The Cobblers will travel to Elland Road in the First Round of this seasons' F.A. Cup after the draw was made on Sunday afternoon.
Stuart Gray's side face one of the toughest games possible in the First Round after the draw paired his side with Leeds United. Leeds are flying high in League One and are one of the top sides in the first round draw.
The game will also be shown live on Setanta Sports 1 with the tie taking place on Friday, November 7th.
Monday, October 27, 2008
Saturday, October 25, 2008
Leicester City 0-0 Northampton Town
The Cobblers hold out for a good point at the Walkers Stadium as Leicester are frustated and draw for the third time in a row.
The Cobblers were without defender Mark Little who returned to parent club Wolves after picking up a knee injury that will keep him out for up to three weeks. Giles Coke and Adebayo Akinfenwa returned to the starting line-up after starting on the bench at Swindon in midweek. Midfielder Luke Guttridge was injured during the warm-up so Ryan Gilligan took his place in the side. Meanwhile, former Cobblers striker Steve Howard lined up for Leicester.
In the opening minute of the game, Leicester attacked and Max Gradel picked up a pass from Matty Fryatt and whipped in a cross that Frank Fielding in the Cobblers goal did well to take down. The Cobblers survived an early spell of possession for the home side and got their first effort on goal on ten minutes as Jack Hobbs slipped, allowing Karl Hawley to send in a good cross but it was just too high for Adebayo Akinfenwa.
Just a couple of minutes later, we were awarded a free kick and Danny Jackman stepped up to go for his third goal in four games but his kick sailed wide. At the other end, Lloyd Dyer’s cross was volleyed wide by Fryatt.
The Cobblers came back strongly and started to get a good hold of the game and Jason Crowe’s shot was deflected wide. A few minutes later, Abdul Osman made the best chance of the game up until that point as he crossed for Adebayo Akinfenwa but the big man’s header agonisingly hit the cross bar.
After Fryatt had shot into the side netting, Andy King shot well wide for the home side as the Cobblers continued to frustrate their hosts. Danny Jackman broke on the counter attack but his cross was behind Karl Hawley in our final effort of the first half. Leicester nearly took the lead at the end of the half but Steve Howard just missed a Gradel cross. But after a good performance from the Cobblers in the first half, we were holding Leicester at the break as one or two boos rang out from around the Walkers Stadium.
At the start of the second half, Danny Jackman so nearly handed Leicester the lead but after his misplaced header, Fryatt missed a great chance to put the home side in front. Steve Howard then had a shot deflected wide for a corner before a good spell for the Cobblers.
Following a corner, Akinfenwa span on the ball and had a shot blocked on the line. Ryan Gilligan then picked up the ball and went down in what seemed like a certain penalty but referee Mr Mathieson waved the protests. The ball broke for Giles Coke 25 yards out and he was also brought down. This time the referee did give the decision our way and Danny Jackman curled the free kick into the arms of Leicester keeper David Martin. Just a minute later and Jackman took another free kick from the wing and Karl Hawley headed just over the bar.
With ten minutes of the half played, Leicester had a good chance of their own with Andy King sending a half volley over the bar after Coke had missed a header. On the hour mark, Leicester claimed for their own spot kick after Mark Hughes’ challenge on Fryatt but again Mr Mathieson refused to give the penalty.
Five minutes later and the Foxes had a glorious double chance to take the lead. Lloyd Dyer was sent clear on goal and was one on one with Frank Fielding but Fielding made a great save. Dyer then crossed after picking up the ball from that save and Matty Fryatt sliced over when presented with virtually an open goal!
Half way through the second half, Akinfenwa hobbled off the pitch after pulling up a few minutes previous. Leon Constantine replaced the Cobblers’ leading scorer and just a few seconds following the change, Ryan Gilligan shot over the bar.
Leicester had yet another one on one chance with just under twenty minutes to play but after Fryatt beat the offside trap, he tamely hit his shot at Frank Fielding. Steve Howard then had a shot saved by the Cobblers’ keeper before Ian Henderson came off the bench to replace Ryan Gilligan. In a Leicester change, Steve Howard was brought off with Barry Hayles replacing him.
The Cobblers were holding out well and the home side were growing ever more frustrated with time ticking away. It was a quiet final fifteen minutes on the pitch and we could have won it in stoppage time but Leon Constantine stumbled when played in with a good opportunity.
But all in all it was a good point gained as the full time whistle went and Stuart Gray will take that from a difficult looking game at the Walker Stadium.
The Cobblers were without defender Mark Little who returned to parent club Wolves after picking up a knee injury that will keep him out for up to three weeks. Giles Coke and Adebayo Akinfenwa returned to the starting line-up after starting on the bench at Swindon in midweek. Midfielder Luke Guttridge was injured during the warm-up so Ryan Gilligan took his place in the side. Meanwhile, former Cobblers striker Steve Howard lined up for Leicester.
In the opening minute of the game, Leicester attacked and Max Gradel picked up a pass from Matty Fryatt and whipped in a cross that Frank Fielding in the Cobblers goal did well to take down. The Cobblers survived an early spell of possession for the home side and got their first effort on goal on ten minutes as Jack Hobbs slipped, allowing Karl Hawley to send in a good cross but it was just too high for Adebayo Akinfenwa.
Just a couple of minutes later, we were awarded a free kick and Danny Jackman stepped up to go for his third goal in four games but his kick sailed wide. At the other end, Lloyd Dyer’s cross was volleyed wide by Fryatt.
The Cobblers came back strongly and started to get a good hold of the game and Jason Crowe’s shot was deflected wide. A few minutes later, Abdul Osman made the best chance of the game up until that point as he crossed for Adebayo Akinfenwa but the big man’s header agonisingly hit the cross bar.
After Fryatt had shot into the side netting, Andy King shot well wide for the home side as the Cobblers continued to frustrate their hosts. Danny Jackman broke on the counter attack but his cross was behind Karl Hawley in our final effort of the first half. Leicester nearly took the lead at the end of the half but Steve Howard just missed a Gradel cross. But after a good performance from the Cobblers in the first half, we were holding Leicester at the break as one or two boos rang out from around the Walkers Stadium.
At the start of the second half, Danny Jackman so nearly handed Leicester the lead but after his misplaced header, Fryatt missed a great chance to put the home side in front. Steve Howard then had a shot deflected wide for a corner before a good spell for the Cobblers.
Following a corner, Akinfenwa span on the ball and had a shot blocked on the line. Ryan Gilligan then picked up the ball and went down in what seemed like a certain penalty but referee Mr Mathieson waved the protests. The ball broke for Giles Coke 25 yards out and he was also brought down. This time the referee did give the decision our way and Danny Jackman curled the free kick into the arms of Leicester keeper David Martin. Just a minute later and Jackman took another free kick from the wing and Karl Hawley headed just over the bar.
With ten minutes of the half played, Leicester had a good chance of their own with Andy King sending a half volley over the bar after Coke had missed a header. On the hour mark, Leicester claimed for their own spot kick after Mark Hughes’ challenge on Fryatt but again Mr Mathieson refused to give the penalty.
Five minutes later and the Foxes had a glorious double chance to take the lead. Lloyd Dyer was sent clear on goal and was one on one with Frank Fielding but Fielding made a great save. Dyer then crossed after picking up the ball from that save and Matty Fryatt sliced over when presented with virtually an open goal!
Half way through the second half, Akinfenwa hobbled off the pitch after pulling up a few minutes previous. Leon Constantine replaced the Cobblers’ leading scorer and just a few seconds following the change, Ryan Gilligan shot over the bar.
Leicester had yet another one on one chance with just under twenty minutes to play but after Fryatt beat the offside trap, he tamely hit his shot at Frank Fielding. Steve Howard then had a shot saved by the Cobblers’ keeper before Ian Henderson came off the bench to replace Ryan Gilligan. In a Leicester change, Steve Howard was brought off with Barry Hayles replacing him.
The Cobblers were holding out well and the home side were growing ever more frustrated with time ticking away. It was a quiet final fifteen minutes on the pitch and we could have won it in stoppage time but Leon Constantine stumbled when played in with a good opportunity.
But all in all it was a good point gained as the full time whistle went and Stuart Gray will take that from a difficult looking game at the Walker Stadium.
Cobblers to learn F.A. Cup opponents
The Cobblers will find out who their opponents in the first round of this season's F.A. Cup will be when the draw is made on Sunday afternoon.
The draw will take place on ITV1 this Sunday at 1pm and Stuart Gray's side will be hoping for a better showing in the competition than last season's second round exit to fellow League One side Walsall.
The Saddlers beat us with a late Michael Ricketts penalty back in December of last year to end our interest in the competition before Christmas. We'll find out who we will meet first this Sunday and the games will be played on the weekend of November 7th, 8th and 9th.
The fourth and final qualifying round takes place this weekend.
Little heading back to Wolves
Defender Mark Little has had his loan spell ended by the club after injury spelt the end of his time at Sixfields.
Little initially joined the club in September for his second period on loan at the club and had an inital one month deal extended up to the end of October. He was due to play his final game of the loan spell on Tuesday night against Colchester but injury has forced him to return to Wolves.
The defender sustained a knee injury in the 3-0 home win over Yeovil Town on Saturday and would have been missing for the next three weeks so the Cobblers have ended his current deal.
Little initially joined the club in September for his second period on loan at the club and had an inital one month deal extended up to the end of October. He was due to play his final game of the loan spell on Tuesday night against Colchester but injury has forced him to return to Wolves.
The defender sustained a knee injury in the 3-0 home win over Yeovil Town on Saturday and would have been missing for the next three weeks so the Cobblers have ended his current deal.
Friday, October 24, 2008
Leicester City (A) Preview...
