There’s an air of massive importance hanging over Somerset this evening. Yeovil Town welcome the Cobblers in what is an absolutely massive game for both sides and the situation is basically we cannot afford to lose this one. Should we get beat this evening, Yeovil will leapfrog us up the table and send us deep into the bottom four with no way of escape this weekend.
The blank weekend coming up for the Cobblers while everyone else plays cannot come at a worse time should we drop all three points at Huish Park. Psychologically, it could be the first nail in the coffin because despite being in danger of the drop for a lot of the last three seasons, barring the terrific run of for at the end of last term, we’ve never found ourselves chasing the others.
So Stuart Gray is partly right when he says this is a “must not lose” game this evening. Not exactly strong words from the Town boss or indeed positive one as he sounds out a possible draw. The fact that he’s not gunning for that win to shoot us up to around fifteenth isn’t too encouraging and could be a weapon that stand in Yeovil boss Terry Skiverton uses to tell his players to be at us from the off.
Adebayo Akinfenwa is walking wounded again but with a break coming up he should be in the line-up with Scott Vernon impressing enough in his opening two games to become the first choice to partner the big man. Whether Mark Hughes will win back his place could depend on Jason Crowe’s health but any pace coming at us will be worrying if Crowe isn’t included.
It’s going to be a tough and nervy night down in Somerset and it’s time for a real six pointer. Three points this evening and we can all breath a little bit easier this weekend rather than looking at other results and praying that a dark cloud doesn’t turn an ungodly shade of black.
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Yeovil Town (A) Preview...
Tonight sees a massive six pointer as the Cobblers visit Yeovil Town in a rearranged fixture with both sides in danger of relegation. Yeovil’s win over Swindon at the weekend puts them behind the Cobblers by just goal difference and with a blank weekend for us coming up we need all three points desperately.
Team News
Yeovil player-manager Terry Skiverton is injured so Lee Peltier should take his place once again. Meanwhile, the Glovers have three Tottenham youngsters on loan with Jon Obika, Andros Townsend and Danny Hutchins all set to be included in tonight’s squad.
The Cobblers are likely to be without midfielder Luke Guttridge who re-injured his knee after scoring the equalizing goal at Carlisle on Saturday. Adam Watts is still not ready to make his debut but Jared Hodgkiss should start again at right back.
Form
Yeovil were winners at the weekend as they saw off Swindon by the single goal at Huish Park. John Obika scored the only goal of the game for the Glovers to take them closer to us in the table.
The Cobblers came from a goal behind to draw at Carlisle, keeping us tantalizingly above Yeovil on goal difference going into tonight’s game.
Last Time Out…18/10/08: COBBLERS 3-0 YEOVIL…
Danny Jackman opens the scoring for the Cobblers at Sixfields back in October and Adebayo Akinfenwa has us two up within twenty minutes. A late Jason Crowe goal seals a comfortable win for us on home soil.
Previous 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…Glovers v Cobblers…
Games Played: 10
Cobblers Wins: 3
Draws: 4
Swindon Wins: 3
Team News
Yeovil player-manager Terry Skiverton is injured so Lee Peltier should take his place once again. Meanwhile, the Glovers have three Tottenham youngsters on loan with Jon Obika, Andros Townsend and Danny Hutchins all set to be included in tonight’s squad.
The Cobblers are likely to be without midfielder Luke Guttridge who re-injured his knee after scoring the equalizing goal at Carlisle on Saturday. Adam Watts is still not ready to make his debut but Jared Hodgkiss should start again at right back.
Form
Yeovil were winners at the weekend as they saw off Swindon by the single goal at Huish Park. John Obika scored the only goal of the game for the Glovers to take them closer to us in the table.
The Cobblers came from a goal behind to draw at Carlisle, keeping us tantalizingly above Yeovil on goal difference going into tonight’s game.
Last Time Out…18/10/08: COBBLERS 3-0 YEOVIL…
Danny Jackman opens the scoring for the Cobblers at Sixfields back in October and Adebayo Akinfenwa has us two up within twenty minutes. A late Jason Crowe goal seals a comfortable win for us on home soil.
Previous 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…Glovers v Cobblers…
Games Played: 10
Cobblers Wins: 3
Draws: 4
Swindon Wins: 3
Monday, March 30, 2009
Carlisle United 1-1 Northampton Town
It was a long trip north for the Cobblers this weekend as the trip to Carlisle produced a point that does nothing to ease the pressure on Stuart Gray’s side at the bottom of the table. The positive note was the we came from behind to earn a draw after the home side had taken an early lead and we now go to Yeovil on Tuesday night in a good old fashioned six pointer.
Scott Vernon started up front in place of Aleksander Prijovic with Jared Hodgkiss making his Cobblers debut at right back. Chris Doig was a surprise inclusion after recovering from injury whilst Mark Hughes dropped to the bench.
After a quiet and nervy start to the game, Luke Guttridge smashed the ball against the post following good work from Giles Coke and Adebayo Akinfenwa in the build up. The ball was cleared to safety and we would live to regret that chance as Carlisle went up the other end to take the lead.
The Cobblers failed to clear a cross into the area and Lewis Neal found space tp drive the ball home past Chris Dunn in the Town goal. With Yeovil leading Swindon, at that point we were staring down the barrel of a place in the bottom four.
Liam Davis saw his shot hit the underside of the cross bar but it was Guttridge, who had earlier struck the woodwork himself, that drew us level minutes later. Davis sent in a good effort which the hoe keeper failed to deal with first time and Guttridge took his opportunity to finish and equalize vitally for the Cobblers.
It was Carlisle who started the second half better and Danny Jackman had to be alert as he cleared a goal bound effort off the line from the scorer Neal. Cleveland Taylor then headed wide as the pressure mounted.
Danny Graham volleyed over as Carlisle looked to press more but from then on in neither side could take the opportunity to win the game with Danny Jackman’s free kick the closes we came to nicking it mid-way through the half.
So it’s a point that sets up the midweek trip to Yeovil well with the Glovers beating Swindon 1-0, meaning that we lead them by just goal difference going into the game. Whether or not this was a point gained or two points dropped will only be discovered at what’s likely to be a very, very nervy Huish Park on Tuesday.
Scott Vernon started up front in place of Aleksander Prijovic with Jared Hodgkiss making his Cobblers debut at right back. Chris Doig was a surprise inclusion after recovering from injury whilst Mark Hughes dropped to the bench.
After a quiet and nervy start to the game, Luke Guttridge smashed the ball against the post following good work from Giles Coke and Adebayo Akinfenwa in the build up. The ball was cleared to safety and we would live to regret that chance as Carlisle went up the other end to take the lead.
The Cobblers failed to clear a cross into the area and Lewis Neal found space tp drive the ball home past Chris Dunn in the Town goal. With Yeovil leading Swindon, at that point we were staring down the barrel of a place in the bottom four.
Liam Davis saw his shot hit the underside of the cross bar but it was Guttridge, who had earlier struck the woodwork himself, that drew us level minutes later. Davis sent in a good effort which the hoe keeper failed to deal with first time and Guttridge took his opportunity to finish and equalize vitally for the Cobblers.
It was Carlisle who started the second half better and Danny Jackman had to be alert as he cleared a goal bound effort off the line from the scorer Neal. Cleveland Taylor then headed wide as the pressure mounted.
Danny Graham volleyed over as Carlisle looked to press more but from then on in neither side could take the opportunity to win the game with Danny Jackman’s free kick the closes we came to nicking it mid-way through the half.
So it’s a point that sets up the midweek trip to Yeovil well with the Glovers beating Swindon 1-0, meaning that we lead them by just goal difference going into the game. Whether or not this was a point gained or two points dropped will only be discovered at what’s likely to be a very, very nervy Huish Park on Tuesday.
Friday, March 27, 2009
Carlisle United (A) Preview...
The Cobblers make the long trip to Carlisle tomorrow afternoon with two new loan signings after yesterday’s transfer activity. Both sides are coming into the game off the back of defeats in midweek to relegation rivals and it should be a real battle at Brunton Park.
New loan signings Ian Morris and Ian Harte could make their Carlisle debuts after both signed for the rest of the season. Graham Kavanagh is struggling with a hip injury whilst Peter Murphy is a doubt with a groin strain.
Stuart Gray could be without both Chris Doig and Jason Crowe for the trip north but Jared Hodgkiss could make his debut. Ryan Gilligan will be out for most of the season after an operation.
New loan signings Ian Morris and Ian Harte could make their Carlisle debuts after both signed for the rest of the season. Graham Kavanagh is struggling with a hip injury whilst Peter Murphy is a doubt with a groin strain.
Stuart Gray could be without both Chris Doig and Jason Crowe for the trip north but Jared Hodgkiss could make his debut. Ryan Gilligan will be out for most of the season after an operation.
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Double loan signing as Gray bolsters defence
The Cobblers have today beat the loan deadline to sign Fulham defender Adam Watts and West Brom defender Jared Hodgkiss until the end of the season. With options at the back running low after Chris Doig's recent injury along with Carl Magnay going back to Chelsea early, Gray has bolstered his back line ahead of a hectic run in.
Watts stands at 6'1 and is a graduate from Fulham's academy and has previously spent some time on loan at MK Dons in 2005/06. In September of last year, Watts signed a new contract with Fulham, keeping him at Craven Cottage until 2010.
Right-back Hodgkiss also came through the rankings at his club, joining West Brom's youth set -up in 2003 before signing pro forms in 2006. He has been at Scottish Premier League side Aberdeen for the first half of this season, making eight appearances.
Both Jason Crowe and Chris Doig could be out of Saturday's trip to Carlisle as precious survival points are stake once more. It seemed odd that Watts could possibly only play in midweek games due to doctors' advice but the recruiting of Hodgkiss will give us another option.
So more loans incoming and surely there's never been a season like it for loan players coming in, with Stuart Gray easily able to name a team from all the loans he's had in 2008/09 so far!
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Relegation scrap well and truly back on
It was a night that could have seen us propelled to the dizzy heights of fifteenth place but eventually shot us right back into the relegation mire. Simon Cox inevitably hit a hat-trick and despite the claims of a wrong penalty decision when Scott Vernon was brought down and a late equaliser being chalked off, it’s back down to earth for us now.
