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.