And so Survival Saturday is very nearly upon us. 45 games after a season began with high hopes of a playoff push could yet end in relegation. It's easy to look at 16 single goal defeats, bad refereeing decisions, a shocking council and substandard performances on the pitch but now it's down to this.
One game that's the biggest in recent history, bigger arguably than the 1-0 win over Chester City that got us up to League One in 2006. Relegation would be a disaster, making this one of the most nervy ninety minutes for many a season. We don't stand much of a chance at Elland Road of getting anything so all ears will be on radios and phones.
After the poor performance on Tuesday it's hard to see how we can pull this out the bag by ourselves. Brighton will surely get something against Stockport who have nothing to play for. Carlisle's game at home to Millwall is the biggy. The fact that the Cumbrians must win to dislodge us is in our favour but it's a tough trip for the Lions ahead of a playoff campaign.
But whatever happens, we have to do our bit. Personally I can forgive everything that's happened on and off the pitch for one glorious afternoon at Elland Road. This is our club in a time of great, great need and we have to shout till we're hoarse to show the players exactly what it means to us. If it means even half as much to them then we'll get that unlikely point.
I'm already a bag of nerves just writing about it and it's only Thursday!
Up The Cobblers!
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Northampton Town 0-1 MK Dons
What were we thinking? How could we possibly think that we wouldn’t take this season to the final day? It’s just not in the Cobblers’ nature to finish off a season on a damp Tuesday night in a home fixture that, although given MK Don’s league position, was doable in terms of the ambitions of getting a point need to secure League One safety.
And so this season will go to one final Survival Saturday, one long afternoon in Leeds to decide the fate of a campaign that promised much at the start but could yet end in disaster. Last night saw Milton Keynes come to play and, frustratingly, be in no mood whatsoever to relax ahead of their impending playoff fight.
The rain that fell a few weeks ago to postpone this fixture came again before the game but it was never going to be a threat to the game going ahead. Dons started with a confidence oozing from their players, who were safe in the knowledge that a playoff berth was already assured. The Cobblers, on the other hand, were nervy and attacks couldn’t be sustained without Adebayo Akinfenwa’s hold up play. The big man had been left on the bench, not fully fit (is he ever fully fit?) and Aleksander Prijovic partnered Ikechi Anya up front.
The first few minutes saw the atmosphere inside Sixfields cranked up but Sam Baldock should have silenced us on fifteen minutes. A shot from the dangerous Jason Puncheon rebounded after Chris Dunn pushed the ball away and Baldock seemed to have the goal at his mercy only to shoot wide. That in itself was enough to get the nerves jangling again in the home ends.
As the half wore on, tension replaced the war cries in the stands and the desperation was reflected on the pitch. Prijoivic was struggling to get into the game, not that he looked at all interested in saving the Cobblers. Reactions to through balls, fighting spirit and general attitude just wasn’t there from the Derby loan man and we even started to wish Leon Constantine had started! Desperate times.
It was Puncheon that provided the killer blow just after the half hour mark. Getting the better of makeshift right back Liam Dolman, the former Barnet man crossed and the ball was turned in by Aaron Wilbraham, who had the simple task of finishing past Chris Dunn.
Just before half-time, we should have been level. Dolman’s long throw was flicked on and Luke Guttridge somehow volleyed over when well placed. But half-time saw Dons a goal up and looking comfortable enough in their bid to guarantee a place in the better placed playoff positions.
On came Bayo at half-time, a tactic that saw the crowd effectively wound up again and ready to go for 45 minutes that could decide our season. Unfortunately, all it decided was that we would of course go to the last day of the season and have to earn our point at one of the toughest possible places.
Dons had a goal disallowed after an in swinging free kick from the right hand side before Leon was brought off the bench in place of Prijovic. Things were starting to get more and more desperate with Stuart Gray opting for an all out attacking choice in a bid to find the goal required to save our League One skins.
At the other end, Dons were breaking with pace and providing plenty of anxious moments for a Town faithful growing more and more frustrated by the second. Guttridge should have had a penalty after his shot was blocked by the arm/s of a Dons defender, Adam Watts was brought on as an emergency striker and Holt headed wide.
But it wasn’t the frantic finale that we needed, not the gung ho attack on goal that we wanted despite the late efforts of Chris Dunn, who went up for a corner late on to header wide. It was a goalkeepers’ header...no chance of Jimmy Glass-esque events there.