Swindon have now scored ten goals in three games, winning them all and we have to take comfort that the goals are at least flying in for us as well. It’s seven goals in a couple of games for us now and Adebayo Akinfenwa is more vital to us than ever, scoring twice in two games since returning from suspension.
This is a huge part of the season coming up now…away games at Carlisle and Yeovil will ultimately shape the final furlong of the season with the chasing pack ready to stick us right in it a week on Saturday when we have no game due to Scunthorpe being in the JPT Final.
Squeeky bum time it most certainly is…
Swindon have now scored ten goals in three games, winning them all and we have to take comfort that the goals are at least flying in for us as well. It’s seven goals in a couple of games for us now and Adebayo Akinfenwa is more vital to us than ever, scoring twice in two games since returning from suspension.
This is a huge part of the season coming up now…away games at Carlisle and Yeovil will ultimately shape the final furlong of the season with the chasing pack ready to stick us right in it a week on Saturday when we have no game due to Scunthorpe being in the JPT Final.
Squeeky bum time it most certainly is…
Northampton Town 3-4 Swindon Town
As I settled in for the evening, my heart was pounding, my toes curling and fear looming from deep within me as I watched a horror unfold. “The Return” was on the screen, a very forgettable film but it was the horror unfolding at Sixfields that had me in a real state as I watched the score ticker on my laptop with a return of a different kind putting us back in all sorts of relegation trouble.
It was Simon Cox’s latest return to Sixfields with Swindon and he was the key to our downfall inevitably despite the brightest of openings from Stuart Gray’s side. Adebayo Akinfenwa had us in front even before I’d lifted the lid on my computer and started the evening. The front man had struck early on Saturday and he was on hand once more even earlier this time around to give us the lead with a rebound effort following Giles Coke’s initial effort.
Simon Cox was unfortunately on top of his game though and fired two warning shots even before he put Swindon level on the fifteen minute mark. The Cobblers were trying to pass their way out of defence and Anthony McNamee took advantage of an error to cross for Cox to score via a deflection off Jason Crowe.
Both sides had chances to go in front with Bayo at one end and Michael Timlin at the other making good chances but it was Cox again who struck to give the visitors a lead that they wouldn’t suurender for the rest of the game on the half hour. The former Cobblers loan man lobbed Chris Dunn after good work from Billy Paynter.
Paynter himself added a third to leave us with a massive task to do just before half-time when he beat the offside trap to fire home. Stuart Gray responded by making a double change with Ikechi Anya and Andy Holt coming on for Giles Coke and Liam Davis. Scott Vernon also came off the bench mid-way through the half, replacing Aleksander Prijovic.
With time and goals not on our side, it was looking bleak until Danny Jackman came up with the goods once more with a free kick that put us right back in the game with just over twenty minutes to go. This is when the heart was really racing with a massive part of the season resting on the final quarter of this game.
We began to storm forward looking for that equaliser and after a penalty decision didn’t go our way with Vernon being felled by the keeper it was all but over when Swindon caught us on the break and Cox delivered the sucker punch of goal number four for his side, chesting the ball home following good work again from Paynter.
There was somehow life left in us yet and substitute Anya hit a third for us with three minutes to go to set up a real finale at Sixfields. As we looked for an incredible equaliser, Akinfenwa volleyed wide before we agonisingly had a goal disallowed from the resulting corner.
Swindon survived the storm and took home the crucial three points, leaving us back in relegation trouble, just one place above the bottom four. What happens in the next week will play a massive part in the rest of the season, with the horror of relegation looming.
As with “The Return,” which by now I had stopped watching all together, I sincerely hope there is no sequel to this showing.
It was Simon Cox’s latest return to Sixfields with Swindon and he was the key to our downfall inevitably despite the brightest of openings from Stuart Gray’s side. Adebayo Akinfenwa had us in front even before I’d lifted the lid on my computer and started the evening. The front man had struck early on Saturday and he was on hand once more even earlier this time around to give us the lead with a rebound effort following Giles Coke’s initial effort.
Simon Cox was unfortunately on top of his game though and fired two warning shots even before he put Swindon level on the fifteen minute mark. The Cobblers were trying to pass their way out of defence and Anthony McNamee took advantage of an error to cross for Cox to score via a deflection off Jason Crowe.
Both sides had chances to go in front with Bayo at one end and Michael Timlin at the other making good chances but it was Cox again who struck to give the visitors a lead that they wouldn’t suurender for the rest of the game on the half hour. The former Cobblers loan man lobbed Chris Dunn after good work from Billy Paynter.
Paynter himself added a third to leave us with a massive task to do just before half-time when he beat the offside trap to fire home. Stuart Gray responded by making a double change with Ikechi Anya and Andy Holt coming on for Giles Coke and Liam Davis. Scott Vernon also came off the bench mid-way through the half, replacing Aleksander Prijovic.
With time and goals not on our side, it was looking bleak until Danny Jackman came up with the goods once more with a free kick that put us right back in the game with just over twenty minutes to go. This is when the heart was really racing with a massive part of the season resting on the final quarter of this game.
We began to storm forward looking for that equaliser and after a penalty decision didn’t go our way with Vernon being felled by the keeper it was all but over when Swindon caught us on the break and Cox delivered the sucker punch of goal number four for his side, chesting the ball home following good work again from Paynter.
There was somehow life left in us yet and substitute Anya hit a third for us with three minutes to go to set up a real finale at Sixfields. As we looked for an incredible equaliser, Akinfenwa volleyed wide before we agonisingly had a goal disallowed from the resulting corner.
Swindon survived the storm and took home the crucial three points, leaving us back in relegation trouble, just one place above the bottom four. What happens in the next week will play a massive part in the rest of the season, with the horror of relegation looming.
As with “The Return,” which by now I had stopped watching all together, I sincerely hope there is no sequel to this showing.
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Swindon Town (H) Preview...
Tonight sees the first of three huge relegation battles take place as the Cobblers welcome Swindon Town to Sixfields in a rearranged fixture. The original game was postponed due to heavy snow but that means that the fixture now takes place at an even more vital time for both clubs.
Team News
The Cobblers are without skipper Chris Doig who picked up an Achilles injury during the weekend win over Stockport County whilst Carl Magnay has returned to Chelsea after his injury sustained in the game at Peterborough forced him out of his loan contract. Adebayo Akinfenwa is fighting to be clear of a migraine that he played with for an hour on Saturday whilst loan strikers Scott Vernon and Aleksander Prijovic will battle to partner the big man up front.
Swindon could be without defender Jamie Vincent, who limped out of Saturday’s home win against Hereford through injury. Craig Easton is back in training but isn’t expected to play any part this evening whilst Patrick Kanyuka and Jon-Paul McGovern are both missing.
Form
Stuart Gray’s side recovered from the derby defeat at Peterborough by hammering Stockport County 4-0 at the weekend. The returning Adebayo Akinfenwa struck first before Abdul Osman added a second just before half tie. Second half goals from Luke Guttridge and Scott Vernon wrapped up a win that took us two points clear of the bottom four.
Swindon were also big winners on Saturday with a 3-0 win over Hereford United distancing themselves from the relegation zone by a couple of points as well. Simon Cox scored twice before Billy Paynter wrapped up a second successive 3-0 win for the Robins.
Last Time Out…21/10/08…SWINDON 2-1 COBBLERS
Billy Paynter and Simon Cox were the Swindon scorers earlier in the season as the Cobblers fell to defeat at the County Ground. Giles Coke’s late goal wasn’t enough and we went home pointless from this midweek encounter.
Previous 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.
Head to Head…Cobblers v Robins…
Games Played: 126
Cobblers Wins: 45
Draws: 26
Swindon Wins: 56
Team News
The Cobblers are without skipper Chris Doig who picked up an Achilles injury during the weekend win over Stockport County whilst Carl Magnay has returned to Chelsea after his injury sustained in the game at Peterborough forced him out of his loan contract. Adebayo Akinfenwa is fighting to be clear of a migraine that he played with for an hour on Saturday whilst loan strikers Scott Vernon and Aleksander Prijovic will battle to partner the big man up front.
Swindon could be without defender Jamie Vincent, who limped out of Saturday’s home win against Hereford through injury. Craig Easton is back in training but isn’t expected to play any part this evening whilst Patrick Kanyuka and Jon-Paul McGovern are both missing.
Form
Stuart Gray’s side recovered from the derby defeat at Peterborough by hammering Stockport County 4-0 at the weekend. The returning Adebayo Akinfenwa struck first before Abdul Osman added a second just before half tie. Second half goals from Luke Guttridge and Scott Vernon wrapped up a win that took us two points clear of the bottom four.
Swindon were also big winners on Saturday with a 3-0 win over Hereford United distancing themselves from the relegation zone by a couple of points as well. Simon Cox scored twice before Billy Paynter wrapped up a second successive 3-0 win for the Robins.
Last Time Out…21/10/08…SWINDON 2-1 COBBLERS
Billy Paynter and Simon Cox were the Swindon scorers earlier in the season as the Cobblers fell to defeat at the County Ground. Giles Coke’s late goal wasn’t enough and we went home pointless from this midweek encounter.
Previous 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.
Head to Head…Cobblers v Robins…
Games Played: 126
Cobblers Wins: 45
Draws: 26
Swindon Wins: 56
Monday, March 23, 2009
All set for Swindon six pointer
Despite the 4-0 hammering of Stockport, there’s still everything to play for at the bottom of League One. With Swindon hot on our trail in the bid to survive, the Cobblers can breathe a little easier should we take all three points from our game tomorrow night. That won’t be easy though with the Robins having beaten us earlier in the season and they come off the back of a 3-0 win over Hereford at the weekend.
Simon Cox is banging in the goals once again and he’ll be their main threat, with a cluster of new strikers trying to win it for the Cobblers. Big bad Bayo played with a migraine for an hour on Saturday, incredibly looking his usual self and getting on the score sheet in the process.
With Leon signing and scoring for Cheltenham we suddenly look like a new force going forward and Scott Vernon avenged his goal against the Town earlier in the season for Colchester as he scored on his debut. By all account Alexs Prijovic made a good impression as well and all seems a bit more positive in the camp after last weekend’s defeat at Boro.
