aaron and went in front with Jamie calmly netting an open goal.
Will and Phil added to our tally and we sealed a vital win in our bid for promotion. Just a draw should do in our final game to seal promotion barring a miraculous turn around of goal difference by Hen 222. It's all going to the wire!
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
Stockport County (A) Preview
The Cobblers travel to Stockport County this evening knowing that a win would propel us from the bottom four into the top half of the table. County, though, will go into the top six with a win so there’s all to play for at Edgeley Park.
Form
Since winning promotion through the playoffs last season, Stockport have made a steady start to life in League One with their only defeat so far coming at home to Scunthorpe United. At the weekend, they enjoyed a comfortable 3-0 win at Leyton Orient to keep them within touching distance of the top six.
The Cobblers come into the game off the back of a 1-1 home draw in the derby against Peterborough United at the weekend. We currently lie fourth from bottom in the table but a result tonight would take us away from the bottom four.
Team News
Stockport should welcome back Peter Thompson after he was taken off at half-time during the weekend win over Orient. Carl Baker, Jason Taylor and Matty McNeil are all out of the game but County could have Johnny Mullins back in contention.
Stuart Gray will wait until the final minutes before naming his side with Adebayo Akinfenwa, Chris Doig and Liam Davis all doubts. Doig and Akinfenwa both sat out of the derby game while Davis was withdrawn at half time with a viral infection. Jason Crowe was sent off in that game and serves a one match suspension.
Recent Meetings
17/04/06: COBBLERS 2-0 STOCKPORT
En route to promotion in 2006, the Cobblers secure a vital win with second half goals from Scott McGleish and Martin Smith enough to put County to the sword .
22/10/005: STOCKPORT 4-2 COBBLERS
On our last visit to Edgeley Park, Tes Bramble scores after eight minutes for the home side but goals from Junior Mendes and Scott McGleish put us in control. David Hunt is then sent off though and we fall to a Stockport come back as Harpal Singh, Bramble again and Keith Briggs round off the win for County.
18/04/03: COBBLERS 0-3 STOCKPORT
With all three goals coming in the opening twenty five minutes, Aaron Wilbraham scores twice and James Goodwin once as County run out easy winners at Sixfields.
20/12/02: STOCKPORT 4-0 COBBLERS
A hat-trick from Luke Beckett tears the Cobblers apart at Edgely Park before Ben Burgess rounds off the scoring on a dismal night for The Cobblers in the season where we were relegated from League One.
Head to Head...County v Cobblers...
Games Played: 46
Stockport Wins: 16
Draws: 12
Cobblers Wins: 18
Form
Since winning promotion through the playoffs last season, Stockport have made a steady start to life in League One with their only defeat so far coming at home to Scunthorpe United. At the weekend, they enjoyed a comfortable 3-0 win at Leyton Orient to keep them within touching distance of the top six.
The Cobblers come into the game off the back of a 1-1 home draw in the derby against Peterborough United at the weekend. We currently lie fourth from bottom in the table but a result tonight would take us away from the bottom four.
Team News
Stockport should welcome back Peter Thompson after he was taken off at half-time during the weekend win over Orient. Carl Baker, Jason Taylor and Matty McNeil are all out of the game but County could have Johnny Mullins back in contention.
Stuart Gray will wait until the final minutes before naming his side with Adebayo Akinfenwa, Chris Doig and Liam Davis all doubts. Doig and Akinfenwa both sat out of the derby game while Davis was withdrawn at half time with a viral infection. Jason Crowe was sent off in that game and serves a one match suspension.
Recent Meetings
17/04/06: COBBLERS 2-0 STOCKPORT
En route to promotion in 2006, the Cobblers secure a vital win with second half goals from Scott McGleish and Martin Smith enough to put County to the sword .
22/10/005: STOCKPORT 4-2 COBBLERS
On our last visit to Edgeley Park, Tes Bramble scores after eight minutes for the home side but goals from Junior Mendes and Scott McGleish put us in control. David Hunt is then sent off though and we fall to a Stockport come back as Harpal Singh, Bramble again and Keith Briggs round off the win for County.
18/04/03: COBBLERS 0-3 STOCKPORT
With all three goals coming in the opening twenty five minutes, Aaron Wilbraham scores twice and James Goodwin once as County run out easy winners at Sixfields.
20/12/02: STOCKPORT 4-0 COBBLERS
A hat-trick from Luke Beckett tears the Cobblers apart at Edgely Park before Ben Burgess rounds off the scoring on a dismal night for The Cobblers in the season where we were relegated from League One.
Head to Head...County v Cobblers...