The Cobblers make the short trip to Leicester on Saturday afternoon in the two clubs' first meeting in ten years.
Form
Leicester stand in third place in League One, having lost their place in the top two with two draws in a row. After a point at Oldham, the Foxes drew 2-2 with Walsall at the Walker Stadium on Tuesday night. Alexsander Tunchev saved them a point with fifteen minutes to go.
The Cobblers were on a winning run of three games until Tuesday night's slip up at Swindon as Giles Coke's late goal wasn't enough and we went down 2-1 at the hands of the Robins. That defeat took us back into the bottom half of the table.
Team News
Leicester are without Paul Dikov, DJ Campbell, Ashley Chambers and Stephen Clemence for Saturday's game. Also unavailable is Arsenal loan man Karrea Gilbert who suffered a hamstring injury in the draw with Walsall in midweek.
The Cobblers could bring Adebayo Akinfenwa back into the starting line-up after the big striker was only on the bench at Swindon. Giles Coke also comes into consideration for a start after coming off the bench to score at the County Ground. But Stuart Gray will be without Colin Larkin, Liam Davis and Mark Little.
Recent Meetings
03/01/98: LEICESTER 4-0 COBBLERS
The clubs have met just once since 1966 in this F.A. Cup Third Round tie at Leicester's old Filbert Street. The Cobblers had beaten non league Basingstoke Town in a Second Round replay on penalties before lining up against the then-Premier League outfit Leicester.
But on a disappointing afternoon, we were outclassed and Ian Marshall scored to get the ball rolling on seventeen minutes. It was all one way traffic after that and further strikes from Garry Parker, Robbie Savage and Tony Cotee had the game wrapped up before the hour mark. To make things worse, Ian Clarkson was sent off with twenty minutes still to play!
Head to Head...Foxes v Cobblers...
Games Played: 5
Leicester Wins: 2
Draws: 3
Cobblers Wins: 0
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Swindon Town 2-1 Northampton Town
Simon Cox scored against the Cobblers as Swindon condemned us to our first defeat in four games. Giles Coke was on the score sheet for Stuart Gray’s men but it wasn’t enough as we drop back into the bottom half of the table.
The Cobblers were without Mark Little and Colin Larkin who both hobbled out of the game against Yeovil at the weekend. Chris Doig and Ryan Gilligan stepped in to replace them. Meanwhile, Adebayo Akinfenwa was dropped to the bench in place of Leon Constantine.
Luke Guttridge had a good early chance but his run into the box was blocked by Hasney Aljofree. A few minutes later and Karl Hawley went close after a long ball up field from goalkeeper Frank Fielding. Andy Holt flicked the ball on and Hawley latched onto it to fire just over the top.
Just after the quarter hour mark, the lively Anthony McNamee crossed for Lee Peacock but the forward’s header was just too high. The Cobblers could have had a penalty at the other end when Ryan Gilligan was fouled by home keeper Peter Brezovan just inside the penalty area. But referee Andy D’Urso, referee of the controversial Forest home game last season, waved play on to the anger of Cobblers players and fans.
As the Cobblers tried to recover from that let down, McNamee hit the post at the other end as Swindon started to come more and more into the game. McNamee had another chance just a few minutes later but Frank Fielding did well to get a hand to his shot. The first half ended goalless though and the sides went in level.
Just as the second half was a few minutes old though, Swindon were in front. Billy Paynter collected the ball and drove in a shot from fifteen yards that beat Fielding well and the home side had the lead. Paynter almost got his second ten minutes later but his shot just missed the post. Lee Peacock then struck the cross bar as Swindon pushed to seal the win.
The inevitable came just a few minutes later though as Simon Cox headed home Swindon’s second of the game from close range. Stuart Gray’s response was to bring on Akinfenwa and Giles Coke for Abdul Osman and Ryan Gilligan.
Leon Constantine could have halved the deficit with fifteen minutes left but Brezovan got his legs to the ball to keep it out. Giles Coke had just missed the far post in a different attack just minutes previously and it looked certain that it wasn’t to be as the time ticked away. There was time for a Giles Coke consolation as he nodded home at the back post but it was too little too late and the Cobblers went home pointless.
With Leicester away to come on Saturday, the players will really have to lift themselves if we’re to get anywhere near the Foxes. Three wins in a row are forgotten this evening as a disappointing night in Wiltshire ends our good run of form.
The Cobblers were without Mark Little and Colin Larkin who both hobbled out of the game against Yeovil at the weekend. Chris Doig and Ryan Gilligan stepped in to replace them. Meanwhile, Adebayo Akinfenwa was dropped to the bench in place of Leon Constantine.
Luke Guttridge had a good early chance but his run into the box was blocked by Hasney Aljofree. A few minutes later and Karl Hawley went close after a long ball up field from goalkeeper Frank Fielding. Andy Holt flicked the ball on and Hawley latched onto it to fire just over the top.
Just after the quarter hour mark, the lively Anthony McNamee crossed for Lee Peacock but the forward’s header was just too high. The Cobblers could have had a penalty at the other end when Ryan Gilligan was fouled by home keeper Peter Brezovan just inside the penalty area. But referee Andy D’Urso, referee of the controversial Forest home game last season, waved play on to the anger of Cobblers players and fans.
As the Cobblers tried to recover from that let down, McNamee hit the post at the other end as Swindon started to come more and more into the game. McNamee had another chance just a few minutes later but Frank Fielding did well to get a hand to his shot. The first half ended goalless though and the sides went in level.
Just as the second half was a few minutes old though, Swindon were in front. Billy Paynter collected the ball and drove in a shot from fifteen yards that beat Fielding well and the home side had the lead. Paynter almost got his second ten minutes later but his shot just missed the post. Lee Peacock then struck the cross bar as Swindon pushed to seal the win.
The inevitable came just a few minutes later though as Simon Cox headed home Swindon’s second of the game from close range. Stuart Gray’s response was to bring on Akinfenwa and Giles Coke for Abdul Osman and Ryan Gilligan.
Leon Constantine could have halved the deficit with fifteen minutes left but Brezovan got his legs to the ball to keep it out. Giles Coke had just missed the far post in a different attack just minutes previously and it looked certain that it wasn’t to be as the time ticked away. There was time for a Giles Coke consolation as he nodded home at the back post but it was too little too late and the Cobblers went home pointless.
With Leicester away to come on Saturday, the players will really have to lift themselves if we’re to get anywhere near the Foxes. Three wins in a row are forgotten this evening as a disappointing night in Wiltshire ends our good run of form.
Swindon Town (A) Preview...
The Cobblers look to continue their fine run of form this evening with a trip to Swindon next on the agenda.
Form
Swindon are struggling down in 20th place in League One after two defeats in a row. After they were beaten 3-1 in their last home game by Huddersfield Town, the Robins lost out at Southend at the weekend. Former Cobblers loan man Simon Cox is their top scorer and hit a hat-trick earlier in the season in a 3-3 draw at Hartlepool.
The Cobblers are flying after winning three in a row. Saturday's 3-0 win over Yeovil at Sixfields took us to tenth in the table following previous victories over Crewe and Hartlepool.
Team News
Billy Paynter has been given then all clear to play for Swindon tonight afte injury but Peter Brezovan and Lee Peacock are struggling with ankle and hamstring problems respectively.
The Cobblers lost three players to injury this week with Mark Little and Colin Larkin joining Liam Davis on the injured list. Larkin and Little both hobbled out of Saturday's win over Yeovil and Little has returned to parent club Wolves for them to assess his injury.
Recent Meetings
02/02/08: SWINDON 1-1 COBBLERS
Blair Sturrock gives Swindon the lead just before the hour mark but Adebayo Akinfenwa comes off the bench to score his first goal for the Cobblers to equalise.
11/08/07: COBBLERS 1-1 SWINDON
On the opening day of last season, Andy Kirk gives us the perfect start by scoring in the ninth minute but Swindon earn a share of the spoils after Christian Roberts converts a penalty. Roberts is unlucky not to win it later in the game after crashing a shot against the cross bar.
08/03/03: COBBLERS 1-0 SWINDON
Paul Harsley's winner gives the Cobblers a rare success in the relegation season.
21/09/02: SWINDON 2-0 COBBLERS
Johnnie Jackson gives Swindon a first half lead before former Cobbler Sam Parkin adds insult to injury by slotting home a penalty late on.
02/02/02: SWINDON 2-1 COBBLERS
Marco Gabbiadini scores an own goal after just five minutes before Danny Invincible doubles the Robins' lead. Jamie Forrester hits back with ten minutes to go but it's not enough.
29/09/01: COBBLERS 1-1 SWINDON
Guliano Grazioli gives Swindon the lead at Sixfields but Roy Hunter grabs an equaliser in Kevan Broadhurst's first game in charge.
Head to Head...Robins v Cobblers...
Games Played: 126
Swindon Wins: 55
Draws: 26
Cobblers Wins: 45
Monday, October 20, 2008
Football League Review...18th-19th October...
On a weekend that saw Wolves fly back to the top of the Championship, Scunthorpe maintain their lead in League One and Luton remain 20 points from safety in League Two, it’s time to look back on another action packed Football League weekend.
Wolves had a minor blip in the last couple of weeks but now all systems seem to have been restored for Mick McCarthy’s men. A 2-1 weekend win over Coventry saw them go back to the summit of the Championship with Michael Kightley and Slyvain Ebanks-Blake turning around City’s half-time lead. Birmingham were knocked off top spot but gained a good point at Burnley to stay in second place.