It’s Saturday-Tuesday near enough all the way for The Cobblers now and the old saying of “squeaky bum time” is certainly in operation at Sixfields. Three points tomorrow and the backsides of everyone involved will becoming that bit more polished.
Defence now the problem as Magnay ends loan
Carl Magnay has left the Cobblers this morning after injury forced him to cancel his one month loan spell and return to Chelsea. With Chris Doig having to leave the game early on Saturday due to an Achilles problem, he too could miss Swindon's visit to Sixfields on Tuesday night.
That leaves a hole at the back and Stuart Gray could turn to Jason Crowe to fill the void after he did a good job against Stockport. Paul Rodgers will more than likely fill in for Crowe as he oves across but after signing Scott Vernon and Aleksander Prijovic last week, Stuart Gray may be left to return to the loan market if Doig is showing no signs of improvement ahead of a hectic run-in.
That leaves a hole at the back and Stuart Gray could turn to Jason Crowe to fill the void after he did a good job against Stockport. Paul Rodgers will more than likely fill in for Crowe as he oves across but after signing Scott Vernon and Aleksander Prijovic last week, Stuart Gray may be left to return to the loan market if Doig is showing no signs of improvement ahead of a hectic run-in.
Saturday, March 21, 2009
Bayo return brings massive three points
Well what a day that was! After five minutes of Sky Sports News rolling in the background as I packed, it looked as though we'd let go Leon Constantine a little prematurely as he netted for Cheltenham at Huddersfield. But just moments later our fears were relieved as the big man cometh and Bayo netted to give the Cobblers a lead that wouldn't be surrendered for the rest of the afternoon.
Not that Stockport could lay claim to any real efforts on Chris Dunn's goal throughout a game that we came through with an ease that made our relegation struggle almost laughable.
A goal right before the break from Abdul Osman made it two and we never looked back despite having Chris Doig replaced at half-time. Time will tell whether that was an injury blow but it didn't disrupt the Cobblers' flow and soon after the break, as I was gulping down the final of my break from packing Pizza, Luke Guttridge finshed well after a shocking error from their defender and it was game over.
A fourth from new boy Scott Vernon simply put the icing on the cake as he tapped in after another defensive error and the Cobblers went two points clear of the relegation zone with Swindon, a place below us in the table, on Tuesday night. Bayo's return, halted by a second half substitution, could be the thing that keeps us afloat and what good timing for the big man to make his return.
Northampton Town 4-0 Stockport County
The Cobblers recorded a fantastic result at Sixfields this afternoon as playoff chasing Stockport County were swept aside in a result belittling our lowly league position. The return of Adebayo Akinfenwa sparked us into life and it didn’t take long for the big man to make his mark once again.
Bayo has been missing since the Brighton game after his red card down at the Withdean Stadium meant he missed the last four game but it wasn’t long before he was well and truly back in action. New loan signing Aleksander Prijovic did well to set him up and Bayo made no mistake from eight yards out just past the ten minute mark to set us on the road to one of our biggest wins of the season.
The rest of the first half was a quiet affair as County offered little in front of goal whilst Giles Coke forced a good save out of goalkeeper Owain Fon Williams but just before the break was the vital second goal. The Cobblers won a corner that Luke Guttridge, returning to the starting line-up, swung in for Abdul Osman to volley home at the far post and it was 2-0 at half-time.
Chris Doig was replaced by Paul Rodgers at the break and Jason Crowe was close to extending the lead within five minutes of the restart as he shot just wide of the post after a good run from the half way line.
The Cobblers were cruising and could even afford missed chances from Prijovic, Osman and Guttridge before the latter sealed the third goal with just under twenty minutes to go. The returning midfielder picked up on a dreadful mistake by Leon McSweeney to fire home and wrap up the game.
Scott Vernon had earlier replaced Akinfenwa in a Cobblers change and he managed to grab a debut goal to make it four late on. Liam Davis put a ball into the box that keeper Fon Williams didn’t deal with too well and Vernon was on hand to tuck the ball away from close range.
County were poor and were fortunate to just get away with a 4-0 defeat as Liam Davis had a good chance near the end to make it five. But that’s a superb result at just the right time for the Cobblers as Stuart Gray’s men prepare for a crunch game with Swindon Town at Sixfields on Tuesday night. The Robins picked up a 3-0 win over Hereford today that keeps the pressure on The Cobblers despite fellow strugglers Yeovil only drawing with MK Dons.
There’s still plenty to do in the run-in to avoid the drop but this result will give everyone at the club a massive lift. Bring on Swindon!
Bayo has been missing since the Brighton game after his red card down at the Withdean Stadium meant he missed the last four game but it wasn’t long before he was well and truly back in action. New loan signing Aleksander Prijovic did well to set him up and Bayo made no mistake from eight yards out just past the ten minute mark to set us on the road to one of our biggest wins of the season.
The rest of the first half was a quiet affair as County offered little in front of goal whilst Giles Coke forced a good save out of goalkeeper Owain Fon Williams but just before the break was the vital second goal. The Cobblers won a corner that Luke Guttridge, returning to the starting line-up, swung in for Abdul Osman to volley home at the far post and it was 2-0 at half-time.
Chris Doig was replaced by Paul Rodgers at the break and Jason Crowe was close to extending the lead within five minutes of the restart as he shot just wide of the post after a good run from the half way line.
The Cobblers were cruising and could even afford missed chances from Prijovic, Osman and Guttridge before the latter sealed the third goal with just under twenty minutes to go. The returning midfielder picked up on a dreadful mistake by Leon McSweeney to fire home and wrap up the game.
Scott Vernon had earlier replaced Akinfenwa in a Cobblers change and he managed to grab a debut goal to make it four late on. Liam Davis put a ball into the box that keeper Fon Williams didn’t deal with too well and Vernon was on hand to tuck the ball away from close range.
County were poor and were fortunate to just get away with a 4-0 defeat as Liam Davis had a good chance near the end to make it five. But that’s a superb result at just the right time for the Cobblers as Stuart Gray’s men prepare for a crunch game with Swindon Town at Sixfields on Tuesday night. The Robins picked up a 3-0 win over Hereford today that keeps the pressure on The Cobblers despite fellow strugglers Yeovil only drawing with MK Dons.
There’s still plenty to do in the run-in to avoid the drop but this result will give everyone at the club a massive lift. Bring on Swindon!
On the move...
Today I'm spending most of my day packing because of my impending move from Southampton to Salisbury in a week's time. Southampton's been my home for nealy six years after moving here for uni in 2003 and it's strange to leave what seems a lifetime of memories behind.
Packing has usually meant moving from one area of this city to another but this time it's a new city I'm starting in and it's exciting as well as scary, almost like the first time I moved here.
The backdrop to me packing this afternoon will be the Cobblers' home game with Stockport County as myself and my housemate for many of those six years, Jamie, a Chelsea fan turned into a Cobbler, begin to haul out the old as the new beckons just around the corner.
I'm sure the game will force my packing to stop briefly from time to time but hopefully I'll be throwing my old clothes in the air with joy rather than frustration come 4:45pm.
Up The Cobblers!
Packing has usually meant moving from one area of this city to another but this time it's a new city I'm starting in and it's exciting as well as scary, almost like the first time I moved here.
The backdrop to me packing this afternoon will be the Cobblers' home game with Stockport County as myself and my housemate for many of those six years, Jamie, a Chelsea fan turned into a Cobbler, begin to haul out the old as the new beckons just around the corner.
I'm sure the game will force my packing to stop briefly from time to time but hopefully I'll be throwing my old clothes in the air with joy rather than frustration come 4:45pm.
Up The Cobblers!
One in One out on frantic Friday
Just in time for today's clash with Stockport County, there's been loan happenings at Sixfields with one in and one out. Leon Constantine has signed for Cheltenham Town for one month whilst Stuart Gray has brought in Scott Vernon on loan in a similar deal from Colchester United.
Gray said that Leon could do with a change of scenary and what's the betting now that he goes on to score a bucket load of goals for Cheltenham? Constantine has gone down the pecking order at Sixfields with Ikechi Anya and Alexsander Prijovic joining in the past couple of weeks plus Bayo's return this afternoon.
Vernon has a decent amount of experience despite being only 25 and has a strong scoring record in the lower leagues so his work rate and eye for goal could come in very handy in the weeks to come. Mind you, I think we said the same about a certain prolific scorer who signed from Leeds in the summer...
Friday, March 20, 2009
Stockport County (H) Preview...
Stockport County are the visitors to Sixfields in another crunch game on Saturday as the fight to stay in League One intensifies. Stuart Gray will be hoping his men will be able to bounce back from the 1-0 defeat at Peterborough last weekend as pressure mounts from the teams behind the Cobblers.
Team News
Adebayo Akinfenwa returns to the Cobblers line-up after missing the last four game through suspension whilst new loan signing Alexsander Prijovic may start after scoring for the reserves in midweek. Ryan Gilligan and Carl Magnay are both out injured but Luke Guttridge and Liam Davis remain in contention.
Stockport are without both Carl Baker and Peter Thompson for the trip to Sixfields. Johnny Mullins are also out after picking up injuries in the last week.
Form
The Cobblers were beaten last weekend in the derby at Peterborough despite Posh being down to ten men for most of the game. Chances went begging throughout the game and we couldn’t find a way past the stubborn Boro’ defence.
County were on good form up until last weekend when their playoff hopes were hit by a surprise home defeat by Leyton Orient with the O’s Simon Church netting the winner.
Last Time Out…16/09/08: COUNTY 1-1 COBBLERS
Loan striker Karl Hawley gave the Cobblers an early lead but after Chris Dunn punched the ball into the path of Leon McSweeney late on, the Hatters man made no mistake to earn his side a share of the spoils.
Previous Meetings…
17/04/06: COBBLERS 2-0 STOCKPORT
En route to promotion in 2006, the Cobblers secure a vital win with second half goals from Scott McGleish and Martin Smith enough to put County to the sword .
22/10/005: STOCKPORT 4-2 COBBLERS
On our last visit to Edgeley Park, Tes Bramble scores after eight minutes for the home side but goals from Junior Mendes and Scott McGleish put us in control. David Hunt is then sent off though and we fall to a Stockport come back as Harpal Singh, Bramble again and Keith Briggs round off the win for County.