Games Played: 46
Stockport Wins: 16
Draws: 12
Cobblers Wins: 18
Sunday, September 14, 2008
Football League Update...
It’s been another busy week in Football League world with two of the three league leaders holding firm on top of their respective divisions and one very happy and relieved team in the Championship finally getting a win at the 39th attempt!
Championship leaders Wolves went to Charlton in a tricky looking away game but Sam Vokes’ double completed a fine second half comeback from Mick McCarthy’s men who came from a goal down to win 3-1 at the Valley. Birmingham City kept up the pressure on Wolves by seeing off newly promoted Doncaster Rovers by the single goal. City were reduced to ten men after Mehdi Nafti saw red but still managed to grab a winner through Cameron Jerome. Elsewhere, Preston continued their impressive start with a goalless draw at Coventry whilst Bristol City are still proving that last season wasn’t just a flash in the pan as they claimed a solid draw at Cardiff to stay in the top six. The two Sheffield clubs are both riding high in the Championship with Wednesday producing an impressive 2-0 win over Watford. United suffered defeat this week though as they were beaten by Derby as Rob Hulse gave the Rams a first win in just under a year!
At the wrong end of the table, Plymouth are struggling and still can’t find a win. They were beaten 2-1 at home by Norwich this weekend and remain on just two points. Barnsley were beaten at Blackpool and stay second from bottom while Nottingham Forest head closer to the foot of the table with a home defeat to Burnley. Graham Alexander scored both goals for the Clarets, the second a penalty. That was Burnley’s first win of the season and takes them out of the bottom three.
In League One, Oldham continued their stunning start to the season by making it 16 points from a possible 18 with a 2-0 win over MK Dons at Boundary Park. Lee Hughes put Oldham in front before Mark Wright missed a penalty for the Dons. The miss was to prove costly as Oldham sealed the win through Mark Allott in stoppage time. Carlisle were beaten at Scunthorpe, who made it four wins in a row as Matt Sparrow and Paul Hayes scored the goals in a 2-1 win. Danny Carlton got the Carlisle goal and despite the loss they stay second, with Scunthorpe up to third.The Don’s defeat takes them out of the top six and one team replacing them was Millwall, who stunned Leicester in an early kick off. Gary Alexander’s goal ensured the Lions overtook Leicester in the table. Meanwhile, Leeds continued their steady rise up the table with a comprehensive 3-1 away win at Swindon with Jermaine Beckford twice on the scoresheet.
At the wrong end of the table, I watched on as Northampton drew the local derby with Peterborough United, a draw that took us into the bottom four for the first time this season. Cheltenham remain bottom after another hammering, this time 4-1 at Hartlepool on Friday night. The Robins are already on a worrying minus 12 goal difference with six games played. Hereford were beaten at Southend and stay in the bottom four while Huddersfield’s poor start went on with a 2-1 home reverse to Tranmere Rovers.
League Two’s leadership changed hands once again as Bradford put four past Exeter City to come from behind at Valley Parade. Four goals in nineteen second half minutes took City to the summit of the table as Peter Thorne and Michael Boulding scored two apiece. Former leaders Wycombe were held to a goalless draw at home by Brentford and drop to third in the table in a game that saw Wycombe set a new clean sheet record with the longest run of clean sheets since they entered the Football League. Wanderers have now gone almost eight hours without conceding a goal! Bury continued their good start with a 3-1 win over struggling Lincoln City.The result of the afternoon, though, goes to Shrewsbury who win 7-0 at the New Meadow against Gillingham. The Gills had made a good start to the season up until the weekend with ten points from fifteen but Shrewsbury were too much for them and romped home to match their best ever league result from 1995. Dagenham and Redbridge continue to be the surprise package of League Two as they won again, this time a 3-0 home win over Chesterfield. Aldershot stay in the top six despite defeat at bottom club Luton.
The Hatters reduced their deficit to minus 20 points with that win but still have an awfully long way to go to be even considering staying up. Bournemouth continue to struggle and remain on minus 14 points following a home defeat to Macclesfield Town with Gareth Evans the scorer at The Fitness First Stadium. Rotherham also remain in minus figures after an entertaining 2-2 home draw with Rochdale. Meanwhile, Barnet secured their first point of the season in a 1-1 draw with Morecambe.
So that’s it for another week in the beautiful Football League. There’s a full fixture list in the Championship in midweek as Wolves take on Crystal Palace while fellow high flyers Birmingham face a tough trip to Bristol City. Surprise package Preston take on Nottingham Forest and Derby will be hoping their win will spark more of the same as they go to newly promoted Swansea City.