Reading missed a golden chance to close the gap on the leading pair but they were beaten at Preston as two mistakes from goalkeeper Marcus Hannemann giftet North End a 2-1 win. Cardiff remain in the mix after a 2-0 home win over Charlton at Ninian Park with leading scorer Ross McCormack scoring both goals to lead the Championship scoring charts. Meanwhile, over in Sheffield, the Blades and the Owls went head to head in the first Steel city derby of the season and Wednesday edged United 1-0 at Hillsborough with Steve Watson’s lob sealing the win. Deon Burton missed a penalty for the home side but it didn’t matter and Wednesday overtake their rivals into sixth.
At the other end of the table, things go from bad to worse for Nottingham Forest who were beaten 2-1 at QPR and are now five points from safety. Doncaster continue to fall after their decent start to Championship life and they’re second bottom following a goalless draw at home to Blackpool. Barnsley make up the bottom three as they were convincingly swept aside by Palace.
In League One, Scunthorpe stay on top of the pile as a last gasp winner from Matt Sparrow gave them the points in a 2-1 win at Cheltenham. Leicester fell two points off their early pace but got a well earned draw at Oldham. City have a game in hand of Scunthorpe but could even go top with a win on Tuesday night at home to Walsall as the Football League runs a full midweek fixture list.
Millwall picked up the result of the afternoon as they beat Leeds 3-1 to go up to third in the table. The Lions, who win by the same score line at Tranmere last week, had Neil Harris’ double to thank for their win that saw them come from a goal down to pick up a huge win at the Den. Oldham’s draw with Leicester moves them in between Millwall and Leeds into fourth while Southend’s good form continued as they go sixth following a home win over Swindon.
Hereford stay bottom despite picking up a good point at Brighton while Yeovil slip closer to the foot of the table after they were soundly beaten by the mighty Cobblers, Northampton winning 3-0 at Sixfields in a game that saw Yeovil’s Terrell Forbes sent off. Crewe held MK Dons to a draw to move above Yeovil and to move the Dons out of the top six and Leyton Orient’s poor home form went on as Tranmere claimed their third away win of the season at Brisbane Road.
Meanwhile, Stockport County are considering legal action on Colchester defender Paul Reid today after Reid’s horror challenge saw County player Matt McNeil stretchered off with concussion.
League Two now and Wycombe’s home draw with Darlington kept them top but that’s not the main talking point from Adams Park. Wycombe’s Chris Zebroski was felled by Tim Ryan and the Darlington man was sent off, but following that incident Zebroski punched his own team mate Matt Harrold to bizarrely get sent off himself! Scott McGleish scored a late penalty to earn Wanderers a dramatic point. Plenty of action too at Dagenham as Bury won 3-1 to see the hosts lose for the first time at home this season. Shewsbury’s goal difference continues to rise after they beat Bournemouth 4-1 to take their tally to plus 16 goals.
Dagenham’s defeat takes them to fourth while Brentford are fifth after a 1-1 draw at Aldershot. Bradford also drew, 2-2 at home to Gillingham while Exeter couldn’t find a way past Mike Newell’s Grimsby side as the game ended goalless.
The battle goes on for Luton who are still well adrift at the bottom of the Football League following a home defeat to Accrington Stanley while Bournemouth’s heavy loss means they stay on minus seven points. Rotherham couldn’t budge off two points after a seven goal thriller saw ten man Barnet take all three points from the Don Valley Stadium. The visitors were 4-1 up until Ian Sharps and Mark Burchill set up a nervy ending but they held on to inflict Rotherham’s first home defeat of the season.
There’s a full fixture list tomorrow evening (Tuesday) in the Football League as struggling Norwich meet leaders Wolves and Birmingham face Palace in the Championship. In League One, Leeds look to get back on track with a home game against Leyton Orient while two strugglers, Yeovil and Crewe go head to head at Huish Park. Finally in League Two, Wycombe go to Barnet and Mike Newell faces his former club as Grimsby host Luton.
With all that and the FA Carlsberg trophy kicking off this midweek, who needs the Champions League?!
Over and Out,
Danny
Sunday, October 19, 2008
Northampton Town 3-0 Yeovil Town
Goals from Danny Jackman, Adebayo Akinfenwa and Jason Crowe sealed a comfortable third win in a row for the Cobblers on Saturday afternoon.
On a chilly but sunny afternoon, Stuart Gray had the luxury of a near full strength squad with Liam Davis the only absentee. Danny Jackman returned to left back while Colin Larkin made a return to the right hand side of midfield. Karl Hawley partnered Adebayo Akinfenwa up front after extending his loan spell this week to a further month.
The first two real efforts on goal were both free kicks as Danny Schofield at one end and Luke Guttridge at the other tested the opposition goalkeeper. After that it was a slow start to the game as Yeovil were happy to invite the Cobblers onto them and try to catch us on the break. But it would be another free kick that would give us the lead just after the fifteen minute mark.
Danny Jackman and Luke Guttridge stood over the kick from around twenty five yards out but this time it was Jackman who curled the ball over the wall and into the net off the inside of the post for his second goal in three games.
It got better for the Cobblers just a couple of minutes after the re-start as Karl Hawley linked up well with strike partner Adebayo Akinfenwa who held off his defender with his usual power before finishing well past Asmir Begovic at his near post.
With Stuart Gray’s men well on top, we were almost 3-0 up before the half hour mark. Jackman’s corner from the right hand side was scrambled away by the Yeovil defence but it wasn’t cleared well enough and Abdul Osman’s left footed drive was cleared off the line by a visiting defender. Colin Larkin pulled up late in the half and Ryan Gilligan came on in his place.
Yeovil had not threatened Frank Fielding’s goal much in the first half and would need a strong fight back in the second half if they were to get anywhere near to getting back into the game. Chris Doig had replaced Mark Little at the back at half-time.
The Cobblers began the half lethargically but despite the visitors enjoying more possession they couldn’t ever find the killer pass. Paul Warne’s shot against Fielding was the closest they would come for the whole afternoon.
Jason Crowe went close for the Cobblers ten minutes into the second half as he collected the ball on the edge of the area before curling a left footed shot over the bar. A Luke Guttridge free kick was then headed over by Akinfenwa as he looked for his second of the afternoon.
Yeovil’s chances were suffered a further blow with fifteen minutes to go as Terrell Forbes lost a 50/50 challenge with Abdul Osman but then shoved the Cobblers man in the face and was sent off. And just a few minutes later the game was well and truly sealed.
Luke Guttridge collected the ball in the middle of the park and his ball in was dummied well by Akinfenwa and Jason Crowe, advancing from right back, picked up the pass and finishing well with a good chip over the body of Begovic. Some of the visiting fans began the long journey home but fair play to them for making the trip when their team is lacking a lot of confidence and quality.
The visitors never really got going and the Cobblers dominated the game without really getting into full swing. But the three points are what mattered and three wins on the bounce is gratefully received as the Cobblers move into tenth place in League One. Gray’s men now face a midweek trip to Swindon Town as we look to continue this good run of form.
On a chilly but sunny afternoon, Stuart Gray had the luxury of a near full strength squad with Liam Davis the only absentee. Danny Jackman returned to left back while Colin Larkin made a return to the right hand side of midfield. Karl Hawley partnered Adebayo Akinfenwa up front after extending his loan spell this week to a further month.
The first two real efforts on goal were both free kicks as Danny Schofield at one end and Luke Guttridge at the other tested the opposition goalkeeper. After that it was a slow start to the game as Yeovil were happy to invite the Cobblers onto them and try to catch us on the break. But it would be another free kick that would give us the lead just after the fifteen minute mark.
Danny Jackman and Luke Guttridge stood over the kick from around twenty five yards out but this time it was Jackman who curled the ball over the wall and into the net off the inside of the post for his second goal in three games.
It got better for the Cobblers just a couple of minutes after the re-start as Karl Hawley linked up well with strike partner Adebayo Akinfenwa who held off his defender with his usual power before finishing well past Asmir Begovic at his near post.
With Stuart Gray’s men well on top, we were almost 3-0 up before the half hour mark. Jackman’s corner from the right hand side was scrambled away by the Yeovil defence but it wasn’t cleared well enough and Abdul Osman’s left footed drive was cleared off the line by a visiting defender. Colin Larkin pulled up late in the half and Ryan Gilligan came on in his place.
Yeovil had not threatened Frank Fielding’s goal much in the first half and would need a strong fight back in the second half if they were to get anywhere near to getting back into the game. Chris Doig had replaced Mark Little at the back at half-time.
The Cobblers began the half lethargically but despite the visitors enjoying more possession they couldn’t ever find the killer pass. Paul Warne’s shot against Fielding was the closest they would come for the whole afternoon.
Jason Crowe went close for the Cobblers ten minutes into the second half as he collected the ball on the edge of the area before curling a left footed shot over the bar. A Luke Guttridge free kick was then headed over by Akinfenwa as he looked for his second of the afternoon.
Yeovil’s chances were suffered a further blow with fifteen minutes to go as Terrell Forbes lost a 50/50 challenge with Abdul Osman but then shoved the Cobblers man in the face and was sent off. And just a few minutes later the game was well and truly sealed.
Luke Guttridge collected the ball in the middle of the park and his ball in was dummied well by Akinfenwa and Jason Crowe, advancing from right back, picked up the pass and finishing well with a good chip over the body of Begovic. Some of the visiting fans began the long journey home but fair play to them for making the trip when their team is lacking a lot of confidence and quality.
The visitors never really got going and the Cobblers dominated the game without really getting into full swing. But the three points are what mattered and three wins on the bounce is gratefully received as the Cobblers move into tenth place in League One. Gray’s men now face a midweek trip to Swindon Town as we look to continue this good run of form.
Friday, October 17, 2008
Yeovil Town (H) Preview...
The Cobblers look to make it three wins in a row as Yeovil Town come to Sixfields on Saturday afternoon.