18/04/03: COBBLERS 0-3 STOCKPORT
With all three goals coming in the opening twenty five minutes, Aaron Wilbraham scores twice and James Goodwin once as County run out easy winners at Sixfields.
20/12/02: STOCKPORT 4-0 COBBLERS
A hat-trick from Luke Beckett tears the Cobblers apart at Edgely Park before Ben Burgess rounds off the scoring on a dismal night for The Cobblers in the season where we were relegated from League One.
Head to Head…Cobblers v County…
Games Played: 47
Cobblers Wins: 18
Draws: 13
County Wins: 16
Team News
Adebayo Akinfenwa returns to the Cobblers line-up after missing the last four game through suspension whilst new loan signing Alexsander Prijovic may start after scoring for the reserves in midweek. Ryan Gilligan and Carl Magnay are both out injured but Luke Guttridge and Liam Davis remain in contention.
Stockport are without both Carl Baker and Peter Thompson for the trip to Sixfields. Johnny Mullins are also out after picking up injuries in the last week.
Form
The Cobblers were beaten last weekend in the derby at Peterborough despite Posh being down to ten men for most of the game. Chances went begging throughout the game and we couldn’t find a way past the stubborn Boro’ defence.
County were on good form up until last weekend when their playoff hopes were hit by a surprise home defeat by Leyton Orient with the O’s Simon Church netting the winner.
Last Time Out…16/09/08: COUNTY 1-1 COBBLERS
Loan striker Karl Hawley gave the Cobblers an early lead but after Chris Dunn punched the ball into the path of Leon McSweeney late on, the Hatters man made no mistake to earn his side a share of the spoils.
Previous Meetings…
17/04/06: COBBLERS 2-0 STOCKPORT
En route to promotion in 2006, the Cobblers secure a vital win with second half goals from Scott McGleish and Martin Smith enough to put County to the sword .
22/10/005: STOCKPORT 4-2 COBBLERS
On our last visit to Edgeley Park, Tes Bramble scores after eight minutes for the home side but goals from Junior Mendes and Scott McGleish put us in control. David Hunt is then sent off though and we fall to a Stockport come back as Harpal Singh, Bramble again and Keith Briggs round off the win for County.
18/04/03: COBBLERS 0-3 STOCKPORT
With all three goals coming in the opening twenty five minutes, Aaron Wilbraham scores twice and James Goodwin once as County run out easy winners at Sixfields.
20/12/02: STOCKPORT 4-0 COBBLERS
A hat-trick from Luke Beckett tears the Cobblers apart at Edgely Park before Ben Burgess rounds off the scoring on a dismal night for The Cobblers in the season where we were relegated from League One.
Head to Head…Cobblers v County…
Games Played: 47
Cobblers Wins: 18
Draws: 13
County Wins: 16
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Plenty in reserve…
Leon’s been at it again in the reserves as he scored for the third straight reserve team game last night in the Cobblers’ 3-1 win at Stevenage Borough. Joining him on the score sheet was new loan signing Alexsander Prijovic and defender Liam Dolman as Ian Sampson’s side ran out victorious.
Prijovic put himself in contention for a starting place on Saturday with a 60 minute appearance whilst Constantine continues to impress in the second string despite poor form in front of goal in the first team. Frustrating times for the former Leeds and Port Vale striker and it’s time for him to earn his contract. But with the return of Bayo and a couple of others in front of him, that could be his biggest career test yet.
Prijovic put himself in contention for a starting place on Saturday with a 60 minute appearance whilst Constantine continues to impress in the second string despite poor form in front of goal in the first team. Frustrating times for the former Leeds and Port Vale striker and it’s time for him to earn his contract. But with the return of Bayo and a couple of others in front of him, that could be his biggest career test yet.
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Chasing Pack close in...
Swindon’s 2-0 victory over Southend last night means that they are now level on points with the Cobblers in the race to stay in League One. Yeovil are the unlucky ones who now drop into the bottom four on goal difference, something that we are now grateful of with a tight defence meaning we’re above the drop zone.
Two games in hand are another reason to be optimistic about our plight but it’s the midweek tussles in the next couple of weeks that will shape our season. After Saturday’s game with Stockport, we face Swindon themselves at Sixfields before another midweek clash a week later with Yeovil.
Stuart Gray will be desperate to tie up safety before the final week of the season when we meet MK Dons and Leeds in the final two games and I sincerely hope that it’s all tied up by at least close of play in the Hereford game on April 25th.
Two games in hand are another reason to be optimistic about our plight but it’s the midweek tussles in the next couple of weeks that will shape our season. After Saturday’s game with Stockport, we face Swindon themselves at Sixfields before another midweek clash a week later with Yeovil.
Stuart Gray will be desperate to tie up safety before the final week of the season when we meet MK Dons and Leeds in the final two games and I sincerely hope that it’s all tied up by at least close of play in the Hereford game on April 25th.
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Super Serb?
And so another striker joins with all the positive adjectives surrounding him as another month long loan comes in the form of Alexander Prijovic. With the return of Bayo this Saturday we certainly needed some backup despite the wholesome effort on the part of Ikechi Anya and Colin Larkin on Saturday.
Larkin in particular would be disappointed to lose a starting place now that he’s had a chance of playing in his preferred position but clinical finishing may now be more on Stuart Gray’s mind than hard graft. I would imagine that the new arrival will begin on the bench on Saturday, possibly coming on for the final quarter if we need something.
Prijovic contributed zero goals in his four games at Yeovil but did help the Glovers to four wins in a row. If he can do the same for us I honestly couldn’t care less how many goal he scores!
Monday, March 16, 2009
Serbian striker signs on...
Striker Aleksander Prijovic has joined the Cobblers on a one month loan deal from Championship side Derby County. Prijovic, 18, joined Derby from Italien side Parma in the summer and has spent time on loan to Yeovil Town already this season, making four appearances.
He is a Serbian Under 19s international having qualified for the Serbian national side through his parents despite being born in Switzerland. Prijovic will bring more presence to the attack as he stands at 6"2 tall. He goes straight into contention for Saturday's League One game with Stockport County at Sixfields.
He is a Serbian Under 19s international having qualified for the Serbian national side through his parents despite being born in Switzerland. Prijovic will bring more presence to the attack as he stands at 6"2 tall. He goes straight into contention for Saturday's League One game with Stockport County at Sixfields.
Huish Park on the mind...
Spent most of this morning planning to attempt a trip to Yeovil in a couple of weeks. The bug is well and truly back after Boro and getting to Yeovil will be doable from Southampton. The one stumbling block is that the journey home doesn’t go as far as Southampton and stops in Salisbury.
I move to Salisbury in two weeks so if I can persuade my soon to be housemates to let me take the spare room for the night next Tuesday the journey will be possible. Looking like a crucial midweek trip to our fellow strugglers and with weekends taken up with the move it could mean I get the chance to top up my Cobblers quota at Huish Park.
GET INTO ‘EM!
For much of the second half at London Road there was a sheer outcry of emotion from the Moyes Terrace. “GET INTO ‘EM/F**K EM UP” being repeated for minutes on end showed everyone in the ground how much it meant to try and get back on terms against the resilient ten men.
Fair play to the players on the pitch who never gave up the desperate fight but if the “GET INTO ‘EM” spirit remains for the rest of this season we can’t go far wrong.
A Change of approach
In an attempt to liven up this blog, I’m trying to get in a new system where I post on most days in the lead up to the end of what has been a struggle of a season. I’ve let aloadofcobblers get a bit too “newsy” of late so this should ensure that you get a better view of a Cobblers fans’ woes and worries on a daily basis. If you don’t care, let me know and I’ll stop but I do want to liven things up a bit rather than keep this site merely for reports and previews etc (those will still remain of course).
Up The Cobblers!
Danny
Up The Cobblers!
Danny
Sunday, March 15, 2009
Peterborough United 1-0 Northampton Town
As supporters, we got nearly everything we could have wanted from this derby. The problem was that the one thing that was missing was the result as Posh agonisingly made their way closer to Championship football next season. The fact that Boro were down to ten men for most of the game will also grate but the effort, commitment and desire to win for the incredible support from Northampton showed that the players do actually care about playing for our wonderful club.
There was talk before the game of the attendance of away fans would decrease because of the league positions and the fact that Posh were likely to give us a hiding. But once we entered the old Moyes Terrace there was no sign of anyone holding back. This had to be matched by the players if we were to get anything from the game and from the off, as Stuart Gray had demanded, we came storming out from the blocks.
It was skipper Chris Doig that struck the first effort on goal...bringing the ball forward and belting in a shot from all of thirty yards that keeper Joe Lewis palmed away for a corner. The visiting supporters in the Moyes, the end that Town were shooting towards in the first half, were trying to suck the ball into the net and sensed some real hope when Boro were reduced to ten men around ten minutes in. The pacy Ikechi Anya beat Gabreil Zakuani to a long ball and the defender brought him down. As the last man, he had to go and the celebrations were as if we’d scored! We so nearly did so seconds later as Danny Jackman curled a free kick that smacked the post.
Posh hit the post themselves minutes later when Aaron Maclean struck the woodwork with a low shot. Jason Crowe shot wide at the other end as the frantic pace continued before Crowe was again close to scoring when an Abdul Osman cross evaded everyone and the Cobblers man just missed it at the far post.
It was one of Boro’s only chances of the game that turned out to be the winner. So many times this season Stuart Gray has seen set pieces lead to goals and it was no different here with Charlie Lee heading home from a free kick from the right hand side. It was disappointing defending and we needed a quick response. Colin Larkin had a shot blocked before a header from Mark Hughes went over from a corner as we tried in vain to get back into the game before the break.
Liam Davis was brought on for Carl Magnay at half-time in an attacking move by Gray and we so nearly had an equaliser once again in the opening exchanges of the half. Danny Jackman swung in a corner and Andy Holt rattled the crossbar with a header. That would be Holt’s final piece of action as he was replaced by Leon Constantine.
Chris Doig was almost made to pay for a catastrophic error shortly after as Craig Mackail-Smith pounced on the ball and beat Mark Hughes before firing wide of the near post. That would have ended the game as a contest but there was still hope for the Cobblers and the desperate fans in the away end were still in war-like emotions.