And so the game was over but the season rolls on and on. We need a point from Leeds still unless Brighton lose at home to Stockport and Carlisle fail to win at home to Millwall. It all points to a frantic final day at Elland Road and we’ll have to now go there in search of the point rather than get the job done before that most daunting of games.
Were we ever going to do it the easy way?
And so this season will go to one final Survival Saturday, one long afternoon in Leeds to decide the fate of a campaign that promised much at the start but could yet end in disaster. Last night saw Milton Keynes come to play and, frustratingly, be in no mood whatsoever to relax ahead of their impending playoff fight.
The rain that fell a few weeks ago to postpone this fixture came again before the game but it was never going to be a threat to the game going ahead. Dons started with a confidence oozing from their players, who were safe in the knowledge that a playoff berth was already assured. The Cobblers, on the other hand, were nervy and attacks couldn’t be sustained without Adebayo Akinfenwa’s hold up play. The big man had been left on the bench, not fully fit (is he ever fully fit?) and Aleksander Prijovic partnered Ikechi Anya up front.
The first few minutes saw the atmosphere inside Sixfields cranked up but Sam Baldock should have silenced us on fifteen minutes. A shot from the dangerous Jason Puncheon rebounded after Chris Dunn pushed the ball away and Baldock seemed to have the goal at his mercy only to shoot wide. That in itself was enough to get the nerves jangling again in the home ends.
As the half wore on, tension replaced the war cries in the stands and the desperation was reflected on the pitch. Prijoivic was struggling to get into the game, not that he looked at all interested in saving the Cobblers. Reactions to through balls, fighting spirit and general attitude just wasn’t there from the Derby loan man and we even started to wish Leon Constantine had started! Desperate times.
It was Puncheon that provided the killer blow just after the half hour mark. Getting the better of makeshift right back Liam Dolman, the former Barnet man crossed and the ball was turned in by Aaron Wilbraham, who had the simple task of finishing past Chris Dunn.
Just before half-time, we should have been level. Dolman’s long throw was flicked on and Luke Guttridge somehow volleyed over when well placed. But half-time saw Dons a goal up and looking comfortable enough in their bid to guarantee a place in the better placed playoff positions.
On came Bayo at half-time, a tactic that saw the crowd effectively wound up again and ready to go for 45 minutes that could decide our season. Unfortunately, all it decided was that we would of course go to the last day of the season and have to earn our point at one of the toughest possible places.
Dons had a goal disallowed after an in swinging free kick from the right hand side before Leon was brought off the bench in place of Prijovic. Things were starting to get more and more desperate with Stuart Gray opting for an all out attacking choice in a bid to find the goal required to save our League One skins.
At the other end, Dons were breaking with pace and providing plenty of anxious moments for a Town faithful growing more and more frustrated by the second. Guttridge should have had a penalty after his shot was blocked by the arm/s of a Dons defender, Adam Watts was brought on as an emergency striker and Holt headed wide.
But it wasn’t the frantic finale that we needed, not the gung ho attack on goal that we wanted despite the late efforts of Chris Dunn, who went up for a corner late on to header wide. It was a goalkeepers’ header...no chance of Jimmy Glass-esque events there.
And so the game was over but the season rolls on and on. We need a point from Leeds still unless Brighton lose at home to Stockport and Carlisle fail to win at home to Millwall. It all points to a frantic final day at Elland Road and we’ll have to now go there in search of the point rather than get the job done before that most daunting of games.
Were we ever going to do it the easy way?
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
MK Dons (H) Preview...
The Cobblers go looking for the point they need to stay up this evening as MK Dons make their first ever trip to Sixfields. After a postponement earlier this season, this game now takes on even more importance with Dons looking to bounce back from a defeat at the weekend to regain a positive hold on their playoff ambitions.
Team News
Stuart Gray will be without Chris Doig for the game as the skipper misses out with a groin injury. Adebayo Akinfenwa will once again be battling for fitness but Iketchi Anya should start up front.
Dons are without Sean O’Hanlon and Stephen Gleeson as they look to earn a win that would take them back up to third place in the table.