Next weekend in League One sees Leeds travel to Carlisle for the first time since last season’s dramatic playoff semi-final that saw Leeds score a last minute winner to take them to Wembley. Elsewhere, leaders Oldham travel to Hartlepool and Scunthorpe visit struggling Hereford.
League Two is looking the most competitive in many a year and Bradford will be hoping to be one of the only sides this season to retain top spot for a second week as they meet Bournemouth at Valley Parade. Bury go to Barnet, who are still looking for a first win of the season, and the game of the day comes at Adams Park as Wycombe host Dagenham and Redbridge.
Northampton Town 1-1 Peterborough United
The Cobblers came back to earn a point in the local derby against Peterborough United this afternoon as Colin Larkin’s first goal of the season gave us a share of the spoils.
After an early morning run to wake myself up on a brisk but sunny morning in Southampton, we headed off early in order to take in a random stop off en route. The plan was to have a quick coffee in a carefully chosen pub in Whitchurch, near Basingstoke. What we didn’t plan, or logically think of, was that no pub in its right mind (if pub’s have minds) would open at 9:30am, particularly on a Saturday. But what Whitchurch lacked in early pub openings, it made up in charm as the two minute drive through the small village gave us some wonderful sights. Firstly we came across an advertisement for Sunday’s Duck Race that was scheduled to take place nearby! Yes, a duck race! How the ducks would race and why wasn’t an issue but as we passed over a small bridge I’m sure I saw some ducklings limbering up for the big event and taunting their upcoming opponents. Other glamorous sights included a man with an old fashioned pipe and a bin on a car.
After all that excitement, who needs a derby game? Well, me.
Arriving in time for a quick breakfast, we headed for Sixfields in high spirits and still debating whether we should return to Whitchurch for the duck race tomorrow. As the teams came through, it appeared that neither Adebayo Akinfenwa or Chris Doig had made it into the side and that Colin Larkin and Liam Dolman would start instead. There were rumours circulating that Bayo had a disagreement with Stuart Gray before the game and was actually warming up before being told he wasn’t in the squad because Gray didn’t want to risk him. The official line was that both he and Doig were injured and we’ll see if they come into contention for Tuesday night’s trip to Stockport.
The atmosphere was building inside the ground as kick off approached and I couldn’t remember a home derby game for many a year that was this noisy from before kick-off. This was partly down to there not been a home derby in the last three years but let’s not dwell on that! The Boro fans were quiet as usual but brought a strong following, selling out their 1400 ticket allocation.
After fifteen minutes of high tension and not a lot of quality football, it was Peterborough who dealt the first blow. George Boyd, the highly rated left midfielder played a neat one-two before controlling the ball and finding space to power a shot into the top corner of Chris Dunn’s net.
With the Cobblers suddenly on the rocks, Boro could have made it 2-0. Mark Hughes and Chris Dunn got in a muddle and Craig Mackail-Smith looked like he had a clear shot on goal but Hughes got back in time to save us on this occasion, starting a strong performance from the Cobblers captain.
After Mackail-Smith had gone close again, the Cobblers stepped up a gear and new signing Karl Hawley headed Luke Guttridge’s free kick just wide before Guttridge fired a long range effort onto the cross bar. But we would have an equaliser just before half-time as we pressed on.
Colin Larkin, anonymous until this point, was played in by Guttridge and the former Chesterfield man powered home a shot to beat Joe Lewis at his near post and give us a vital way back into the game. We were on top and really didn’t want the half-time whistle to go with Boro being forced back more and more by the minute.
After the break, the pressure did indeed ease. Andy Holt was brought on for Liam Davis and was used as a target man on the left hand side rather than a pacy winger. After Liam Dolman sent an ambitious shot well wide, Leon Constantine replaced the goal scorer Larkin. The Cobblers were struggling to get a foothold back into the game and it was the visitors who looked more likely to win the game.
Mackail-Smith looked lively all game and his run created a chance for Scott Rendall who should have done better when well placed but blasted the ball wide. At the other end, Constantine really should have given us the lead after good work from Hawley but somehow missed a glaring chance from a few yards out in our last real threat of the afternoon.
With time running out, either side could have won it but the last major talking point was Jason Crowe picking up a second yellow card and being sent off in the dying moments.
So it was a point a piece at Sixfields and both sides will be reasonably happy with that. Boro, I have to begrudgingly admit, were very well organised and have a lot of flair going forwards so they will certainly survive and do well in League One. The Cobblers have a lot to do to live up to the pre-season playoff hopes as the season really begins to kick in. Another test is just around the corner with the re-arranged trip to Stockport to come on Tuesday evening.