Leon Constantine could have been a hero with just over twenty minutes to go. Constantine has failed to win over the Cobblers fans this season with a laid back approach and lack of goals but he could have ended all of that ill feeling with a goal here. A golden chance fell to him as Davis cut the ball back, presenting him with a clear shot at goal but he blasted over and it was more agony for the Cobblers.
Giles Coke thought he had equalised with time running out when his shot from long range was deflected wide. Jason Crowe had another long range effort saved before the dramatic final throw of our dice. A cross wasn’t dealt with by the Boro defenders and twice we had shots cleared off the line, somehow Posh clearing their lines and claiming the win that makes it four in a row for them.
Deflation in the away end at the final whistle but there was at least most players coming off the pitch absolutely shattered. The defeat was difficult to take but the effort from the players told a story of pride. That’s what we wanted from this game and if they show exactly the same in the games to come for the rest of the season we will have no relegation fears at all.
The worst part of the day was walking back to the station with thousands of Posh fans singing about going up, being in the Championship and beating the Town. It took a strong head to get through it but the fact that my team were still giving a damn as much as the hardy travelling support meant that there was still a consolation at the end of a day full of local pride and heart that in the end meant that we could yet have some fight left in this season yet.
There was talk before the game of the attendance of away fans would decrease because of the league positions and the fact that Posh were likely to give us a hiding. But once we entered the old Moyes Terrace there was no sign of anyone holding back. This had to be matched by the players if we were to get anything from the game and from the off, as Stuart Gray had demanded, we came storming out from the blocks.
It was skipper Chris Doig that struck the first effort on goal...bringing the ball forward and belting in a shot from all of thirty yards that keeper Joe Lewis palmed away for a corner. The visiting supporters in the Moyes, the end that Town were shooting towards in the first half, were trying to suck the ball into the net and sensed some real hope when Boro were reduced to ten men around ten minutes in. The pacy Ikechi Anya beat Gabreil Zakuani to a long ball and the defender brought him down. As the last man, he had to go and the celebrations were as if we’d scored! We so nearly did so seconds later as Danny Jackman curled a free kick that smacked the post.
Posh hit the post themselves minutes later when Aaron Maclean struck the woodwork with a low shot. Jason Crowe shot wide at the other end as the frantic pace continued before Crowe was again close to scoring when an Abdul Osman cross evaded everyone and the Cobblers man just missed it at the far post.
It was one of Boro’s only chances of the game that turned out to be the winner. So many times this season Stuart Gray has seen set pieces lead to goals and it was no different here with Charlie Lee heading home from a free kick from the right hand side. It was disappointing defending and we needed a quick response. Colin Larkin had a shot blocked before a header from Mark Hughes went over from a corner as we tried in vain to get back into the game before the break.
Liam Davis was brought on for Carl Magnay at half-time in an attacking move by Gray and we so nearly had an equaliser once again in the opening exchanges of the half. Danny Jackman swung in a corner and Andy Holt rattled the crossbar with a header. That would be Holt’s final piece of action as he was replaced by Leon Constantine.
Chris Doig was almost made to pay for a catastrophic error shortly after as Craig Mackail-Smith pounced on the ball and beat Mark Hughes before firing wide of the near post. That would have ended the game as a contest but there was still hope for the Cobblers and the desperate fans in the away end were still in war-like emotions.
Leon Constantine could have been a hero with just over twenty minutes to go. Constantine has failed to win over the Cobblers fans this season with a laid back approach and lack of goals but he could have ended all of that ill feeling with a goal here. A golden chance fell to him as Davis cut the ball back, presenting him with a clear shot at goal but he blasted over and it was more agony for the Cobblers.
Giles Coke thought he had equalised with time running out when his shot from long range was deflected wide. Jason Crowe had another long range effort saved before the dramatic final throw of our dice. A cross wasn’t dealt with by the Boro defenders and twice we had shots cleared off the line, somehow Posh clearing their lines and claiming the win that makes it four in a row for them.
Deflation in the away end at the final whistle but there was at least most players coming off the pitch absolutely shattered. The defeat was difficult to take but the effort from the players told a story of pride. That’s what we wanted from this game and if they show exactly the same in the games to come for the rest of the season we will have no relegation fears at all.
The worst part of the day was walking back to the station with thousands of Posh fans singing about going up, being in the Championship and beating the Town. It took a strong head to get through it but the fact that my team were still giving a damn as much as the hardy travelling support meant that there was still a consolation at the end of a day full of local pride and heart that in the end meant that we could yet have some fight left in this season yet.
Friday, March 13, 2009
Peterborough United (A) Preview
It’s derby day once more and it’s nothing to do with the plastic population down the road at Milton Keynes…this is Posh v Cobblers and we once again head to London Road with massive pressure on the result.
Last time we set foot on the home of our rivals, Scott McGleish sent 4,000 travelling fans into delirium with a goal that went a long way to sealing automatic promotion to League One in 2006. Nowadays things are a lot different with Posh gunning for a place in the Championship after heavy investment and the Town struggling to hold off a relegation dog fight. Now is the time for a season of disappointment to be given some light and for some players in the claret shirt to truly know what, and who, they are playing for. The result is important but we have to have an effort and fighting spirit that shows the hardy fans, some that have spent thousands on season tickets and travel this season that they care about wearing the shirt of Northampton Town. Let’s all hope that form really does go out of the window…
Team News
Boro are still missing Craig Morgan, Lee Frecklington and Jamie Day whilst Sahaun Batt injured his groin during the reserve team game between the two sides at Sixfields in the week.
The Cobblers are still without Adebayo Akinfenwa who serves the last of a four game ban but Luke Guttridge and Liam Davis both came through a reserve game this week and should stake a claim for a starting place.
Form
Peterborough have won their last three games, seeing off Leyton Orient and Hartlepool on the road before Tuesday night’s 2-1 win over Scunthorpe United at London Road.
The Cobblers were held at home by Tranmere Rovers last weekend and Millwall won by the only goal on Monday night to leave us still just above the relegation zone in League One.
Last Time Out...13/09/08: COBBLERS 1-1 POSH...
Back in September, George Boyd put Boro in front with a powerful shot into the top corner but Colin Larkin found space to equalize just before half-time to earn us a share of the spoils.
Previous Meetings...
01/04/06: PETERBOROUGH 0-1 COBBLERS
A memorable slip up from defender Sean St.Ledger lets in Scott McGleish for the only goal of the game on twenty minutes. The Cobblers, backed by over 3,000 travelling fans, go on to claim a vital win on the road to promotion from League Two in 2006.
31/12/05: COBBLERS 0-1 PETERBOROUGH
On a dismal final game of 2005, Posh take home all three points with Chris Plummer grabbing an early goal to seal the win. Boro include two former Cobblers loanees in their side in Danny Crow and Travor Benjamin.
09/12/03: COBBLERS 2-1 PETERBOROUGH (Football League Trophy)
Josh Low puts the Cobblers in front just after half-time but Peterborough take the game to extra time with a last minute strike from Leon McKenzie. Lawrie Dudfield pops up in the first half of extra-time to seal a "Silver Goal" victory and to take us through to the Southern Section Semi-Final. We would later be knocked out of the competition by Colchester United.
25/01/03: COBBLERS 0-1 PETERBOROUGH
Former Cobblers loanee Andy Clarke scores the winner for Peterborough in early 2003. Cobblers forward Darryn Stamp was sent off with twenty minutes to go and we never recovered to see Boro take home the win.
28/12/02: PETERBOROUGH 0-0 COBBLERS
Just after Christmas in 2002, the two sides play out a stalemate at London Road.
Head to Head...Posh v Cobblers...
Games Played: 66
Boro Wins: 27
Draws: 18
Cobblers Wins: 21
Last time we set foot on the home of our rivals, Scott McGleish sent 4,000 travelling fans into delirium with a goal that went a long way to sealing automatic promotion to League One in 2006. Nowadays things are a lot different with Posh gunning for a place in the Championship after heavy investment and the Town struggling to hold off a relegation dog fight. Now is the time for a season of disappointment to be given some light and for some players in the claret shirt to truly know what, and who, they are playing for. The result is important but we have to have an effort and fighting spirit that shows the hardy fans, some that have spent thousands on season tickets and travel this season that they care about wearing the shirt of Northampton Town. Let’s all hope that form really does go out of the window…
Team News
Boro are still missing Craig Morgan, Lee Frecklington and Jamie Day whilst Sahaun Batt injured his groin during the reserve team game between the two sides at Sixfields in the week.
The Cobblers are still without Adebayo Akinfenwa who serves the last of a four game ban but Luke Guttridge and Liam Davis both came through a reserve game this week and should stake a claim for a starting place.
Form
Peterborough have won their last three games, seeing off Leyton Orient and Hartlepool on the road before Tuesday night’s 2-1 win over Scunthorpe United at London Road.
The Cobblers were held at home by Tranmere Rovers last weekend and Millwall won by the only goal on Monday night to leave us still just above the relegation zone in League One.
Last Time Out...13/09/08: COBBLERS 1-1 POSH...
Back in September, George Boyd put Boro in front with a powerful shot into the top corner but Colin Larkin found space to equalize just before half-time to earn us a share of the spoils.
Previous Meetings...
01/04/06: PETERBOROUGH 0-1 COBBLERS
A memorable slip up from defender Sean St.Ledger lets in Scott McGleish for the only goal of the game on twenty minutes. The Cobblers, backed by over 3,000 travelling fans, go on to claim a vital win on the road to promotion from League Two in 2006.
31/12/05: COBBLERS 0-1 PETERBOROUGH
On a dismal final game of 2005, Posh take home all three points with Chris Plummer grabbing an early goal to seal the win. Boro include two former Cobblers loanees in their side in Danny Crow and Travor Benjamin.
09/12/03: COBBLERS 2-1 PETERBOROUGH (Football League Trophy)
Josh Low puts the Cobblers in front just after half-time but Peterborough take the game to extra time with a last minute strike from Leon McKenzie. Lawrie Dudfield pops up in the first half of extra-time to seal a "Silver Goal" victory and to take us through to the Southern Section Semi-Final. We would later be knocked out of the competition by Colchester United.