Form
The Cobblers come into the game having claimed seven points from their last three games. A win at Orient was followed by a 3-3 draw with Scunthorpe last Tuesday night before a 2-1 win over Hereford on Saturday.
Dons missed out on automatic promotion as their hopes were ended on Saturday by Walsall, who won by the single goal at Stadium: MK.
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
MK Dons Wins: 1
Team News
Stuart Gray will be without Chris Doig for the game as the skipper misses out with a groin injury. Adebayo Akinfenwa will once again be battling for fitness but Iketchi Anya should start up front.
Dons are without Sean O’Hanlon and Stephen Gleeson as they look to earn a win that would take them back up to third place in the table.
Form
The Cobblers come into the game having claimed seven points from their last three games. A win at Orient was followed by a 3-3 draw with Scunthorpe last Tuesday night before a 2-1 win over Hereford on Saturday.
Dons missed out on automatic promotion as their hopes were ended on Saturday by Walsall, who won by the single goal at Stadium: MK.
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
MK Dons Wins: 1
90 Minutes from safety...
Finally we can say that we are just 90 minutes and a point away from ensuring League One football next season. It’s been a hell of a long slog the last couple of months but the loyal Cobblers fans who have witnessed dismal defeats at Bristol, Yeovil, Oldham and the like are finally seeing some fighting spirit just at the right time.
The Scunthorpe draw demonstrated new found battling after the Saturday win at Orient, a stunning turn around in itself given the previous form. It was a different story on Saturday when Hereford threatened to spoil the hard work of the previous week. But we came through and now the Cobblers sit within touching distance of securing safety.
Mk Dons stand in our way tonight and it’s a massive “derby” (still in inverted comas you will notice-it will never be a derby) with Dons looking for a high finish in the playoff positions. Following the last three games we can do this…a point is needed but please Stuart, don’t play for a draw. A point would have done at Yeovil and we know what happened there.
If we do claim that point tonight it’s a cause for relief but also a cause to look forward to what could be an exciting league next season with the likes of Southampton, Charlton and Norwich coming down and old favourites Brentford, Wycombe and Exeter possibly coming the other way. Brentford are assured but I’m rooting for Wycombe and Exeter if only to avoid a trip to Bury!
So here we go then, can we get that vital point to survive tonight? If not, we’re back in trouble with Elland Road looming…
The Scunthorpe draw demonstrated new found battling after the Saturday win at Orient, a stunning turn around in itself given the previous form. It was a different story on Saturday when Hereford threatened to spoil the hard work of the previous week. But we came through and now the Cobblers sit within touching distance of securing safety.
Mk Dons stand in our way tonight and it’s a massive “derby” (still in inverted comas you will notice-it will never be a derby) with Dons looking for a high finish in the playoff positions. Following the last three games we can do this…a point is needed but please Stuart, don’t play for a draw. A point would have done at Yeovil and we know what happened there.
If we do claim that point tonight it’s a cause for relief but also a cause to look forward to what could be an exciting league next season with the likes of Southampton, Charlton and Norwich coming down and old favourites Brentford, Wycombe and Exeter possibly coming the other way. Brentford are assured but I’m rooting for Wycombe and Exeter if only to avoid a trip to Bury!
So here we go then, can we get that vital point to survive tonight? If not, we’re back in trouble with Elland Road looming…
Monday, April 27, 2009
Northampton Town 2-1 Hereford United
On the very brink of safety, the very edge of a huge sigh of relief that would resound around Northampton and across the country’s exiled Cobblers. That’s the situation now for Northampton Town after a edgy 2-1 win over already relegated Hereford United at Sixfields. A relaxed and care free Hereford side threatened to send us back into the drop zone with an equaliser to Andy Holt’s goal but Jason Crowe popped up to win it with twenty minutes to go, meaning that one point from our final two games will be enough to stay up because of a superior goal difference.
One change was made to the team that secured a draw at home to Scunthorpe on Tuesday night with one loan defender, Adam Watts, replacing another, the injured Paul Rodgers. Mark Hughes had our first effort of the game with a header that the United keeper did well to keep out. Hughes had scored from a similar position on Tuesday night to earn the draw but couldn’t direct his latest attempt into the net.
Hereford then had a clear chance to take the lead through Josh Gowling but when well placed he fired a shot over the cross bar. It was a stark warning to the Cobblers, who at this point were back in the drop zone because of Carlisle’s lead at Cheltenham.