After an early morning run to wake myself up on a brisk but sunny morning in Southampton, we headed off early in order to take in a random stop off en route. The plan was to have a quick coffee in a carefully chosen pub in Whitchurch, near Basingstoke. What we didn’t plan, or logically think of, was that no pub in its right mind (if pub’s have minds) would open at 9:30am, particularly on a Saturday. But what Whitchurch lacked in early pub openings, it made up in charm as the two minute drive through the small village gave us some wonderful sights. Firstly we came across an advertisement for Sunday’s Duck Race that was scheduled to take place nearby! Yes, a duck race! How the ducks would race and why wasn’t an issue but as we passed over a small bridge I’m sure I saw some ducklings limbering up for the big event and taunting their upcoming opponents. Other glamorous sights included a man with an old fashioned pipe and a bin on a car.
After all that excitement, who needs a derby game? Well, me.
Arriving in time for a quick breakfast, we headed for Sixfields in high spirits and still debating whether we should return to Whitchurch for the duck race tomorrow. As the teams came through, it appeared that neither Adebayo Akinfenwa or Chris Doig had made it into the side and that Colin Larkin and Liam Dolman would start instead. There were rumours circulating that Bayo had a disagreement with Stuart Gray before the game and was actually warming up before being told he wasn’t in the squad because Gray didn’t want to risk him. The official line was that both he and Doig were injured and we’ll see if they come into contention for Tuesday night’s trip to Stockport.
The atmosphere was building inside the ground as kick off approached and I couldn’t remember a home derby game for many a year that was this noisy from before kick-off. This was partly down to there not been a home derby in the last three years but let’s not dwell on that! The Boro fans were quiet as usual but brought a strong following, selling out their 1400 ticket allocation.
After fifteen minutes of high tension and not a lot of quality football, it was Peterborough who dealt the first blow. George Boyd, the highly rated left midfielder played a neat one-two before controlling the ball and finding space to power a shot into the top corner of Chris Dunn’s net.
With the Cobblers suddenly on the rocks, Boro could have made it 2-0. Mark Hughes and Chris Dunn got in a muddle and Craig Mackail-Smith looked like he had a clear shot on goal but Hughes got back in time to save us on this occasion, starting a strong performance from the Cobblers captain.
After Mackail-Smith had gone close again, the Cobblers stepped up a gear and new signing Karl Hawley headed Luke Guttridge’s free kick just wide before Guttridge fired a long range effort onto the cross bar. But we would have an equaliser just before half-time as we pressed on.
Colin Larkin, anonymous until this point, was played in by Guttridge and the former Chesterfield man powered home a shot to beat Joe Lewis at his near post and give us a vital way back into the game. We were on top and really didn’t want the half-time whistle to go with Boro being forced back more and more by the minute.
After the break, the pressure did indeed ease. Andy Holt was brought on for Liam Davis and was used as a target man on the left hand side rather than a pacy winger. After Liam Dolman sent an ambitious shot well wide, Leon Constantine replaced the goal scorer Larkin. The Cobblers were struggling to get a foothold back into the game and it was the visitors who looked more likely to win the game.
Mackail-Smith looked lively all game and his run created a chance for Scott Rendall who should have done better when well placed but blasted the ball wide. At the other end, Constantine really should have given us the lead after good work from Hawley but somehow missed a glaring chance from a few yards out in our last real threat of the afternoon.
With time running out, either side could have won it but the last major talking point was Jason Crowe picking up a second yellow card and being sent off in the dying moments.
So it was a point a piece at Sixfields and both sides will be reasonably happy with that. Boro, I have to begrudgingly admit, were very well organised and have a lot of flair going forwards so they will certainly survive and do well in League One. The Cobblers have a lot to do to live up to the pre-season playoff hopes as the season really begins to kick in. Another test is just around the corner with the re-arranged trip to Stockport to come on Tuesday evening.
Friday, September 12, 2008
Peterborough United (H) Preview...
Derby day is almost upon us as Stuart Gray manages the club in his first Cobblers-Peterborough encounter.
This is the first meeting between the sides in almost two and half years and the game is set for a near sell out at Sixfields. Boro have sold all of their allocation of tickets and will have high hopes of continueing a steady start to the season following promotion in May.
Form
The Cobblers had a week off last week as our game with Stockport County was postponed due to County's international commitments. Before that, we suffered a 4-1 defeat at Tranmere and a 1-0 reverse at home to Brighton in the first round of the Johnstone's Paint Trophy.
The Posh were involved in the game of the season so far last weekend as they saw off Bristol Rovers 5-4. Craig Mackail-Smith grabbed a hat-trick in that game and will be the main threat to the Cobblers on Saturday. The win took Boro above us in the table but we can leapfrong them once more with victory at Sixfields.