Form
The Cobblers have won their last two games, at Crewe and at home to Hartlepool and despite a scrappy game last Friday we stole the 1-0 win against 'Pool to propel us a couple of placeds up the table.
Yeovil are struggling this season after a poor ending to the last campaign continued over to the start of this one. They sit just two places off the foot of the table having not won in seven games. Last weekend, the Glovers were beaten at home, 2-1, by Southend United.
Team News
The Cobblers welcome back Colin Larkin from injury and the front man goes straight back into the squad. Karl Hawley should join Adebayo Akinfenwa up front after extending his loan deal for a further month. The striker scored the only goal in last Friday's win over Hartlepool.
Forward Scott Rendell joined Yeovil on loan from Peterborough United and could make his debut. Stockport County defender Gareth Owen has also joined the club on loan and could feature. Defenders Lee Peltier and Nathan Smith are missing while Aiden Downes and Marc Bircham are also ruled out of the game.
Recent Meetings...
12/12/08: YEOVIL 1-0 COBBLERS
A late, late goal from Terry Skiverton condems the Cobblers to defeat last time out at Huish Park.
25/08/07: COBBLERS 1-2 YEOVIL
Justin Cochrane gives Yeovil the lead but Poul Hubertz equalises for the Cobblers. Deep into stoppage time it looks like it will end all sqaure until Lloyd Owusu pops up with a late winner.
01/01/07: YEOVIL 0-0 COBBLERS
The Cobblers earn a good point on New Years' Day at Huish Park against the promotion chasing Glovers.
12/09/06: COBBLERS 1-1 YEOVIL
Jason Crowe puts The Cobblers into the lead but Marcus Stewart's header earns the visitors a point.
Head to Head...Cobblers v Glovers...
Games Played: 9
Cobblers Wins: 2
Draws: 4
Yeovil Wins: 3
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
The Midweek Review...15/10/08...
With two wins in a row behind us, Yeovil’s visit to Sixfields can’t come soon enough as we look to break back following a disappointing start to the season.
A slow September saw us languishing in the bottom four but the vital win at Crewe shot us out of that particular worry and back into the game. The home game against Hartlepool was scrappy to say the least but there’s always an element of luck and grinding out of the results every season. You can look at any side finishing as champions or in the playoffs and it’s a pretty much dead cert that at some point in the season they’ve scrapped out a 1-0 win or two.
Promotion from League Two was full of this type of win for ourselves and it’s part and parcel of any successful team. Of course we would all love to win every week by playing attractive football and using one touch with every pass. But the reality is that we must fight it out in this league for every single point.
The league table is looking as close as it has for years and the supposed “runaway leaders” Leeds ad Leicester are still being held back by Scunthorpe who top the table well on merit. The rest of the table beneath them are fighting for position and that will surely continue as the winter chill sets in. The Cobblers have as good a chance as any of being in the top half but it’s getting to the next stage that will be the problem for Stuart Gray.
We’re still not quite there in terms of playoff chasing quality but “getting there” is an appropriate analysis of 2008/09 so far. Giles Coke, one of the promising lights of the end of last term, is yet to get a good run in the side while top scorer Adebayo Akinfenwa is still ambling along. He will probably never be fully fit but he has to be on the pitch for his presence alone.
Karl Hawley signing on another month loan is a boost for Gray with the Preston man adding another dimension to the front line. Coming here as an advertised pacy forward we’ve seen some good hold up play from Hawley and it’s problem solved for no as far as attacking is concerned. A deal to bring him in on a permanent basis would be gratefully received in January!
At the other end, Frank Fielding has taken over as number one from Chris Dunn and he kept his first clean sheet last Friday. With Chris Doig also on the way back, it’s encouraging to see us going back in the right direction on the pitch.
Yeovil are struggling this season and are there for the taking at Sixfields on Saturday afternoon. Whether e can make it three in a row or not remains to be seen but there won’t be many better chances than this to complete that particular feat any time soon.
Hopefully we’ll fill Sixfields a little better but with the financial situation as it is and with Yeovil not the largest of pulls for home fans we could be looking at another 4-5,000 gate on Saturday. Another scrappy win will do for now with result more important at this point so we can get in a good position come Christmas and the half way point.
Up The Cobblers!
Danny
A slow September saw us languishing in the bottom four but the vital win at Crewe shot us out of that particular worry and back into the game. The home game against Hartlepool was scrappy to say the least but there’s always an element of luck and grinding out of the results every season. You can look at any side finishing as champions or in the playoffs and it’s a pretty much dead cert that at some point in the season they’ve scrapped out a 1-0 win or two.
Promotion from League Two was full of this type of win for ourselves and it’s part and parcel of any successful team. Of course we would all love to win every week by playing attractive football and using one touch with every pass. But the reality is that we must fight it out in this league for every single point.
The league table is looking as close as it has for years and the supposed “runaway leaders” Leeds ad Leicester are still being held back by Scunthorpe who top the table well on merit. The rest of the table beneath them are fighting for position and that will surely continue as the winter chill sets in. The Cobblers have as good a chance as any of being in the top half but it’s getting to the next stage that will be the problem for Stuart Gray.
We’re still not quite there in terms of playoff chasing quality but “getting there” is an appropriate analysis of 2008/09 so far. Giles Coke, one of the promising lights of the end of last term, is yet to get a good run in the side while top scorer Adebayo Akinfenwa is still ambling along. He will probably never be fully fit but he has to be on the pitch for his presence alone.
Karl Hawley signing on another month loan is a boost for Gray with the Preston man adding another dimension to the front line. Coming here as an advertised pacy forward we’ve seen some good hold up play from Hawley and it’s problem solved for no as far as attacking is concerned. A deal to bring him in on a permanent basis would be gratefully received in January!
At the other end, Frank Fielding has taken over as number one from Chris Dunn and he kept his first clean sheet last Friday. With Chris Doig also on the way back, it’s encouraging to see us going back in the right direction on the pitch.
Yeovil are struggling this season and are there for the taking at Sixfields on Saturday afternoon. Whether e can make it three in a row or not remains to be seen but there won’t be many better chances than this to complete that particular feat any time soon.
Hopefully we’ll fill Sixfields a little better but with the financial situation as it is and with Yeovil not the largest of pulls for home fans we could be looking at another 4-5,000 gate on Saturday. Another scrappy win will do for now with result more important at this point so we can get in a good position come Christmas and the half way point.
Up The Cobblers!
Danny
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Hawley extends Sixfields stay
Cobblers loanee Karl Hawley has extended his deal for another month.
The front man, who has struck twice in six games since joining on loan from Preston North End, today agreed to stay at Sixfields for a further month in a massive boost for Stuart Gray.
Hawley was cup-tied for the Carling Cup exploits at Sunderland but returned to score at Stockport and in last Friday's 1-0 home win over Hartlepool United. His partnership with Adebayo Akinfenwa is beginning to show promise and the first month will hopefully be a sign of good things to come from the pair.
Saturday, October 11, 2008
League One Round Up
The Cobblers remain in thirteenth place after Saturday's fixtures see Scunthorpe climb to the top of the League One table.
The Irons recorded a comfortable home win over Crewe at Glanford Park, their ninth win in ten games, to see off The Alex, who stay in the bottom four. Leicester didn't play due to international call ups but can reclaim top spot with a win in their game in hand.
Leeds are two points off the pace after beating Brighton 3-1 at Elland Road with Luciano Becchio and two from Jermaine Beckford saw them to a good win. Millwall kept their good run going by beating Tranmere Rovers at Prenton Park whilst MK Dons won the televised game 3-1 against Carlisle. Oldham drop to sixth but can go third with a win over Hereford tomorrow afternoon.
At the bottom, Hereford will be praying for a win at Boundary Park because if they can claim all three points they will go off the foot of the table. Crewe are just a couple of points ahead of them while Yeovil didn't play but are also on just seven points. Colchester drop into the bottom four following their dramatic 4-3 reverse at Cheltenham. Barry Hayles scored in the fifth minute of injury time to win it for The Robins who are up to eighteenth.
So not a bad day for the Cobblers who remain where they were following last night's victory over Hartlepool and can now push for a top half place next weekend as struggling Yeovil come to town.
Friday, October 10, 2008
Northampton Town 1-0 Hartlepool United
The Cobblers made it back to back wins for the first time this season with a Friday night success against Hartlepool United at Sixfields. Karl Hawley scored the only goal of the game in the final game before he’s scheduled to return to Preston.
Stuart Gray was boosted by the return of Chris Doig to the bench while Adebayo Akinfenwa shook off a shin injury to take his place in the starting line-up alongside Karl Hawley.
The visitors had the first effort of the game in the very first minute as Ben Clark struck a long range free kick into the arms of Cobblers’ keeper Frank Fielding. After a high tempo beginning to the game, the Cobbler settled and Danny Jackman’s cross was acrobatically volleyed over the top by Luke Guttridge.
Five minutes later, Karl Hawley went racing through on goal and Hartlepool keeper Aaron Lee-Barrett came out of his goal to challenge the front man. Hawley got round him and claimed for a foul as he appeared to be brought down. Referee Graham Horwood waved play on and the incident led to the opening goal of the game. Hawley collected a cross from Mark Little and turned expertly before finishing well into the bottom corner.
The Cobblers kept the pressure on and Liam Davis went on a good run down the left hand side shortly after the goal and swung in a cross that Abdul Osman headed over the top. At the other end, a good run from James Brown was spotted by Ritchie Jones and Brown collected the ball to cross for Kevin Kyle but the big front man could only head the ball wide.