But on the half hour mark, the Cobblers had the lead that eased the nerves for a while at least. Hughes found space to cross and Adebayo Akinfenwa did well to set up Andy Holt who controlled well and shot left footed into the net for one of the most deserving goals of the season. Holt has had to bide his time in order to battle back into the side this season but he’s been exactly what we need in the troubled times of late and fully deserved a goal.
The visitors came back strongly and were causing problems from corners before the break. Danny Jackman had to clear off the line from one delivery whilst the next one saw Steve Guinan hit the post as a nervy first half came to an end.
With results from elsewhere still against us the win was vital but Hereford put us right back into trouble and deservedly so on the balance of possession when Andy Williams produced a moment of magic by curling a shot past Dunn who had no chance in the Town goal. Shortly afterwards, Mark Pugh shot wide of Dunn’s post.
Aleksander Prijovic came off the bench to replace Luke Guttridge and Stuart Gray chased the goal that would put the season back in his hands again and we thought we had that goal when Hughes poked the ball in only to see it ruled out. But twenty minutes from time it was all back in our favour.
Bayo was the man in the middle of the action again and he held the ball up before laying it off to Jason Crowe who fired home and Sixfields breathed easier once again. After the topsy turvey nature of Tuesday night’s draw with Scunthorpe, this was another game full of tension as Hereford threatened again.
Good news came through from Whaddon Road as Cheltenham had equalised against a now nine man Carlisle and it was starting to swing back in our favour once again. Ikechi Anya shot wide after Steve Guinan had wasted a good headed chance at the other end. Player of the Year Danny Jackman had to be in the right place for an excellent last ditch tackle near the end but the Cobblers held on and we edged that bit closer to safety.
Not the prettiest of games, not the most entertaining of spectacles but a win that takes us, crucially, two points clear of the drop zone and above Brighton who could only manage a draw themselves. All that means that one more point from either our game in hand at home to MK Dons on Tuesday night or at Leeds next Saturday and we’ll be safe on goal difference.
Of course we have to pray for a win on Tuesday to seal it for good and end any lingering doubts before the trip to Leeds on the final day of the season. Defeat on Tuesday would leave us still with it in our hands but also still looking over our shoulders with Brighton and Carlisle chasing us with home games next weekend.
Onwards to what should be a terrific atmosphere on Tuesday night as the Dons come to visit. There’s unfinished business after the dismal performance in the 1-0 defeat at Stadium:MK earlier this season. One more push now and we’ll be a League One club again next season!
One change was made to the team that secured a draw at home to Scunthorpe on Tuesday night with one loan defender, Adam Watts, replacing another, the injured Paul Rodgers. Mark Hughes had our first effort of the game with a header that the United keeper did well to keep out. Hughes had scored from a similar position on Tuesday night to earn the draw but couldn’t direct his latest attempt into the net.
Hereford then had a clear chance to take the lead through Josh Gowling but when well placed he fired a shot over the cross bar. It was a stark warning to the Cobblers, who at this point were back in the drop zone because of Carlisle’s lead at Cheltenham.
But on the half hour mark, the Cobblers had the lead that eased the nerves for a while at least. Hughes found space to cross and Adebayo Akinfenwa did well to set up Andy Holt who controlled well and shot left footed into the net for one of the most deserving goals of the season. Holt has had to bide his time in order to battle back into the side this season but he’s been exactly what we need in the troubled times of late and fully deserved a goal.
The visitors came back strongly and were causing problems from corners before the break. Danny Jackman had to clear off the line from one delivery whilst the next one saw Steve Guinan hit the post as a nervy first half came to an end.
With results from elsewhere still against us the win was vital but Hereford put us right back into trouble and deservedly so on the balance of possession when Andy Williams produced a moment of magic by curling a shot past Dunn who had no chance in the Town goal. Shortly afterwards, Mark Pugh shot wide of Dunn’s post.
Aleksander Prijovic came off the bench to replace Luke Guttridge and Stuart Gray chased the goal that would put the season back in his hands again and we thought we had that goal when Hughes poked the ball in only to see it ruled out. But twenty minutes from time it was all back in our favour.