Team News
Karl Hawley could be handed his debut by Cobblers boss Stuart Gray after signing on a month long loan deal on Thursday. Fellow new boy, goakeeper Frank Fielding should make the bench as Chris Dunn looks likely to start the game. Adebayo Akinfenwa and Ryan Gilligan have recovered from thigh and hamstring injuries respectively and should start.
Peterborough striker Aaron Mclean suffered a dislocated elbow last week and that keeps him out of the derby game. Scott Rendall should replace the hit man up front. Craig Morgan will be given a late fitness test after playing for Wales on Wednesday night while new loan signing Gabriel Zakuani should start.
Recent Meetings
01/04/06: PETERBOROUGH 0-1 COBBLERS
A memorable slip up from defender Sean St.Ledger lets in Scott McGleish for the only goal of the game on twenty minutes. The Cobblers, backed by over 3,000 travelling fans, go on to claim a vital win on the road to promotion from League Two in 2006.
31/12/05: COBBLERS 0-1 PETERBOROUGH
On a dismal final game of 2005, Posh take home all three points with Chris Plummer grabbing an early goal to seal the win. Boro include two former Cobblers loanees in their side in Danny Crow and Travor Benjamin.
09/12/03: COBBLERS 2-1 PETERBOROUGH (Football League Trophy)
Josh Low puts the Cobblers in front just after half-time but Peterborough take the game to extra time with a last minute strike from Leon McKenzie. Lawrie Dudfield pops up in the first half of extra-time to seal a "Silver Goal" victory and to take us through to the Southern Section Semi-Final. We would later be knocked out of the competition by Colchester United.
25/01/03: COBBLERS 0-1 PETERBOROUGH
Former Cobblers loanee Andy Clarke scores the winner for Peterborough in early 2003. Cobblers forward Darryn Stamp was sent off with twenty minutes to go and we never recovered to see Boro take home the win.
28/12/02: PETERBOROUGH 0-0 COBBLERS
Just after Christmas in 2002, the two sides play out a stalemate at London Road.
The Man in The Middle...
Hampshire born referee Mr Stroud started this season by taking charge of the Championship game between Birmingham City and Sheffield United in the first Football League game of the season. He has also refereed in the League One draw between Millwall and Southend United and the Premier League tie between Bolton and West Brom. His last Cobblers game was our 2-1 defeat at Swansea in March 2007.
Head to Head...Cobblers v Posh...
Games Played: 65
Cobblers Wins: 21
Draws: 17
Posh Wins: 27
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Cobblers seal Hawley loan deal
Stuart Gray has completed his second loan deal of the week as he snaps up striker Karl Hawley on a month long deal from Championship side Preston North End.
Hawley began his career at Walsall and after a successful loan spell at Scottish side Raith Rovers, moved to Carlisle United where he helped to shoot the Cumbrians into the Football League.
Back in the league, Hawley scored 26 times to fire Carlisle to a second promotion in two years before scoring 12 times in League One during the 2006/07 season. He joined former Carlisle boss Paul Simpson at Preston in the summer of 2007 but has struggled to make an impact at Championship level.
Gray has signed Hawley in time to face Peterborough United in the derby game this Saturday and he could make his debut alongside Adebayo Akinfenwa up front.
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
No Saints 6-1 Hen 222
In a battle for second place going into the final weeks of the season, No Saints pulled off a magnificent result to leapfrog Hen 222 into the promotion places with two games to go.
Dave struck a hat-trick while Jamie added two more of his own, taking him to seven for the season. Abib kept his good form going with a single goal to round things off but put through his own net to deny us our first ever clean sheet once again.
We now know that four points from our final two games should be enough to see us promoted with a good backing of goal difference. Next week, we take on Real Manuel as we look for three vital points to take into the final game of the season. It's in our hands now as No Saints look for promotion from the basement league!
Dave struck a hat-trick while Jamie added two more of his own, taking him to seven for the season. Abib kept his good form going with a single goal to round things off but put through his own net to deny us our first ever clean sheet once again.
We now know that four points from our final two games should be enough to see us promoted with a good backing of goal difference. Next week, we take on Real Manuel as we look for three vital points to take into the final game of the season. It's in our hands now as No Saints look for promotion from the basement league!
The Midweek Review...10/09/08...
It’s derby week and the tension is building ahead of the first game against Peterborough United in nearly two and a half years.