Adebayo Akinfenwa was put through as the Cobblers hit back and he stumbled clear through on goal but both his run and finish lacked any kind of conviction. In an open first half, Andy Monkhouse shot wide from distance before Luke Guttridge went close for Stuart Gray’s side.
Kevin Kyle had another good chance with five minutes to play of the half but headed straight at Frank Fielding and in the final action of the half, Karl Hawley went close to a second goal but Aaron Lee-Barrett saved well.
The second half began just as the first half had, with a Hartlepool free kick. This time, Joel Porter stepped up and shot wide of the mark. Porter was in the middle of the action once again five minutes later as he turned well before trying an ambitious lob over Frank Fielding but the effort wasn’t troubling the Cobblers’ lead.
Hartlepool kept up the pressure and on the hour mark Porter got around Mark Little before delivering a good cross that was missed by everyone and cleared away for a corner that the Cobblers eventually got away.
At the other end, the Cobblers’ own corner caused confusion in the Hartlepool defence before Abdul Osman’s shot was blocked well by the defender. Karl Hawley then went close to his second goal of the game but his shot was saved well by Lee-Barrett.
A sustained period of pressure from the visitors saw Hartlepool create some good chances but the final ball was lacking, exemplified by Andy Monkhouse’s long range volley that sailed well over the bar with eight minutes to play.
The Cobblers held on with Hartlepool running out of steam and Ryan Gilligan could have sealed the win in stoppage time but passed the ball to Karl Hawley when well placed. Hawley was blocked by the defender but it didn’t matter and the Cobblers were victorious.
Stuart Gray was boosted by the return of Chris Doig to the bench while Adebayo Akinfenwa shook off a shin injury to take his place in the starting line-up alongside Karl Hawley.
The visitors had the first effort of the game in the very first minute as Ben Clark struck a long range free kick into the arms of Cobblers’ keeper Frank Fielding. After a high tempo beginning to the game, the Cobbler settled and Danny Jackman’s cross was acrobatically volleyed over the top by Luke Guttridge.
Five minutes later, Karl Hawley went racing through on goal and Hartlepool keeper Aaron Lee-Barrett came out of his goal to challenge the front man. Hawley got round him and claimed for a foul as he appeared to be brought down. Referee Graham Horwood waved play on and the incident led to the opening goal of the game. Hawley collected a cross from Mark Little and turned expertly before finishing well into the bottom corner.
The Cobblers kept the pressure on and Liam Davis went on a good run down the left hand side shortly after the goal and swung in a cross that Abdul Osman headed over the top. At the other end, a good run from James Brown was spotted by Ritchie Jones and Brown collected the ball to cross for Kevin Kyle but the big front man could only head the ball wide.
Adebayo Akinfenwa was put through as the Cobblers hit back and he stumbled clear through on goal but both his run and finish lacked any kind of conviction. In an open first half, Andy Monkhouse shot wide from distance before Luke Guttridge went close for Stuart Gray’s side.
Kevin Kyle had another good chance with five minutes to play of the half but headed straight at Frank Fielding and in the final action of the half, Karl Hawley went close to a second goal but Aaron Lee-Barrett saved well.
The second half began just as the first half had, with a Hartlepool free kick. This time, Joel Porter stepped up and shot wide of the mark. Porter was in the middle of the action once again five minutes later as he turned well before trying an ambitious lob over Frank Fielding but the effort wasn’t troubling the Cobblers’ lead.
Hartlepool kept up the pressure and on the hour mark Porter got around Mark Little before delivering a good cross that was missed by everyone and cleared away for a corner that the Cobblers eventually got away.
At the other end, the Cobblers’ own corner caused confusion in the Hartlepool defence before Abdul Osman’s shot was blocked well by the defender. Karl Hawley then went close to his second goal of the game but his shot was saved well by Lee-Barrett.
A sustained period of pressure from the visitors saw Hartlepool create some good chances but the final ball was lacking, exemplified by Andy Monkhouse’s long range volley that sailed well over the bar with eight minutes to play.
The Cobblers held on with Hartlepool running out of steam and Ryan Gilligan could have sealed the win in stoppage time but passed the ball to Karl Hawley when well placed. Hawley was blocked by the defender but it didn’t matter and the Cobblers were victorious.
Thursday, October 09, 2008
Hartlepool United (H) Preview...
After our first away win of the season last weekend, it’s back to Sixfields on Friday evening as The Cobblers host Hartlepool United.
Form
Hartlepool came from three goals down last weekend to draw 3-3 with Swindon Town at Victoria Park. Joel Porter grabbed a hat-trick to complete a stunning fight back and to keep ‘Pool in mid-table.
The Cobblers won away from home for the first time in the league this season as goals from Danny Jackman, Adebayo Akinfenwa and Abdul Osman secured a good 3-1 win at Crewe last Saturday. The win took us up four places to sixteenth in League One.
Team News
Cobblers boss Stuart Gray will face a tough decision on whether or not to bring Chris Doig back into action. The defender has been out for three weeks but made a playing return against Birmingham City reserves this week. There will also be a late decision made on the fitness of Adebayo Akinfenwa as the front man struggles with a shin problem. Striker Colin Larkin will definitely miss the game with a hamstring injury though after sitting out of last weekends’ win at Crewe.
Hartlepool may welcome back defender Ben Clark into the starting line-up after he recovered from an ankle injury to make the bench in last Friday’s draw with Swindon. Loan signing Kevin Kyle should start again up front but Willie Boland remains out with a knee ligament sprain.
Recent Meetings
22/02/08: HARTLEPOOL 0-1 COBBLERS
A late strike from Giles Coke sneaks under the body of Jan Budtz in the Pool goal as the Cobblers take all three points at Victoria Park.
04/03/00: HARTLEPOOL 2-1 COBBLERS
Paul Stephenson and Graeme Lee give Hartlepool the lead and a Carlo Corazzin strike isn't enough to give us anything from the game.
11/09/99: COBBLERS 2-1 HARTLEPOOL
Tommy Miller puts United in front in the first half but Steve Howard scores twice in the second half to turn the game in our favour.
25/01/97: COBBLERS 3-0 HARTLEPOOL
Neil Grayson scores a hat trick in four minutes either side of half time to ease the Cobblers to victory in the Wembley season of 1997.
29/10/96: HARTLEPOOL 0-2 COBBLERS
Neil Grayson scores in the first minute at Victoria Park before Sean Parrish adds a second in the 22nd minute to hand The Cobblers a good win away from home.
Head to Head...Cobblers v Pool...
Games Played: 58
Cobblers Wins: 24
Draws: 14
Hartlepool Wins: 20
Wednesday, October 08, 2008
No Saints 2-2 Athletico Norfolk
In the second game of the new season, No Saints welcomed back Will from his marital and Egyptian adventure while Scott returned in goal. Danny was missing because his dole money hasn't arrived yet...
An error from Nathan early on let Norfolk in for the opening goal but he made up for it by slotting away the equaliser at the other end following a good move. The game was finely poised at half-time but Norfolk took the lead once more with an unstoppable shot from distance.
The stage was set for a nervy finish and Abib came off the bench to equalise with No Saints in control of the game and throwing everything forward. Endless shots fired in but the ball wouldn't bounce for us and we had to settle for a point, but our first point of the season all the same.
An error from Nathan early on let Norfolk in for the opening goal but he made up for it by slotting away the equaliser at the other end following a good move. The game was finely poised at half-time but Norfolk took the lead once more with an unstoppable shot from distance.
The stage was set for a nervy finish and Abib came off the bench to equalise with No Saints in control of the game and throwing everything forward. Endless shots fired in but the ball wouldn't bounce for us and we had to settle for a point, but our first point of the season all the same.
Monday, October 06, 2008
Football League Review...4th-5th October 2008...
A Happy Monday to you all and here’s another Football League round-up to start your week off in a weekend that saw the Championship leadership change hands, League One brings us bags of goals and Rotherham finally get back to plus points in League Two.
In the Championship this weekend, Wolves suffered their second defeat in a week as Jason Scotland’s double helped Swansea to a 3-1 win over Mick McCarthy’s men at The Liberty Stadium. Wolves paid the price for suffering a loss of eight players through injury and fall to second place in the table. That’s because earlier in the day Birmingham City took top spot with another 1-0 win at St Andrews and another Kevin Phillips strike, his fourth of the season.
Reading kept the pressure on the top two with a straight forward win at home to Burnley and keep their 100% record at home this season. Goals from Noel Hunt, Stephen Hunt and Shane Long took the Royals closer to Wolves. Sheffield United also had an easy home win, brushing aside Bristol City with a double from James Beattie. Plymouth’s recovery from a poor start continued as they hammered Sheffield Wednesday 4-0 at Home Park to make it thirteen points from the previous fifteen available to them. Coventry make up the top six after beating Southampton 4-1 in the late game. Jay Tabb scored twice to condemn Saints after they had won their previous two games.
At the bottom, Nottingham Forest were beaten again as Crystal Palace claimed the points in a 2-0 win to leave manager Colin Calderwood under pressure at the City Ground. Forest have picked up just one win all season and lie five points off 21st place already. Doncaster’s slump continued as they were beaten by Barnsley, whose 4-1 win is even more impressive considering Darren Moore’s dismissal when they were already a goal down! That win takes Barnsley above their Yorkshire rivals in the table.
Leicester remain on top of League One after a five goal thriller at Huddersfield. Lloyd Dyer’s late goal gave Leicester all three points and City are now three points clear at the summit of the table as Scunthorpe could only draw 2-2 at Leyton Orient after going two goals in front.
Oldham were beaten at Stockport on Friday night and are down to third after a storming start to the season. There are three teams on seventeen points with Leeds’ 2-0 defeat at Peterborough United taking them off the pace of the leaders. Walsall and Millwall are the others on seventeen after they both stumbled. Walsall were held at bottom club Hereford in a goalless draw while Millwall were hammered 4-0 at home to MK Dons who climb to eighth place.