25/01/03: COBBLERS 0-1 PETERBOROUGH
Former Cobblers loanee Andy Clarke scores the winner for Peterborough in early 2003. Cobblers forward Darryn Stamp was sent off with twenty minutes to go and we never recovered to see Boro take home the win.
28/12/02: PETERBOROUGH 0-0 COBBLERS
Just after Christmas in 2002, the two sides play out a stalemate at London Road.
Head to Head...Posh v Cobblers...
Games Played: 66
Boro Wins: 27
Draws: 18
Cobblers Wins: 21
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Millwall 1-0 Northampton Town
The Cobblers were beaten by the single goal this evening as Millwall’s Gary Alexander sealed a victory for the home side that leaves Stuart Gray’s men still looking over their shoulder ahead of derby day on Saturday. The game at Peterborough couldn’t come at a worse time with the Cobblers in poor form and Posh gunning for promotion and tonight’s defeat showed little to support our hopes for Saturday.
There was a new face in the Town starting line up as Carl Magnay started in defence whilst Chris Doig returned from suspension to take his place at the back.
It was a first half sparse of activity and a cautious Cobblers line-up was coping well until just after the half hour mark when Millwall’s Gary Alexander, a former target for Stuart Gray, put the home side in front. Nick Henry rode a challenge from Danny Jackman to cross in from the right hand side and Alexander finished with ease to give Millwall the lead.
Abdul Osman could have equalised before half-time but his half volley from a Jackman cross sailed over the bar and the Cobblers went in a goal behind at the break.
Luke Guttridge, returning from injury, nearly had us level just after half-time as he met a long throw from Andy Holt with a volley that went just over the bar. Minutes later, Leon Constantine curled a free kick over the bar from the edge of the area. At the other end, James Henry headed the ball wide of Chris Dunn’s goal.
Giles Coke had a volley stopped by David Forde in the Millwall goal on the hour mark before Colin Larkin replaced Mark Hughes. The Cobblers tried in vain to grab an equaliser late on with most of the pressure coming to the home side. Constantine headed wide after a dangerous cross in from Jason Crowe before Liam Davis forced a good save from Forde but we couldn’t find that illusive equaliser so we face the game bat Peterborough off the back of a defeat.
It’s worrying signs ahead of the Peterborough game with the Cobblers now just a couple of places above the drop zone and Boro in second place after tonight’s 2-1 1win over Scunthorp. It’s all to play for as we head for the short trip to our rivals and we’ll need a lot more than we showed tonight if we’re thinking of getting a result at London Road.
There was a new face in the Town starting line up as Carl Magnay started in defence whilst Chris Doig returned from suspension to take his place at the back.
It was a first half sparse of activity and a cautious Cobblers line-up was coping well until just after the half hour mark when Millwall’s Gary Alexander, a former target for Stuart Gray, put the home side in front. Nick Henry rode a challenge from Danny Jackman to cross in from the right hand side and Alexander finished with ease to give Millwall the lead.
Abdul Osman could have equalised before half-time but his half volley from a Jackman cross sailed over the bar and the Cobblers went in a goal behind at the break.
Luke Guttridge, returning from injury, nearly had us level just after half-time as he met a long throw from Andy Holt with a volley that went just over the bar. Minutes later, Leon Constantine curled a free kick over the bar from the edge of the area. At the other end, James Henry headed the ball wide of Chris Dunn’s goal.
Giles Coke had a volley stopped by David Forde in the Millwall goal on the hour mark before Colin Larkin replaced Mark Hughes. The Cobblers tried in vain to grab an equaliser late on with most of the pressure coming to the home side. Constantine headed wide after a dangerous cross in from Jason Crowe before Liam Davis forced a good save from Forde but we couldn’t find that illusive equaliser so we face the game bat Peterborough off the back of a defeat.
It’s worrying signs ahead of the Peterborough game with the Cobblers now just a couple of places above the drop zone and Boro in second place after tonight’s 2-1 1win over Scunthorp. It’s all to play for as we head for the short trip to our rivals and we’ll need a lot more than we showed tonight if we’re thinking of getting a result at London Road.
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Millwall (A) Preview...
Before the big derby meeting on Saturday at London Road, the Cobblers travel to Millwall this evening for a tough challenge with the Lions pushing for promotion from League One.
Team News
Millwall are without skipper Paul Robinson whilst Chris Hackett is still out with a calf injury. The Lions are also without Lewis Grabban, Danny Spiller, Alan Dunne and Danny Senda.
The Cobblers are without Ryan Gilligan who may need surgery after injuring himself last Tuesday. Chris Doig returns from suspension but Adebayo Akinfenwa serves the third of a four game ban. Ikechi Anya is pushing for a starting place while new loan signing, defender Carl Magnay, could feature after sealing a one month deal from Chelsea yesterday.
Form
Millwall sit in fourth place in League One following a 2-1 win at Huddersfield at the weekend. Former Cobblers loan man Marc Laird put the Lions in front before Gary Roberts equalized for Huddersfield. But Millwall took all three points thanks to James Henry’s 90th minute winner.
The Cobblers come into the game off the back of a 1-1 home draw with Tranmere Rovers on Saturday. Andy Holt was on hand to earn a point after Rovers had taken a first half lead through Bas Savage’s header.
Last Time Out...23/08/08...COBBLERS 0-0 MILLWALL
Just a couple of weeks after the Cobblers dumped Millwall out of the Carling Cup, the two sides fought out a stalemate at Sixfields.
Past Meetings...
12/08/08: MILLWALL 0-1 COBBLERS (League Cup First Round)
Jason Crowe’s goal is enough to send the Cobblers through to Round Two where we shocked Premier League Bolton Wanderers by winning 2-1 at The Reebok Stadium.
01/01/08: COBBLERS 1-1 MILLWALL
Dean Bowditch, a loan signing from Ipswich looks to have won the game for the Cobblers but in stoppage time, Gary Alexander scores an equaliser.
02/10/07: MILLWALL 2-0 COBBLERS
The Cobblers bus arrives late, we get just a five minute warm up and Chris Doig and Jason Crowe are injured early on. This enables Millwall to ease to a 2-0 victory through Alan Dunne and Paul Robinson.
14/08/07: COBBLERS 2-0 MILLWALL (Carling Cup First Round)
In the first round of last season’s competition, Bradley Johnson scores in the first half before Andy Kirk seals the win in the second. The Cobblers progress but are knocked out in Round Two by Premier League Middlesbrough.
23/01/07: COBBLERS 3-0 MILLWALL
In the controversially rearranged league match at Sixfields, the Cobblers ease to victory with a comfortable success. Scott McGleish, Andy Holt and Bradley Johnson are all on target as Stuart Gray continues to turn the season around.
Head to Head...Lions v Cobblers...
Games Playerd: 113
Millwall Wins: 52
Draws: 20
Cobblers Wins: 41
Team News
Millwall are without skipper Paul Robinson whilst Chris Hackett is still out with a calf injury. The Lions are also without Lewis Grabban, Danny Spiller, Alan Dunne and Danny Senda.
The Cobblers are without Ryan Gilligan who may need surgery after injuring himself last Tuesday. Chris Doig returns from suspension but Adebayo Akinfenwa serves the third of a four game ban. Ikechi Anya is pushing for a starting place while new loan signing, defender Carl Magnay, could feature after sealing a one month deal from Chelsea yesterday.
Form
Millwall sit in fourth place in League One following a 2-1 win at Huddersfield at the weekend. Former Cobblers loan man Marc Laird put the Lions in front before Gary Roberts equalized for Huddersfield. But Millwall took all three points thanks to James Henry’s 90th minute winner.
The Cobblers come into the game off the back of a 1-1 home draw with Tranmere Rovers on Saturday. Andy Holt was on hand to earn a point after Rovers had taken a first half lead through Bas Savage’s header.
Last Time Out...23/08/08...COBBLERS 0-0 MILLWALL
Just a couple of weeks after the Cobblers dumped Millwall out of the Carling Cup, the two sides fought out a stalemate at Sixfields.
Past Meetings...
12/08/08: MILLWALL 0-1 COBBLERS (League Cup First Round)
Jason Crowe’s goal is enough to send the Cobblers through to Round Two where we shocked Premier League Bolton Wanderers by winning 2-1 at The Reebok Stadium.
01/01/08: COBBLERS 1-1 MILLWALL
Dean Bowditch, a loan signing from Ipswich looks to have won the game for the Cobblers but in stoppage time, Gary Alexander scores an equaliser.
02/10/07: MILLWALL 2-0 COBBLERS
The Cobblers bus arrives late, we get just a five minute warm up and Chris Doig and Jason Crowe are injured early on. This enables Millwall to ease to a 2-0 victory through Alan Dunne and Paul Robinson.
14/08/07: COBBLERS 2-0 MILLWALL (Carling Cup First Round)
In the first round of last season’s competition, Bradley Johnson scores in the first half before Andy Kirk seals the win in the second. The Cobblers progress but are knocked out in Round Two by Premier League Middlesbrough.
23/01/07: COBBLERS 3-0 MILLWALL
In the controversially rearranged league match at Sixfields, the Cobblers ease to victory with a comfortable success. Scott McGleish, Andy Holt and Bradley Johnson are all on target as Stuart Gray continues to turn the season around.
Head to Head...Lions v Cobblers...
Games Playerd: 113
Millwall Wins: 52
Draws: 20
Cobblers Wins: 41
Magnay signs on month loan
The Cobblers have signed Chelsea defender Carl Magnay on a month long loan ahead of tonight’s game with Millwall at the New Den. Stuart Gray was denied the chance to sign a Championship striker last week but did manage to get the signature of Magnay in time for this evening’s game.
Magnay, 20, has featured for the Chelsea reserve team regularly this season whilst also spending some time on loan at MK Dons, where he made two appearances. He can either play at the back or as a holding midfielder and came to Chelsea’s attention when he won 2006’s Football Icon television show.
Magnay will stay at Sixfields until after the Southend game on Easter Monday.
Magnay, 20, has featured for the Chelsea reserve team regularly this season whilst also spending some time on loan at MK Dons, where he made two appearances. He can either play at the back or as a holding midfielder and came to Chelsea’s attention when he won 2006’s Football Icon television show.