Bayo was the man in the middle of the action again and he held the ball up before laying it off to Jason Crowe who fired home and Sixfields breathed easier once again. After the topsy turvey nature of Tuesday night’s draw with Scunthorpe, this was another game full of tension as Hereford threatened again.
Good news came through from Whaddon Road as Cheltenham had equalised against a now nine man Carlisle and it was starting to swing back in our favour once again. Ikechi Anya shot wide after Steve Guinan had wasted a good headed chance at the other end. Player of the Year Danny Jackman had to be in the right place for an excellent last ditch tackle near the end but the Cobblers held on and we edged that bit closer to safety.
Not the prettiest of games, not the most entertaining of spectacles but a win that takes us, crucially, two points clear of the drop zone and above Brighton who could only manage a draw themselves. All that means that one more point from either our game in hand at home to MK Dons on Tuesday night or at Leeds next Saturday and we’ll be safe on goal difference.
Of course we have to pray for a win on Tuesday to seal it for good and end any lingering doubts before the trip to Leeds on the final day of the season. Defeat on Tuesday would leave us still with it in our hands but also still looking over our shoulders with Brighton and Carlisle chasing us with home games next weekend.
Onwards to what should be a terrific atmosphere on Tuesday night as the Dons come to visit. There’s unfinished business after the dismal performance in the 1-0 defeat at Stadium:MK earlier this season. One more push now and we’ll be a League One club again next season!
Friday, April 24, 2009
Hereford United (H) Preview...
The Cobblers host Hereford United tomorrow afternoon, a side already relegated after defeat last Saturday condemned them to an immediate return to League One. Stuart Gray’s men have given themselves a great chance of staying up though and need a win to stay outside the bottom four going into the final week of the season.
Team News
Giles Coke and Paul Rodgers will miss out on the remainder of the season after both injuries were revealed to be worse than at first thought. Adebayo Akinfenwa was withdrawn at half time on Tuesday night during the 3-3 draw with Scunthorpe and will face a late fitness test alongside Jason Crowe.
Form
The Cobblers have taken four crucial points from the last two games, coming from behind in both the win at Orient last Saturday and the home draw with Scunthorpe United on Tuesday night. Mark Hughes rescued a point at Sixfields against the playoff chasing Iron and lifted his side out of the relegation zone in the process.
Hereford are already relegated and manager Graham Turner revealed that he will not be in charge next season. The club’s descent back to League Two was confirmed by a 2-0 home defeat by Colchester United last weekend. They so nearly got a victory on Tuesday night at Yeovil but the Glovers’ goalkeeper Chris Weale equalised in stoppage time!
Last Time Out...22/11/08...Hereford United 0-2 Northampton Town...
Back in November the Cobblers claimed a comfortable win at Edgar Street with two second half goals. Danny Jackman got the first with a trademark free kick before Ryan Gilligan sealed it on the hour mark.
Head to Head...Cobblers v Bulls...
Games Played: 45
Cobblers Wins: 13
Draws: 12
Hereford Wins: 20
Team News
Giles Coke and Paul Rodgers will miss out on the remainder of the season after both injuries were revealed to be worse than at first thought. Adebayo Akinfenwa was withdrawn at half time on Tuesday night during the 3-3 draw with Scunthorpe and will face a late fitness test alongside Jason Crowe.
Form
The Cobblers have taken four crucial points from the last two games, coming from behind in both the win at Orient last Saturday and the home draw with Scunthorpe United on Tuesday night. Mark Hughes rescued a point at Sixfields against the playoff chasing Iron and lifted his side out of the relegation zone in the process.
Hereford are already relegated and manager Graham Turner revealed that he will not be in charge next season. The club’s descent back to League Two was confirmed by a 2-0 home defeat by Colchester United last weekend. They so nearly got a victory on Tuesday night at Yeovil but the Glovers’ goalkeeper Chris Weale equalised in stoppage time!
Last Time Out...22/11/08...Hereford United 0-2 Northampton Town...
Back in November the Cobblers claimed a comfortable win at Edgar Street with two second half goals. Danny Jackman got the first with a trademark free kick before Ryan Gilligan sealed it on the hour mark.
Head to Head...Cobblers v Bulls...