Brighton handed a debut to Robbie Savage in their 3-3 thriller at the Withdean but he was overshadowed by Glenn Murray’s hat-trick for Savage’s new team. Cheltenham remain in the bottom four after that draw but move ahead of Crewe who were beaten at home by Northampton in the Cobblers’ first away league win of the season. Yeovil lost at home to Southend to stay in trouble but Hereford still bring up the rear following their home draw.
League Two leaders Bury were looking good to hold on to top spot as they took a three goal lead at Aldershot. But goals from Rob Elvins, Scott Davies and Daniel Hylton completed a fantastic fightback for the Shots. Wycombe replaced Bury as league leaders after they saw off Bournemouth 3-1 with Scott McGleish rounding off the scoring. Shrewsbury got a good point at Darlington with Sean Thornton scoring the equaliser after Alan White had given the Quakers the lead.
A goal from Charlie Macdonald was enough for Brentford to steal a home win over Macclesfield as the Bees stretched their unbeaten run to eight games. Dagenham and Redbridge won at Rochdale to stay in touch but Bradford’ challenge was held up after a 1-1 home draw with Luton. Exeter moved into a playoff place with a 3-0 win over Gillingham. City have now scored nine goals in their last three games.
Rotherham were celebrating this weekend after finally getting back to plus points. Managerless Grimsby took the lead at the Don Valley Stadium but Reuben Reid, Mark Hudson, Mickey Cummings and Richie Barker completed a fine comeback and took United to plus one point! Bournemouth and Luton remain in deficit though with Bournemouth’s hammering at Wycombe and Luton’s solitary point at Bradford.
The Championship takes a break next weekend as England take centre stage again but there’s a pretty much full fixture list in Leagues One and Two and I’ll be back next Monday with a full review of the action!
In the Championship this weekend, Wolves suffered their second defeat in a week as Jason Scotland’s double helped Swansea to a 3-1 win over Mick McCarthy’s men at The Liberty Stadium. Wolves paid the price for suffering a loss of eight players through injury and fall to second place in the table. That’s because earlier in the day Birmingham City took top spot with another 1-0 win at St Andrews and another Kevin Phillips strike, his fourth of the season.
Reading kept the pressure on the top two with a straight forward win at home to Burnley and keep their 100% record at home this season. Goals from Noel Hunt, Stephen Hunt and Shane Long took the Royals closer to Wolves. Sheffield United also had an easy home win, brushing aside Bristol City with a double from James Beattie. Plymouth’s recovery from a poor start continued as they hammered Sheffield Wednesday 4-0 at Home Park to make it thirteen points from the previous fifteen available to them. Coventry make up the top six after beating Southampton 4-1 in the late game. Jay Tabb scored twice to condemn Saints after they had won their previous two games.
At the bottom, Nottingham Forest were beaten again as Crystal Palace claimed the points in a 2-0 win to leave manager Colin Calderwood under pressure at the City Ground. Forest have picked up just one win all season and lie five points off 21st place already. Doncaster’s slump continued as they were beaten by Barnsley, whose 4-1 win is even more impressive considering Darren Moore’s dismissal when they were already a goal down! That win takes Barnsley above their Yorkshire rivals in the table.
Leicester remain on top of League One after a five goal thriller at Huddersfield. Lloyd Dyer’s late goal gave Leicester all three points and City are now three points clear at the summit of the table as Scunthorpe could only draw 2-2 at Leyton Orient after going two goals in front.
Oldham were beaten at Stockport on Friday night and are down to third after a storming start to the season. There are three teams on seventeen points with Leeds’ 2-0 defeat at Peterborough United taking them off the pace of the leaders. Walsall and Millwall are the others on seventeen after they both stumbled. Walsall were held at bottom club Hereford in a goalless draw while Millwall were hammered 4-0 at home to MK Dons who climb to eighth place.
Brighton handed a debut to Robbie Savage in their 3-3 thriller at the Withdean but he was overshadowed by Glenn Murray’s hat-trick for Savage’s new team. Cheltenham remain in the bottom four after that draw but move ahead of Crewe who were beaten at home by Northampton in the Cobblers’ first away league win of the season. Yeovil lost at home to Southend to stay in trouble but Hereford still bring up the rear following their home draw.
League Two leaders Bury were looking good to hold on to top spot as they took a three goal lead at Aldershot. But goals from Rob Elvins, Scott Davies and Daniel Hylton completed a fantastic fightback for the Shots. Wycombe replaced Bury as league leaders after they saw off Bournemouth 3-1 with Scott McGleish rounding off the scoring. Shrewsbury got a good point at Darlington with Sean Thornton scoring the equaliser after Alan White had given the Quakers the lead.
A goal from Charlie Macdonald was enough for Brentford to steal a home win over Macclesfield as the Bees stretched their unbeaten run to eight games. Dagenham and Redbridge won at Rochdale to stay in touch but Bradford’ challenge was held up after a 1-1 home draw with Luton. Exeter moved into a playoff place with a 3-0 win over Gillingham. City have now scored nine goals in their last three games.
Rotherham were celebrating this weekend after finally getting back to plus points. Managerless Grimsby took the lead at the Don Valley Stadium but Reuben Reid, Mark Hudson, Mickey Cummings and Richie Barker completed a fine comeback and took United to plus one point! Bournemouth and Luton remain in deficit though with Bournemouth’s hammering at Wycombe and Luton’s solitary point at Bradford.
The Championship takes a break next weekend as England take centre stage again but there’s a pretty much full fixture list in Leagues One and Two and I’ll be back next Monday with a full review of the action!
Sunday, October 05, 2008
Crewe Alexandra 1-3 Northampton Town
The Cobblers claimed their first away win of the season with a 3-1 success at Crewe yesterday afternoon. Danny Jackman, Adebayo Akinfenwa and Abdul Osman got the goals as Stuart Gray’s side move up four places to sixteenth in League One.
Gray made one enforced change to his starting line-up with Danny Jackman replacing Colin Larkin who was missing with a hamstring injury. And it was the Cobblers who made a good start to the game with loan man Karl Hawley forcing home keeper Steve Collis into a good save early on.
After Adbul Osman had headed wide from a corner, the former Gretna man had a volley deflected over the cross bar as the Cobblers stepped up the pressure on the home side. Danny Jackman and Karl Hawley went close in quick succession as the half wore on but it was Jackman that gave the Cobblers a deserved lead right on the stroke of half-time.
Osman was brought down on the left hand side of Crewe’s penalty area for a free kick and Jackman stepped up to delightfully glide the kick over the Crewe wall and into the top corner of Collis’ net. Crewe hadn’t been in the game in the opening 45 minutes and it was a well earned lead for the Cobblers at the break.
After Jackman went close again just at the start of the second half, Crewe got into the game a bit more and Tom Pope sent a low shot in that Frank Fielding did well to divert away. Minutes later, Crewe’s new loan signing Dennis Lawrence rose highest at a corner but Fielding again did well. But the Cobblers’ keeper could do nothing on 55 minutes as Crewe got an equaliser. A long ball up field was met by the advancing Tom Pope and he had the simplest of tasks to finish past Fielding and give his side an equaliser from just a few yards out.
The Cobblers did well to come back into the game though and Abdul Osman again went close with a shot over the bar. But we didn’t have long to wait to find the lead once more. Mark Little made a good run forward but he was brought down in the area by Billy Jones. Referee Mr Haines pointed to the spot and Adebayo Akinfenwa stepped up to score his seventh goal of the season.
There was still more to come though as Staurt Gray’s side refused to sit on their lead and instead push for number three. Karl Hawley broke well before having a shot blocked with twenty minutes to go and from the resulting corner we had the vital third goal. The impressive Abdul Osman met Danny Jackman’s corner and powered a header into the corner of the net for 3-1.
In late substitutions, Akinfenwa and Hawley were replaced by Leon Constantine and Ryan Gilligan and despite a late flurry from the home side, we held on for three vital points at Gresty Road. We now turn our attention to Hartlepool’s visit to Sixfields on Friday evening in a game rearranged because of the England game on Saturday afternoon.
Gray made one enforced change to his starting line-up with Danny Jackman replacing Colin Larkin who was missing with a hamstring injury. And it was the Cobblers who made a good start to the game with loan man Karl Hawley forcing home keeper Steve Collis into a good save early on.
After Adbul Osman had headed wide from a corner, the former Gretna man had a volley deflected over the cross bar as the Cobblers stepped up the pressure on the home side. Danny Jackman and Karl Hawley went close in quick succession as the half wore on but it was Jackman that gave the Cobblers a deserved lead right on the stroke of half-time.
Osman was brought down on the left hand side of Crewe’s penalty area for a free kick and Jackman stepped up to delightfully glide the kick over the Crewe wall and into the top corner of Collis’ net. Crewe hadn’t been in the game in the opening 45 minutes and it was a well earned lead for the Cobblers at the break.
After Jackman went close again just at the start of the second half, Crewe got into the game a bit more and Tom Pope sent a low shot in that Frank Fielding did well to divert away. Minutes later, Crewe’s new loan signing Dennis Lawrence rose highest at a corner but Fielding again did well. But the Cobblers’ keeper could do nothing on 55 minutes as Crewe got an equaliser. A long ball up field was met by the advancing Tom Pope and he had the simplest of tasks to finish past Fielding and give his side an equaliser from just a few yards out.
The Cobblers did well to come back into the game though and Abdul Osman again went close with a shot over the bar. But we didn’t have long to wait to find the lead once more. Mark Little made a good run forward but he was brought down in the area by Billy Jones. Referee Mr Haines pointed to the spot and Adebayo Akinfenwa stepped up to score his seventh goal of the season.