Magnay will stay at Sixfields until after the Southend game on Easter Monday.
Saturday, March 07, 2009
Northampton Town 1-1 Tranmere Rovers
At this stage of the season, every point counts as they say and this single point gained from a tricky game with Tranmere Rovers could be a step, albeit a small one, towards safety. Following the crucial success last week at Cheltenham, it was frustrating to have the game at home to the Dons abandoned at half-time on Tuesday night but this was a chance to continue to pick up from the damage done by four defeats in a row prior to the win at Whaddon Road.
There was just one change from Tuesday night with Ryan Gilligan unable to recover from an injury sustained in the first half that was played against Milton Keynes. Colin Larkin replaced him in midfield with Leon Constantine alone up front once more.
It was a calmer afternoon than Tuesday’s scene of rain and wind at Sixfields and Danny Jackman had the first effort of the game on ten minutes with a free kick that curled just wide of the post. Tranmere’s first good chance came ten minutes later with Charlie Bennett finding space and hammering a shot off the post.
After a slow first half an hour, it was the visitors that seized the initiative as long time terroriser of the Cobblers, Bas Savage, connected with a right wing cross and headed Tranmere into the lead in the simplest of fashions. Before the break, Cobblers new boy Ikechi Anya replaced Alex Dyer in an attacking move by Stuart Gray. Rovers, did however, go into the break in front thanks to Savage’s goal.
It was the substitute Anya that was involved in setting up the equaliser for the Cobblers. After good work in the build up from Constantine and Colin Larkin, Anya found Andy Holt who drilled the ball home to finish off a fine move in style.
Tranmere hit back and looked the more dangerous for long periods after the Cobblers goal. Mark Hughes was close to scoring an own goal before Antony Kay shot wide of Chris Dunn’s post. Ian Moore then forced Dunn into action with a good header that Dunn did well to save. That was the final threat from Rovers and it was the Cobblers who could have snatched it late on with Constantine’s header saved at the death by visiting keeper John Achterberg.
So a point it was in the end and a one that we very much needed so that the hard work at Cheltenham didn’t go completely to waste last weekend. The point sets us up well for the trip to Millwall on Tuesday night, a game that comes before what is arguably the biggest game of the season at London Road next Saturday.
There was just one change from Tuesday night with Ryan Gilligan unable to recover from an injury sustained in the first half that was played against Milton Keynes. Colin Larkin replaced him in midfield with Leon Constantine alone up front once more.
It was a calmer afternoon than Tuesday’s scene of rain and wind at Sixfields and Danny Jackman had the first effort of the game on ten minutes with a free kick that curled just wide of the post. Tranmere’s first good chance came ten minutes later with Charlie Bennett finding space and hammering a shot off the post.
After a slow first half an hour, it was the visitors that seized the initiative as long time terroriser of the Cobblers, Bas Savage, connected with a right wing cross and headed Tranmere into the lead in the simplest of fashions. Before the break, Cobblers new boy Ikechi Anya replaced Alex Dyer in an attacking move by Stuart Gray. Rovers, did however, go into the break in front thanks to Savage’s goal.
It was the substitute Anya that was involved in setting up the equaliser for the Cobblers. After good work in the build up from Constantine and Colin Larkin, Anya found Andy Holt who drilled the ball home to finish off a fine move in style.
Tranmere hit back and looked the more dangerous for long periods after the Cobblers goal. Mark Hughes was close to scoring an own goal before Antony Kay shot wide of Chris Dunn’s post. Ian Moore then forced Dunn into action with a good header that Dunn did well to save. That was the final threat from Rovers and it was the Cobblers who could have snatched it late on with Constantine’s header saved at the death by visiting keeper John Achterberg.
So a point it was in the end and a one that we very much needed so that the hard work at Cheltenham didn’t go completely to waste last weekend. The point sets us up well for the trip to Millwall on Tuesday night, a game that comes before what is arguably the biggest game of the season at London Road next Saturday.
Friday, March 06, 2009
Tranmere Rovers (H) Preview...
The Cobblers welcome Tranmere Rovers to Sixfields on Saturday looking to pick up after the abandonment of Tuesday night’s home game with MK Dons. With a long list of fixtures to come, it’s vital that we get something from the game and Stuart Gray will be praying that his side can banish the memories of a 4-1 defeat at Prenton Park earlier this season.
Team News
Stuart Gray is without the suspended Adebayo Akinfenwa and Chris Doig whilst Luke Guttridge and Liam Davis remain long term absentees. Ryan Gilligan was taken off during Tuesday night’s game and is fighting to be fit to join the Cobblers attack.
Tranmere hope to have Ian Goodison and Danny Coyne back for the trip to Sixfields whilst Ryan Shelton is another doubt. Chris Greenacre and Craig Curran remain on the sidelines. Terry Gornell was suffering from stomach cramps earlier this week but should make the trip.
Form
The Cobblers go into the game off the back of a 1-0 win at Cheltenham Town last weekend whilst we held MK Dons up until the abandonment on Tuesday night.
Tranmere saw off Swindon at Prenton Park last weekend but were beaten at Hartlepool on Tuesday night as a late penalty from Ben Clark was enough for the Monkey Hangers to record a 2-1 win.
Last Time Out…27/09/08: TRANMERE 4-1 NORTHAMPTON TOWN
Ryan Gilligan gave the Cobblers a tenth minute lead at Prenton Park back in August but goals from Bas Savage, Antony Kay, Craig Curran and Ian Moore sealed an easy win for Rovers.
Previous Meetings…
03/05/08: COBBLERS 2-0 TRANMERE
On the final day of last season, Adebayo Akinfenwa gives the Cobblers a third minute lead. Chris Greenacre equalises in the final few minutes of the first half but Poul Hubertz hits the winner in his final game for the club mid-way through the second half. The win propelled the Cobblers to a finishing place of ninth in League One.
29/09/07: TRANMERE 2-2 COBBLERS
The Cobblers take a 2-0 half time lead through Andy Kirk and Poul Hubertz but for the second time in a month let the lead slip as Chris Shuker and Gareth Taylor level things up.
06/01/07: TRANMERE 1-1 COBBLERS
In Stuart Gray's first game in charge, Scott McGleish gives us an 11th minute lead but John Mullin equalises with just three minutes to go.
16/09/06: COBBLERS 1-3 TRANMERE
Goals from Calvin Zola, Gareth Taylor and John Mullin give Tranmere the points at Sixfields. Scott McGleish grabs a late consolation but it's not enough to stop Rovers forcing another home defeat on us at the start of last season.
21/04/03: TRANMERE 4-0 COBBLERS
In the game that confirmed our relegation back to the basement division, Tranmere hammer the poor Cobblers in a game that saw them score twice in injury time.
Head to Head...Cobblers v Rovers
Games Played: 37
Tranmere Wins: 13
Draws: 10
Cobblers Wins: 14
Team News
Stuart Gray is without the suspended Adebayo Akinfenwa and Chris Doig whilst Luke Guttridge and Liam Davis remain long term absentees. Ryan Gilligan was taken off during Tuesday night’s game and is fighting to be fit to join the Cobblers attack.
Tranmere hope to have Ian Goodison and Danny Coyne back for the trip to Sixfields whilst Ryan Shelton is another doubt. Chris Greenacre and Craig Curran remain on the sidelines. Terry Gornell was suffering from stomach cramps earlier this week but should make the trip.
Form
The Cobblers go into the game off the back of a 1-0 win at Cheltenham Town last weekend whilst we held MK Dons up until the abandonment on Tuesday night.
Tranmere saw off Swindon at Prenton Park last weekend but were beaten at Hartlepool on Tuesday night as a late penalty from Ben Clark was enough for the Monkey Hangers to record a 2-1 win.
Last Time Out…27/09/08: TRANMERE 4-1 NORTHAMPTON TOWN
Ryan Gilligan gave the Cobblers a tenth minute lead at Prenton Park back in August but goals from Bas Savage, Antony Kay, Craig Curran and Ian Moore sealed an easy win for Rovers.
Previous Meetings…
03/05/08: COBBLERS 2-0 TRANMERE
On the final day of last season, Adebayo Akinfenwa gives the Cobblers a third minute lead. Chris Greenacre equalises in the final few minutes of the first half but Poul Hubertz hits the winner in his final game for the club mid-way through the second half. The win propelled the Cobblers to a finishing place of ninth in League One.
29/09/07: TRANMERE 2-2 COBBLERS
The Cobblers take a 2-0 half time lead through Andy Kirk and Poul Hubertz but for the second time in a month let the lead slip as Chris Shuker and Gareth Taylor level things up.
06/01/07: TRANMERE 1-1 COBBLERS
In Stuart Gray's first game in charge, Scott McGleish gives us an 11th minute lead but John Mullin equalises with just three minutes to go.
16/09/06: COBBLERS 1-3 TRANMERE
Goals from Calvin Zola, Gareth Taylor and John Mullin give Tranmere the points at Sixfields. Scott McGleish grabs a late consolation but it's not enough to stop Rovers forcing another home defeat on us at the start of last season.
21/04/03: TRANMERE 4-0 COBBLERS
In the game that confirmed our relegation back to the basement division, Tranmere hammer the poor Cobblers in a game that saw them score twice in injury time.
Head to Head...Cobblers v Rovers
Games Played: 37
Tranmere Wins: 13
Draws: 10
Cobblers Wins: 14
Wednesday, March 04, 2009
Cobblers set new Dons date
The Cobblers' home game with MK Dons has been moved to Tuesday, April 28th with a 7:45pm kick off. Last night's game was abandoned at half-time due to a waterlogged pitch and the teams will now meet at Sixfields in what will now be our final home game of the season.
Gold ticket prices are still in place for the game except for the following...
2008/2009 Northampton Town season ticket holders need to present voucher E at the turnstile to gain FREE admission to this fixture. No pre-booking is required.
All supporters who have a ticket stub from the original, abandoned fixture can purchase a ticket for the re-arranged game for half price. Supporters should take their ticket stub to the Sixfields Box Office to purchase.
All tickets from the original game will be reissued and will not be valid for the rearrangement.
Tickets for the re-arrangement will be available from 10am on Monday March 9th 2009.