That last meeting at London Road was one of the most memorable in recent times with Sean St.Ledgers’ superb slip up letting in Scott McGleish who fired us a step closer to promotion from League Two. I’ve always felt the away days inthe derby are far better than the home games but we need to raise the roof at Sixfields on Saturday to try and recreate some of the atmosphere usually reserved for the Moys Terrace at London Road.
It can be difficult to create any real atmosphere at Sixfields but we know it can happen. Ask Bristol Rovers! The first twenty minutes or so could be vital with our recent form worrying the claret faithful. If we don’t get going early on the crowd could start to turn, particularly if we fall behind and Boro will take the game to us. But if we’re right on the game from the off, the home support will be more important than ever. We’ve seen in the past that a good performance brings a good atmosphere but we need to be creating that atmopshere even before kick off.
The signing of Frank Fielding creates an interesting battle for the goalkeeper’s jersey, although Chris Dunn will more than likely keep his place for now. Fielding comes with high reviews from Wycombe Wanderers where he was on loan last season and will push Dunn all the way. This certainly can’t be a bad thing as the pressure from Bunn a few years back forced him into the side over Lee Harper and it’s a real test of whether you can stand up and be counted as the number one when someone is breathing down your neck.
As for The Posh, their defence looked shaky during the bizarre 5-4 win over Bristol Rovers on Saturday afternoon but the lively Craig Mackail-Smith will cause us problems with his pace and trickery. They are above us in the league after that win but a victory for us would take us back above them in the early league standings.
The Cobblers’ official website has been building up the game with interviews, reports and memories from past Cobblers-Boro games and it’s all creating the tension specially reserved for these games. Memories like the McGleish winner and Sammo’s unforgettable strike at Christmas time make this game what it is and let’s all hope and pray that come 5pm on Saturday we’re looking back on another moment that will live with us for a very long time.
Up The Cobblers!
Danny
That last meeting at London Road was one of the most memorable in recent times with Sean St.Ledgers’ superb slip up letting in Scott McGleish who fired us a step closer to promotion from League Two. I’ve always felt the away days inthe derby are far better than the home games but we need to raise the roof at Sixfields on Saturday to try and recreate some of the atmosphere usually reserved for the Moys Terrace at London Road.
It can be difficult to create any real atmosphere at Sixfields but we know it can happen. Ask Bristol Rovers! The first twenty minutes or so could be vital with our recent form worrying the claret faithful. If we don’t get going early on the crowd could start to turn, particularly if we fall behind and Boro will take the game to us. But if we’re right on the game from the off, the home support will be more important than ever. We’ve seen in the past that a good performance brings a good atmosphere but we need to be creating that atmopshere even before kick off.
The signing of Frank Fielding creates an interesting battle for the goalkeeper’s jersey, although Chris Dunn will more than likely keep his place for now. Fielding comes with high reviews from Wycombe Wanderers where he was on loan last season and will push Dunn all the way. This certainly can’t be a bad thing as the pressure from Bunn a few years back forced him into the side over Lee Harper and it’s a real test of whether you can stand up and be counted as the number one when someone is breathing down your neck.
As for The Posh, their defence looked shaky during the bizarre 5-4 win over Bristol Rovers on Saturday afternoon but the lively Craig Mackail-Smith will cause us problems with his pace and trickery. They are above us in the league after that win but a victory for us would take us back above them in the early league standings.
The Cobblers’ official website has been building up the game with interviews, reports and memories from past Cobblers-Boro games and it’s all creating the tension specially reserved for these games. Memories like the McGleish winner and Sammo’s unforgettable strike at Christmas time make this game what it is and let’s all hope and pray that come 5pm on Saturday we’re looking back on another moment that will live with us for a very long time.
Up The Cobblers!
Danny
Tuesday, September 09, 2008
Cobblers bring in keeper on loan
The Cobblers have this morning completed the loan signing of Blackburn Rover goalkeeper Frank Fielding.
Fielding, 20, has been capped at England Under 19s level and was the Blackburn reserve team captain during the 2006/07 season. The keeper was on loan with Wycombe Wanderers last season and Fielding went on to make 39 appearances in League Two for the Chairboys.
The deal bringing Fielding to Sixfields will last for up to three months with the contract being reviewed on a monthly basis and he will play for the Cobblers reserve team on Tuesday afternoon.
Saturday, September 06, 2008
League One Round Up...06/09/08...
The Cobblers dropped to twentieth in League One this afternoon after the match at Stockport was postponed, meaning that other overtook Stuart Gray’s side.
Peterborough United, The Cobblers’ next opponents kicked off the day’s action with an extraordinary live Sky game against Bristol Rovers. Craig Mackail-Smith grabbed a hat-trick as Posh beat Rovers 5-4 in a thriller at London Road.