There was still more to come though as Staurt Gray’s side refused to sit on their lead and instead push for number three. Karl Hawley broke well before having a shot blocked with twenty minutes to go and from the resulting corner we had the vital third goal. The impressive Abdul Osman met Danny Jackman’s corner and powered a header into the corner of the net for 3-1.
In late substitutions, Akinfenwa and Hawley were replaced by Leon Constantine and Ryan Gilligan and despite a late flurry from the home side, we held on for three vital points at Gresty Road. We now turn our attention to Hartlepool’s visit to Sixfields on Friday evening in a game rearranged because of the England game on Saturday afternoon.
Saturday, October 04, 2008
Crewe Alexandra (A) Preview...
The Cobblers travel to Crewe tomorrow afternoon as two struggling sides go head to head at Gresty Road. Last season saw Crewe win by a single goal in this fixture and Stuart Gray will be hoping his side can turn that result around.
Form
Crewe’s last home game saw them lose 4-3 to Southend United but they got back on track defensively with a shut out 0-0 at Bristol Rovers last weekend. The Alex lie in 21st place in League One, just a place below the Cobblers.
Town go into the game off the back of a couple of a draw last weekend at home to Brighton and Hove Albion. In the final minute of the game, Brighton looked to have won the game but Adebayo Akinfenwa popped up in the final seconds of the game to snatch a point.
Team News
Crewe are sweating on the fitness of summer signing Calvin Zola after the front man suffered a shin injury this week. The Alex have signed defender Dennis Lawrence on a months’ loan and he goes straight into the squad to face the Cobblers.
Chris Doig could return for Town after playing in the reserves this week. The defender has missed the last three games with a groin injury but comes back into contention for the trip to Gresty Road.
Recent Meetings
01/03/08: COBBLERS 0-0 CREWE
The Cobblers fail to make ground on the playoffs in a frustrating goalless draw at Sixfields in March. Despite creating several chances we can’t quite make them count and Crewe take home a share of the spoils.
17/11/08: CREWE 1-0 COBBLERS
Ryan Lowe’s goal on the hour settles a poor game in November of last year to make it three straight league defeats for Stuart Gray’s side.
03/02/07: COBBLERS 1-2 CREWE
Two goals from Luke Varney either side of a Brad Johnson reply for the Cobblers meant that Crewe took all three points from Sixfields.
05/08/06: CREWE 2-2 COBBLERS
On the opening day of last season, Ryan Lowe put Crewe in front before Scott McGleish equalised. David Vaughan’s goal on twenty minutes put the home side ahead once more but Andy Kirk made sure we went home with a point on our return to League One.
01/02/03: CREWE 3-3 COBBLERS
In a six-goal thriller, Steve Jones put Crewe in front before James Vaughan put them two up. Marco Gabbiadini pulled one back for the Cobblers from the spot and Richard Hope levelled the scores on the hour. Jones struck again with twenty minutes to go but Derek Asamoah salvaged a point.
10/08/02: COBBLERS 1-1 CREWE
Neil Sorvel put Crewe into the lead after half an hour but Marco Gabbiadini equalised with just three minutes to play.
Head to Head...Railwaymen v Cobblers...
Games Played: 58
Crewe Wins: 22
Draws: 13
Cobblers Wins: 22
Thursday, October 02, 2008
The Midweek Review...02/10/08...
With draws yet to turn into victories, we’re crying out for a first league success since the opening day. So will this week’s trip to Crewe be the turning point?
An entertaining Saturday afternoon at Sixfields by all accounts with both sides coming off the back of good midweek efforts against Premier League clubs. Brighton, of course, came out on top in their game with the richest club in Manchester and they came very close to rounding off a terrific week with another win.
But Bayo had other plans and headed home in the fifth minute of stoppage time to claim a very well deserved point from the game. We’d been the victims of a late, late goal the previous Tuesday at the Stadium of Light so it was good to see us on the right end of the goal at the death this time out. Also an impressive sight was Frank Fielding coming up for the corner at the end...now when was the last time a Cobblers keeper did that?
But despite a good performance and a point, we’re still looking for that illusive first win since the opening day and sit just above Saturday’s opponents Crewe in the table. The ship has been steadied by the Sunderland performance and the gutsy draw against Brighton but the time is now to be turning those draws into victories.
Chris Doig is trying his best to regain fitness and we’ll be a stronger unit at the back once the skipper returns. Doig played well in the reserve team game against Ipswich Town when he was up against the impressive front two of former Cobblers loanee Dean Bowditch and the pacy Danny Haynes. Liam Dolman has come in and looked less assured again but time will tell whether Stuart Gray will against favour Dolman over either Doig or Hughes when he has everyone at his disposal.
Crewe are fellow strugglers and have suffered since selling Nicky Maynard to Bristol City. In the Alex’s last home game, Southend came away with a dramatic 4-3 victory but a scrappy 1-0 win would suit every Cobblers fan this weekend. The gangly Dennis Lawrence has this week signed for Crewe and will provide a threat from set plays.
Our last couple of away games has seen us blow leads at Huddersfield, Tranmere and Sunderland so at no point will Town fans be getting too excited until the final whistle blows at Gresty Road. With the Cobblers poised just goal difference away from being in the bottom four, we know that defeat would send us teetering towards to foot of the table.
We now need an away performance, and most importantly at this stage, a win to ease away from the nether regions of the table. Crewe’s a tough place to go but we know that it’s certainly not beyond our reach to come away with the points.
Up The Cobblers!
Danny
An entertaining Saturday afternoon at Sixfields by all accounts with both sides coming off the back of good midweek efforts against Premier League clubs. Brighton, of course, came out on top in their game with the richest club in Manchester and they came very close to rounding off a terrific week with another win.
But Bayo had other plans and headed home in the fifth minute of stoppage time to claim a very well deserved point from the game. We’d been the victims of a late, late goal the previous Tuesday at the Stadium of Light so it was good to see us on the right end of the goal at the death this time out. Also an impressive sight was Frank Fielding coming up for the corner at the end...now when was the last time a Cobblers keeper did that?
But despite a good performance and a point, we’re still looking for that illusive first win since the opening day and sit just above Saturday’s opponents Crewe in the table. The ship has been steadied by the Sunderland performance and the gutsy draw against Brighton but the time is now to be turning those draws into victories.
Chris Doig is trying his best to regain fitness and we’ll be a stronger unit at the back once the skipper returns. Doig played well in the reserve team game against Ipswich Town when he was up against the impressive front two of former Cobblers loanee Dean Bowditch and the pacy Danny Haynes. Liam Dolman has come in and looked less assured again but time will tell whether Stuart Gray will against favour Dolman over either Doig or Hughes when he has everyone at his disposal.
Crewe are fellow strugglers and have suffered since selling Nicky Maynard to Bristol City. In the Alex’s last home game, Southend came away with a dramatic 4-3 victory but a scrappy 1-0 win would suit every Cobblers fan this weekend. The gangly Dennis Lawrence has this week signed for Crewe and will provide a threat from set plays.
Our last couple of away games has seen us blow leads at Huddersfield, Tranmere and Sunderland so at no point will Town fans be getting too excited until the final whistle blows at Gresty Road. With the Cobblers poised just goal difference away from being in the bottom four, we know that defeat would send us teetering towards to foot of the table.
We now need an away performance, and most importantly at this stage, a win to ease away from the nether regions of the table. Crewe’s a tough place to go but we know that it’s certainly not beyond our reach to come away with the points.
Up The Cobblers!
Danny
The Football League Files...Wycombe Wanderers...
As a brand new feature, I back up my mini quest for real football by introducing some of the lesser known teams of the lower league to all you Premier League fans out there. The Carling Cup this week saw Sunderland and Man City surely not even flinch at the prospect of facing Northampton and Brighton respectively. The mighty Cobblers took the Black Cats all the way before losing on penalties before Brighton went one better and saw off the money bags from Manchester. Both Roy Keane and Mark Hughes will be dreading the F.A. Cup draw when they could be paired with the “minnows” again.
And the F.A. Cup brings us nicely to the first of my Football League Friends. For it was the best cup competition in the world that brought my first featured team, Wycombe Wanderers into the spotlight in 2001 as they reached the semi-finals as a League One side.
But before this incredible achievement, the club had built a proud history in non league football and now stand ready to finally make another push into League One following a strong start to this season. I welcome you to the wonderful world of Wycombe Wanderers...
Fact File: Wycombe Wanderers
Nickname: The Chairboys
Rivals: Colchester United
Honours: Isthmian League Champions (8 times between 1956 and 1975 and once in 1983), FA Trophy Winners (1991,1992), Conference Champions (1993), League Two Playoff Winners (1994)
Current Manager: Peter Taylor
Ground: Adams Park
Capacity: 10,000
Famous Moments: Beating Preston North End 4-2 in the League Two playoff final (1994), Reaching the F.A. Cup Semi-Finals (2001), Reaching the Carling Cup Semi-Finals (2007)
Famous Supporters: Alan Parry (Sports Commentator), Bill Turnbull (News presenter), Colin Baker (Doctor Who), Warren Clark (actor)
So who the chuff are they?
Well, I’ll tell you. Wycombe Wanderers have only been in the league since 1993 but were in fact formed way back in 1887 by a group of furniture makers. The club were named after the famous Wanderers who won the very first F.A. Cup back in 1872. The initial kit colours were of the Oxford and Cambridge varsity teams but they moved on to light and dark blue halves before changing it to the now familiar light and dark blue quarters in the late 1920’s.