Gold ticket prices are still in place for the game except for the following...
2008/2009 Northampton Town season ticket holders need to present voucher E at the turnstile to gain FREE admission to this fixture. No pre-booking is required.
All supporters who have a ticket stub from the original, abandoned fixture can purchase a ticket for the re-arranged game for half price. Supporters should take their ticket stub to the Sixfields Box Office to purchase.
All tickets from the original game will be reissued and will not be valid for the rearrangement.
Tickets for the re-arrangement will be available from 10am on Monday March 9th 2009.
Northampton Town A-A MK Dons
The Cobblers will have to rearrange yet another game after last night's game with MK Dons was called off at half-time. After a wet and windy Sixfields saw a stop-start first half, referee Mr Stroud made the decision to call the game off at the break.
No new date has yet been set for the rearranged game but with games every Tuesday for a few weeks yet it will have to be replayed towards the end of the season. Next up for the Cobblers is a home game with Tranmere Rovers on Saturday afternoon.
No new date has yet been set for the rearranged game but with games every Tuesday for a few weeks yet it will have to be replayed towards the end of the season. Next up for the Cobblers is a home game with Tranmere Rovers on Saturday afternoon.
Bayo to miss Posh derby...
Adebayo Akinfenwa will now miss the Cobblers' trip to local rivals Peterborough United after the first game of his suspension was abandoned last night. The game with MK Dons lasted until half-time before referee Mr Stroud called it a night and the teams will now meet later in the season.
But for Bayo, that now means that the final game of his suspension is carried over to the Peterborough game on March 14th. Chris Doig will now miss Saturday's home game with Tranmere Rovers.
But for Bayo, that now means that the final game of his suspension is carried over to the Peterborough game on March 14th. Chris Doig will now miss Saturday's home game with Tranmere Rovers.
Tuesday, March 03, 2009
MK Dons (H) Preview...
The Cobblers welcome MK Dons to Sixfields tonight as both sides scrap for vital League One points. Stuart Gray’s side are battling to save their Leage One skins whilst Dons are fighting to win promotion out of the league the other way. It promises to be a tough encounter at Sixfields as the Cobblers look to avenge a 1-0 defeat at Stadium: MK back in August.
Team News
The Cobblers will be without suspended Chris Doig and Adebayo Akinfenwa. Doig serves a one game ban after picking up his fifth booking of the season on Saturday whilst Bayo misses the second of his four game ban. Liam Davis and Luke Guttridge are still out through injury.
The Dons have no new injury worries ahead of the trip to Sixfields. Danny Swailes is still out with an Achilles injury whilst Tore Andre Flo remains on the sidelines with a calf problem but the rest of the squad are all available to boss Roberto Di Matteo.
Last Time Out: MK Dons 1-0 Northampton Town (16/08/08)
In the only other meeting between the sides, the Dons took all three points on the second weekend of this season. On a hot day in August, it was Aaron Wilbraham that sealed the points with a scrambled goal mid-way through the second half in a deserved win for the home side.
Head to Head…Dons v Cobblers…
Games Played: 1
Cobblers Wins: 0
Draws: 0
Team News
The Cobblers will be without suspended Chris Doig and Adebayo Akinfenwa. Doig serves a one game ban after picking up his fifth booking of the season on Saturday whilst Bayo misses the second of his four game ban. Liam Davis and Luke Guttridge are still out through injury.
The Dons have no new injury worries ahead of the trip to Sixfields. Danny Swailes is still out with an Achilles injury whilst Tore Andre Flo remains on the sidelines with a calf problem but the rest of the squad are all available to boss Roberto Di Matteo.
Last Time Out: MK Dons 1-0 Northampton Town (16/08/08)
In the only other meeting between the sides, the Dons took all three points on the second weekend of this season. On a hot day in August, it was Aaron Wilbraham that sealed the points with a scrambled goal mid-way through the second half in a deserved win for the home side.
Head to Head…Dons v Cobblers…
Games Played: 1
Cobblers Wins: 0
Draws: 0
Anya signs on...
Stuart Gray completed the signing of former Wycome Wanderers winger Ikechi Anya on a short term deal in time for Saturday's game with Cheltenham Town. Anya, 21, was released by Oxford United in 2003 and joined Wycombe before winning the Apprentice of the Year award in 2005 at the first Football League awards.
Anya has been in non league since 2007 with Oxford City and Halesowen but has been training with the Cobblers for a couple of weeks as Stuart Gray takes a look at him.
Anya came on as a late substitute at Whaddon Road.
Anya has been in non league since 2007 with Oxford City and Halesowen but has been training with the Cobblers for a couple of weeks as Stuart Gray takes a look at him.
Anya came on as a late substitute at Whaddon Road.
Sunday, March 01, 2009
Cheltenham Town 0-1 Northampton Town
If ever a lifeline was needed for the Cobblers’ flailing season, now was the time. And with one single goal deep into first half stoppage time against the league’s bottom side, Jason Crowe gave us some much needed breathing space in the race to stay in League One.
It was never going to be a classic with two out of form sides taking to the field at Whaddon Road but the one goal that did separate the teams was crucially scored by the Cobblers after a poor first half from both Stuart Gray’s men and the hosts, who are now clinging on for dear life at the foot of the league table.
Stuart Gray was forced into a change up front with both Adebayo Akinfenwa and Billy Clarke missing, Bayo suspended and Clarke having returned to Ipswich, so Ryan Gilligan partnered Leon Constantine. Chris Dunn returned to goal in place of Ron-Robert Zieler and went on to keep a clean sheet that could give him a confidence boost ahead of the final knockings of the season.
It was the home side that made the first opportunity with Elvis Hammond forcing Dunn into a close range save. It was the same player just minutes later that was causing problems once again and should have made a better connection with a good cross into the box.
Andy Holt has seen his first team chances increase in recent weeks and good form has meant that he has stayed in the starting line up and become a big part of Stuart Gray’s survival plan. And it was the big midfielder who was one of the key figures in our early play, firstly forcing a good block from a Cheltenham defender before volleying just wide of the post on the twenty minute mark.
Scott Brown in the Cheltenham goal was in action again just a few moments later as Jason Crowe picked up a through ball and forced the onrushing keeper into a good block as the Cobblers upped the tempo for the first time. Mark Hughes was agonisingly close to breaking the deadlock after heading a corner onto the cross bar and Crowe volleyed the rebound over as it looked to be a half-time stalemate.
But deep into first half stoppage time, it was the Cobblers who had the lead. Leon Constantine put in a good effort that Brown could only push away and Crowe was on hand to put home the rebound and give us a vital half time lead.
The home side started well in the second half as Chris Westwood came close to levelling the scores just minutes after the restart. The Robins man sent in a powerful shot but Chris Dunn was more than equal to it. Cheltenham couldn’t get a foothold after that though and it was the Cobblers who looked the more dangerous with Ryan Gilligan going close as he looked for two goals in as many games following his strike at Brighton on Tuesday night.
A free kick for Cheltenham fifteen minutes from time was again saved very well by Chris Dunn and the keeper received applause from all of Whaddon Road for a stop that effectively saved the points for the Cobblers.
In the final few minutes, Ikechi Anya made his Town debut, replacing Gilligan and had a couple of good runs that indicated signs as to why he was signed by Stuart Gray on Saturday morning in time for the game. Anya almost got on the score sheet late on but his shot that was saved didn’t matter as the Cobblers secured all three points and went four points clear of the bottom four in what could be a vital win come the end of the season.
MK Dons visit Sixfields on Tuesday night and despite this win coming against the bottom side in the league, it could well give us much needed confidence going into one of the toughest games of the season.
It was never going to be a classic with two out of form sides taking to the field at Whaddon Road but the one goal that did separate the teams was crucially scored by the Cobblers after a poor first half from both Stuart Gray’s men and the hosts, who are now clinging on for dear life at the foot of the league table.
Stuart Gray was forced into a change up front with both Adebayo Akinfenwa and Billy Clarke missing, Bayo suspended and Clarke having returned to Ipswich, so Ryan Gilligan partnered Leon Constantine. Chris Dunn returned to goal in place of Ron-Robert Zieler and went on to keep a clean sheet that could give him a confidence boost ahead of the final knockings of the season.
It was the home side that made the first opportunity with Elvis Hammond forcing Dunn into a close range save. It was the same player just minutes later that was causing problems once again and should have made a better connection with a good cross into the box.
Andy Holt has seen his first team chances increase in recent weeks and good form has meant that he has stayed in the starting line up and become a big part of Stuart Gray’s survival plan. And it was the big midfielder who was one of the key figures in our early play, firstly forcing a good block from a Cheltenham defender before volleying just wide of the post on the twenty minute mark.
Scott Brown in the Cheltenham goal was in action again just a few moments later as Jason Crowe picked up a through ball and forced the onrushing keeper into a good block as the Cobblers upped the tempo for the first time. Mark Hughes was agonisingly close to breaking the deadlock after heading a corner onto the cross bar and Crowe volleyed the rebound over as it looked to be a half-time stalemate.
But deep into first half stoppage time, it was the Cobblers who had the lead. Leon Constantine put in a good effort that Brown could only push away and Crowe was on hand to put home the rebound and give us a vital half time lead.
The home side started well in the second half as Chris Westwood came close to levelling the scores just minutes after the restart. The Robins man sent in a powerful shot but Chris Dunn was more than equal to it. Cheltenham couldn’t get a foothold after that though and it was the Cobblers who looked the more dangerous with Ryan Gilligan going close as he looked for two goals in as many games following his strike at Brighton on Tuesday night.
A free kick for Cheltenham fifteen minutes from time was again saved very well by Chris Dunn and the keeper received applause from all of Whaddon Road for a stop that effectively saved the points for the Cobblers.
In the final few minutes, Ikechi Anya made his Town debut, replacing Gilligan and had a couple of good runs that indicated signs as to why he was signed by Stuart Gray on Saturday morning in time for the game. Anya almost got on the score sheet late on but his shot that was saved didn’t matter as the Cobblers secured all three points and went four points clear of the bottom four in what could be a vital win come the end of the season.
MK Dons visit Sixfields on Tuesday night and despite this win coming against the bottom side in the league, it could well give us much needed confidence going into one of the toughest games of the season.
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