In the 3pm kick offs, Leeds hammered Crewe 5-2 at Elland Road with five different goal scorers. Crewe got two in injury time to save some pride but Leeds finally seem to have their season rolling . MK Dons got a comfortable home win over Yeovil, winning 3-0 at Stadium: mk whilst one of the pace-setters, Oldham won again, this time at Tranmere.
Carlisle went second after a 2-1 home win over Southend, pushing Leicester down to third place after the Foxes didn’t play. Scunthorpe continue to improve and they recorded an impressive 4-1 win at Brighton to move into fourth place while Millwall are also on the move as they eased past Hartlepool with Lewis Grabban and Gary Alexander on the score sheet.
Leyton Orient overtook opponents Walsall in the league with a good 2-0 win at the Bescot Stadium and Huddersfield left Cheltenham bottom of the table after a 2-1 win at Whaddon Road.
So going into the big clash with The Posh next weekend, The Cobblers are behind them in the table and all attention now turns to the loan window that opens on Monday as Stuart Gray looks to improve his squad before next Saturday.
Thursday, September 04, 2008
The Midweek Review...04/09/08...
After a desolate transfer deadline day in which Stuart Gray and David Cardoza were frustrated once again in their attempts to bring in players on their wish list, we must now look to the loan market. From the last few league performances, we must surely improve the side before our next league game- against the Posh.
Before the deadline, we suffered a morale defeating 4-1 loss at Tranmere. Even when we were in front we were never really looking like the winners and the previous week’s win over Bolton seemed to get to some of the players’ heads. The sale of Mark Bunn meant that Chris Dunn took his place in goal. He wasn’t at fault for any of the goals that Rovers scored in a blitz just before half-time and we were done.
Deadline day brought high expectations of new bodies joining the club but as the official website refreshed over and over with no news, it was becoming frustrating for the fans as well as Stuart Gray. At around 10pm there came the announcement that although we had tried to get the right players in, we would have to look at the loan market to get any new players in.
One of the players we looked close to getting was Jamie Ward of Chesterfield but with Jack Lester injured at the club already, the Speirites were probably not looking to sell. An “experience striker” was also mentioned but again there was nothign to report come the end of deadline day. I can understand the fact that we didn’t need to get loan players in just yet with the next game a couple of weeks away. But after announcements that deals were on their way, we perhaps should have kept quiet until we had actually made the signings!
It was then on to the Brighton game with only fourteen senior professionals in the squad and an inevitable early exit from the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy was sealed with a long range Kevin McLeod effort beating Chris Dunn. The trophy is obviously not high on the agenda in terms of competitions this season but it was still worrying to see a match report devoid of any activity in the final third.
We simply cannot go on much longer in this way. Performances in the league have been below par since the opening day of the season. We’ve gone completely the wrong way since the 4-2 win over Cheltenham Town and it’s starting to get very worrying with at least three new players needed. With the next game coming against Peterborough United, this is the first big match of the season.
If we perform to this same level against Posh then we will be beaten and the pressure will immediately be on everyone at the club to turn things around. We must, on the other hand, trust in Stuart Gray’s judgement in his loan targets and hope that we can turn things around just at the right time.
We have time to regroup, take a break and get some new faces in and this long break really could not have come at a better time. It’s time to prepare for the biggest game of the season so far and by this time next week we must all believe that we will be in a stronger position.
Up The Cobblers!
Danny
Before the deadline, we suffered a morale defeating 4-1 loss at Tranmere. Even when we were in front we were never really looking like the winners and the previous week’s win over Bolton seemed to get to some of the players’ heads. The sale of Mark Bunn meant that Chris Dunn took his place in goal. He wasn’t at fault for any of the goals that Rovers scored in a blitz just before half-time and we were done.
Deadline day brought high expectations of new bodies joining the club but as the official website refreshed over and over with no news, it was becoming frustrating for the fans as well as Stuart Gray. At around 10pm there came the announcement that although we had tried to get the right players in, we would have to look at the loan market to get any new players in.
One of the players we looked close to getting was Jamie Ward of Chesterfield but with Jack Lester injured at the club already, the Speirites were probably not looking to sell. An “experience striker” was also mentioned but again there was nothign to report come the end of deadline day. I can understand the fact that we didn’t need to get loan players in just yet with the next game a couple of weeks away. But after announcements that deals were on their way, we perhaps should have kept quiet until we had actually made the signings!
It was then on to the Brighton game with only fourteen senior professionals in the squad and an inevitable early exit from the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy was sealed with a long range Kevin McLeod effort beating Chris Dunn. The trophy is obviously not high on the agenda in terms of competitions this season but it was still worrying to see a match report devoid of any activity in the final third.
