The Cobblers were propelled into the top half of League One yesterday as Jason Crowe's goal was enough to send us into the upper reaches of the table for the first time in a couple of months. The bad vibes from the council this week had put this game into the back of minds for a while but by the time kick off came around, it was back to what we do best and supporting a group of players that may not be together for a whole lot longer should budget adjestments be made in January.
One of those that could find himself in the transfer window come January popped up with the winning goal in the final game before Christmas. A welcome Christmas present for Stuart Gray was that we held onto the lead given to us by Jason Crowe just after the hour mark and we can now happily relax on Christmas Day with an excellent league position.
Before Crowe had netted the winner, Scott McGleish had a goal disallowed for an offside decision after Leon Constantine had set him up. More decisions went against us as Constantine seemed to be tugged down by Richard Keogh inside the area but referee Mr Gibbs gave the decision the other way for a Carlisle free kick.
Danny Jackman, in fantastic form coming into the game, so nearly added to his season's goal tally but had a shot cleared off the line in the final action of a good first half performance from the Cobblers.
Carlisle could so easily have been in front just after the break and Keogh will be cursing his incredible miss from just a few yards out following a free kick from on loan midfielder Graham Kavanagh because just minutes later we were in front.
Jackman put in a trademark delivery and Crowe, one of the smallest players on the pitch, rose to head home the goal that would win the game for the Cobblers.
With twenty minutes to go, Adebayo Akinfenwa made his triumphant return to first team action. After impressing in the reserves this week, he replaced Mark Hughes and received a warm welcome back from the Town faithful that have missed him as much as his team mates have. The dream return so nearly came off when the big man had a shot deflected wide just after his introduction.
Both Leon Constantine and Andy Holt hit the post in the closing stages before Carlisle had an effort ruled out for offside but the game ended in the Cobblers' favour and three vital points for Stuart Gray means that we're back into the comfort of the top half.
Carlisle can reflect on a game where they never realy got going and will now be looking nervously over their shoulder at the bottom four following last season's run to the playoffs.
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