The first ground that Wycombe would play on was the local cricket club before they moved to Loakes Park, a home they would remain in for over 100 years. In 1990, they moved to Adams Park, where they play to this day.
On the pitch, Wanderers began in the Southern League but struggled against the professional sides they were to come up against. Dropping down to the Spartan League after the First World War, they slowly but surely made their way through the non league pyramid. In 1921, Wycombe won the Spartan League before winning the first of eight Isthmian League titles in 1951. The club were promoted to the Football Conference in 1985. Martin O’Neill was appointed manager in 1990, a year that saw Wanderers leave Loakes Park for Adams Park. O’Neill was instrumental in taking Wycombe from non-league, including two FA Trophy wins, to the Football League in 1993.
In their first season, Wanderers were promoted via the playoffs in a storming introduction to the Football League, beating Preston 4-2 in the playoff final. In League One, the club narrowly missed out on the playoffs in the first season but then faded into a mid-table side following the departure of O’Neill to Norwich City in 1995.
The club’s finest hour came in 2001 as Lawrie Sanchez led them to the F.A. Cup semi-finals, en route beating Premier League Leicester in the Quarter Finals thanks to Roy Essandoh, a player that Sanchez brought in after responding to an advert on Ceefax! The Chairboys were beaten after a gallant effort against Liverpool in the Semi-Finals but the season will go down in history for every Wanderers fan.
In 2004, Sanchez was sacked after a poor start to the season and Tony Adams was brought in. But the former Arsenal man couldn’t save the club and they were relegated to the basement league once again. John Gorman steadied the ship as manager at the start of the following campaign and helped the club to tenth place. In 2005-06, Wycombe’s season could not have been more two sided.
A 21 game unbeaten run took them to the league’s summit but in early 2006, the club was rocked with tragedy as midfielder Mark Philo tragically died in hospital following a car crash. Just a few weeks later, manager John Gorman lost his wife to a long illness and took a period of compassionate leave from the club.
While Gorman was away, Wanderers’ form slumped and they ended up in sixth place, eventually losing out to Cheltenham Town in the playoff semi-finals. Gorman would not return the following season and his replacement was Paul Lambert.
Lambert took the club to the semi-finals of the Carling Cup in 2007, beating Fulham and Charlton en route to a semi-final defeat to Chelsea, 5-1 on aggregate after holding the Champions to a 1-1 draw in the home leg. In the league, the Chairboys finished in mid-table but the following season picked up and they ended up in a playoff place, narrowly losing to Stockport County in the semi-finals.
The club’s long and proud history is now being backed up with a fantastic stadium that keeps the charm of days gone by. The match day atmosphere is one of the best that I’ve experienced and the general feel to the place is friendly and family orientated, keeping the roots of its past. Wanderers currently sit in the top three of League Two and look all set for another promotion challenge.
Fan File...Tahli Jenkinson with her view on her beloved Chairboys...
How did you come about supporting Wycombe?
I got taken along to my first match for a friends birthday, but my mum and dad bought me a wycombe scarf and t-shirt a few years before and I have been a Chairboy ever since!
First Game?
Can't remember the exact date but it was against Carlisle and we lost 2-1!
Best moment following Wycombe?
Nothing will beat the 00/01 FA Cup run for me, beating Wimbledon on penalties in the replay was better than beating Leicester 2-1 in the next round
Worst moment following Wycombe?
05/06 season, losing to Cheltenham in the play-offs, had been a very tough season. Started off well but the death of a talented and well liked player, and a manager suffering from his own personal grief after his wife died a month later, we suffered as a club. Was a very sad time, and we just couldn't get through it and get the promotion we deserved!
Favourite ever player?
Keith Ryan..Wycombe legend!
In the current squad though I would say Mike Williamson, does not get the credit he deserves, WWFC are very lucky to have him!
Biggest Donkey to 'grace' your club?
Tony Adams (need I say anymore!)
Hopes for this season?
I am quite confident, we've had a good start and with the experience that Peter Taylor has I really think we can get promotion this year (I just don't want play offs..I can't do it to myself again!)
Football League Update...02/10/08...
After a full mid-week fixture list in The Championship, Wolves’ superb start to the season was ended by fellow promotion hopefuls Reading but Birmingham failed to capitalise after being held away from home.
Wolves were flying high at the top of the table following Saturday’s brushing aside of Bristol City but were brought back down to earth after a string of victories by a Reading side gaining momentum by the day on Tuesday night. The Royals hammered Swansea 4-0 at the weekend and followed it up by an equally impressive display at Molineux. Wolves were beaten for the first time this season as an own goal by keeper Wayne Hennessey was followed by a header from Andre Bikey and one from substitute Kalife Cisse.
Steve Coppell has once again been quietly moving about his work and Reading now sit in third place in the Championship. Sandwiched in between Wolves and Reading are Birmingham who won at Cardiff on Saturday but could only come away from improving Derby with a point on Tuesday evening. Steve Davis equalised late on for the Rams after former Arsenal man Quincy Owusu-Abeyie powered Birmingham in front. The draw still keeps City hot on Wolves’ heels though and their intriguing looking battle with QPR kicks off the weekend’s football on Sky.
Rangers themselves go into the game off the back of disappointing results, losing at home to Derby and then only claiming a draw from the game against Blackpool at Loftus Road on Tuesday night. The dropping of those points takes them out of the playoff places and Burnley now sit proudly in fourth place. After beating Preston in the Lancashire derby and then squeezing past Watford 3-2, Owen Coyle was named Championship Manager of the Month for September in a terrific week for the Clarets.
The two Sheffield clubs make up the top six once again after United won at Doncaster and Wednesday beat bottom club Forest on Tuesday night. Colin Calderwood’s men are sitting precariously in trouble after picking up just five points this season and they’ll be hoping to kick start their season against surprise strugglers Crystal Palace this weekend. Palace won at home to Charlton on Tuesday night but remain in trouble and need back to back wins desperately. Barnsley play Doncaster on Saturday as two teams in trouble battle it out in a Yorkshire derby that should be all blood and thunder from the off at Oakwell.
In the pick of this weekend’s action, Reading play host to Burnley as third meet fourth and Owen Coyle will be hoping that the Manager of the Month curse doesn’t fall his way!
Down in League One, Oldham still lead the way and drew with improving Huddersfield last weekend. The Latics go to Stockport on Friday night. Second placed Scunthorpe eased past Yeovil on Saturday and should win at Orient to keep the pressure on at the top. Leeds are waiting for any slip ups from the top two over the weekend and travel to Peterborough United. Leicester are in fourth after a single goal win over Hartlepool and their resolve will be tested by a rejuvenated Huddersfield side.
Millwall manager Kenny Jackett picked up the Manager of the Month award for September after leading his side into a playoff place. Jackett leads his side into a tough game with MK Dons on Saturday as he looks to keep them in the hunt at the top. Walsall are quietly going about their business and sit in sixth place. Their 2-1 win at home to Carlisle sets them up well for this Saturdays’ trip to struggling Hereford United.
At the wrong end of the table, Hereford were beaten at Leeds but a good performance at Elland Road may help their players’ confidence at least. Cheltenham’s resurgence under Martin Allen was halted as Stockport scored a late equaliser on Saturday to earn a 2-2 draw at Whaddon Road. Yeovil are still down in the bottom four after that defeat at Scunthorpe whilst Crewe meet Northampton this weekend in a game that pits 21st v 20th.
Elsewhere in League One this week, the big news is Robbie Savage joining Brighton and Hove Albion on loan for a month as Savage looks to get some sharpness back. The midfielder worked under Albion boss Micky Adams briefly at Leicester City and will certainly add some interest to Brighton’s games for the next few weeks!
In League Two, the top four all faced each other last weekend and Shrewsbury were the big winners as Richard Walker scored late on to seal a 2-0 win over Bradford at the New Meadow. They close the gap on the top two, Bury and Wycombe, who drew 0-0 at Gigg Lane. This weekend sees both the top two make tricky trips to Aldershot and Darlington respectively.
Meanwhile, Brentford are moving back up the table into fourth place following victory at Chesterfield. Marcus Bean scored the only goal of the game at Saltergate and The Bees host Macclesfield Town next. Dagenham were held by Rotherham just a few days after the Millers knocked Championship side Southampton out of the Carling Cup whilst Exeter City hit four past Macclesfield.
Rotherham’s draw means they are still just in the minus figures but can come into the black with a win at home to managerless Grimsby Town on Saturday. Bournemouth helped their cause and moved to minus eight with a weekend beating of Darlington but Luton are on minus nineteen as Chester hit back for a draw at Kenilworth Road.
Manager of the Month for September in League Two went to Bury boss Alan Knill after his side went to the top of the table. Their front two of Andy Morrell and Andy Bishop have been firing in the goals and could be the key to their continued success.
So another good weekend of football ahead in the Football League and I’ll be back on Monday with a review of the action. Have a good one!
Danny
No Saints 0-3 Kashima Antlers
No Saints began the new season in the same manner as we ended the last one- with defeat at the hands of a rejuvenated Kashima Antlers side.
Antlers look stronger than ever after recruiting a couple of new faces in the last few weeks and outplayed us following a nervy opening to the game with both sides cancelling each other out and going into half-time goalless.
But after the break we lost our way and conceded three quick goals and are bottom of League Three after the first round of games. But with Will and Scott looking to return next week, we hope to turn things around and kick start the season next week.
Antlers look stronger than ever after recruiting a couple of new faces in the last few weeks and outplayed us following a nervy opening to the game with both sides cancelling each other out and going into half-time goalless.
But after the break we lost our way and conceded three quick goals and are bottom of League Three after the first round of games. But with Will and Scott looking to return next week, we hope to turn things around and kick start the season next week.
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