We simply cannot go on much longer in this way. Performances in the league have been below par since the opening day of the season. We’ve gone completely the wrong way since the 4-2 win over Cheltenham Town and it’s starting to get very worrying with at least three new players needed. With the next game coming against Peterborough United, this is the first big match of the season.
If we perform to this same level against Posh then we will be beaten and the pressure will immediately be on everyone at the club to turn things around. We must, on the other hand, trust in Stuart Gray’s judgement in his loan targets and hope that we can turn things around just at the right time.
We have time to regroup, take a break and get some new faces in and this long break really could not have come at a better time. It’s time to prepare for the biggest game of the season so far and by this time next week we must all believe that we will be in a stronger position.
Up The Cobblers!
Danny
No Saints 10-2 The Eagles
No Saints pulled off a massive victory last night to stay on track for a place in the top two of League Three. The Eagles ran us close last time as we recorded a 4-2 win but this time we stormed into a big lead by half time.
I managed to get the first while Abib added two before the break. We continued to press and two more from Abib, two from Will, two from Jamie and one for Phil rounded off a good win. We didn't quite manage our first ever clean sheet as two late strikes from the Eagles put pay to that.
With Posh no-showing against Hen 222,gifting Hen the win, we remain in third place but play Hen next week in a bid to overtake them in second. Posh are not just two points clear of us as well so are also catchable with three to play.
I managed to get the first while Abib added two before the break. We continued to press and two more from Abib, two from Will, two from Jamie and one for Phil rounded off a good win. We didn't quite manage our first ever clean sheet as two late strikes from the Eagles put pay to that.
With Posh no-showing against Hen 222,gifting Hen the win, we remain in third place but play Hen next week in a bid to overtake them in second. Posh are not just two points clear of us as well so are also catchable with three to play.
Tuesday, September 02, 2008
Cobblers out of JPT
The Cobblers were dumped out of the Johnstone's Paint Trophy this evening as Kevin McLeod's long range effort was enough to win it for Brighton.
Chris Dunn once again started in goal for Stuart Gray's side while Leon Constantine and Colin Larkin made returns to the squad. Adebayo Akinfenwa and Jason Crowe sat out of the game after picking up knocks in the 4-1 defat to Tranmere Rovers at the weekend.
On a wet evening at Sixfields, the game never really got to life and a couple of dangerous crosses from Larkin was the closest we came in a dull first half. Leon Constantine claimed for a penalty after Colin Hawkins appeared to handle his effort but referee Mr Miller gave a free kick the other way.
Brighton started the second half the brighter side and Chris Dunn had to stretch to tip away a Matt Richards free kick before Glenn Murray's header was cleared off the line by Leon Constantine.
Constantine threatened at the other end with a glancing header while Nicky Forster forced Dunn into another good save in another Brighton attack.
Dunn could do nothing mid-way through the half though as Kevin McLeod broke the deadlock with a powerful long range effort that beat him to give Brighton the lead.
The Cobblers never got going after that setback and Brighton were through to Round Two of the Johnstone's Paint Trophy after a game of few chances at Sixfields.
We now have a full ten day break before the game at home to local rivals Peterborough United on September 13th and loan signings will be in desperate need as Stuart Gray looks to bring some fire power to a side that seems to be lacking in confidence.
Chris Dunn once again started in goal for Stuart Gray's side while Leon Constantine and Colin Larkin made returns to the squad. Adebayo Akinfenwa and Jason Crowe sat out of the game after picking up knocks in the 4-1 defat to Tranmere Rovers at the weekend.
On a wet evening at Sixfields, the game never really got to life and a couple of dangerous crosses from Larkin was the closest we came in a dull first half. Leon Constantine claimed for a penalty after Colin Hawkins appeared to handle his effort but referee Mr Miller gave a free kick the other way.
Brighton started the second half the brighter side and Chris Dunn had to stretch to tip away a Matt Richards free kick before Glenn Murray's header was cleared off the line by Leon Constantine.
Constantine threatened at the other end with a glancing header while Nicky Forster forced Dunn into another good save in another Brighton attack.
Dunn could do nothing mid-way through the half though as Kevin McLeod broke the deadlock with a powerful long range effort that beat him to give Brighton the lead.
The Cobblers never got going after that setback and Brighton were through to Round Two of the Johnstone's Paint Trophy after a game of few chances at Sixfields.
We now have a full ten day break before the game at home to local rivals Peterborough United on September 13th and loan signings will be in desperate need as Stuart Gray looks to bring some fire power to a side that seems to be lacking in confidence.
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