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
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