Games Played: 45
Cobblers Wins: 13
Draws: 12
Hereford Wins: 20
Jackman retains Player of the Year award
Danny Jackman has won the Cobblers' Player of the Year award as voted for by fans for the second consecutive season. Jackman, who took the honour last year, once again topped a poll in the Northampton Chronicle and Echo as the supporters' choice.
The midfielder has been an almost ever present in the side this season and thoroughly deserves the honour, with fight and spirit shown in every game despite our lowly league position. Jackman last week said that he will stay with Town next season even if we are relegated.
Mark Hughes came second in the poll and Jason Crowe finished third.
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Relegated Bulls bring fresh threat...
Hereford on Saturday will bring a new threat to the Cobblers' survival hopes. An epic draw against Scunny on Tuesday means that we're out of the bottom four on goal difference. But any kind of result for Crewe on Friday night at Stockport or for Carlisle on Saturday at Cheltenham would heap the pressure back on Stuart Gray's side.
In theory, after a more than comfortable victory earlier in the season at Edgar Street, we should get three points. But we all know Northampton Town don't make things that easy. I can't see it being a heavy win, more a nervy, twitchy affair against a side with nothing more to lose. They've lost their League One status, are about to lose their manager and will be able to play with relaxation and freedom.
With so much at stake, we must stay positive and pray that our promising work going forward is matched by a stronger defence than has been in place in recent weeks. If we can stick to the basics I'm positive we'll come away with a win. But after that heart stopping game on Tuesday night who knows what will come of the latest crunch game at Sixfields.
Duo to miss rest of the season
The Cobblers' end of season battle to avoid the drop has been given a double blow this afternoon as it was revealed that both Giles Coke and Paul Rodgers will not feature again for the rest of the season.
Coke has suffered bleeding in his calf since injuring it a couple of weeks ago and with just over a week to go until the final game of the season at Leeds there seems no hope that he will make it into the run in as his side battle against the drop.
Rodgers, on loan for the rest of the season, will join Coke on the sidelines after a scan today revealed that he has damaged his cartilage. The defender has featured in the last couple of weeks at the back but is also now set to sit out of the final three games.
Stuart Gray takes his side into the Hereford game above the drop zone with one game in hand but the Bulls being already relegated could pose a threat with the pressure off.
Coke has suffered bleeding in his calf since injuring it a couple of weeks ago and with just over a week to go until the final game of the season at Leeds there seems no hope that he will make it into the run in as his side battle against the drop.
Rodgers, on loan for the rest of the season, will join Coke on the sidelines after a scan today revealed that he has damaged his cartilage. The defender has featured in the last couple of weeks at the back but is also now set to sit out of the final three games.
Stuart Gray takes his side into the Hereford game above the drop zone with one game in hand but the Bulls being already relegated could pose a threat with the pressure off.
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Northampton Town 3-3 Scunthorpe United
Back in December, the Cobblers and Scunthorpe played out an extraordinary 4-4 draw. Tonight there was all that drama once again as six goals were shared between the same two sides in a heart stopping, engrossing and truly dramatic game that both sides will come out of thankful that they weren’t beaten.
Going into the clash at Sixfields, The Cobblers were desperate for a second win on the bounce but knew a point would be enough to lift us out of the bottom four on goal difference. On the other side, Scunthorpe needed a win to regain a playoff place. What happened after the game kicked off willgo down in memory as a Sixfields classic!
Adebayo Akinfenwa, Jason Crowe and Paul Rodgers all passed their fitness tests and started the game. Ikechi Anya, impressive in the 3-1 win at Orient on Saturday, started again and forced the first real effort of the game as he volleyed the ball towards goal but Joe Murphy was equal to it. At the other end, Chris Dunn saved well from Gary Hooper as the game began to reach a pace that it wouldn’t slow down from for the rest of the night.
On the twenty minute mark, Luke Guttridge came agonisingly close to breaking the deadlock as he sent in a cracking volley from distance that hammered against the cross bar. But after an Adebayo Akinfenwa shot that flashed wide, we did have the lead as Sixfields rose as one to celebrate Jason Crowe ran onto the end of a good ball from Andy Holt to poke the ball home and put us into the lead.
Stuart Gray must have been preparing his positive team talk when Scunthorpe suddenly hit back in first half stoppage time. The visitors were packed with physical players and one of those, Liam Trotter, rose to head home a corner late in the half to bring things level and change the game completely.
Akinfenwa had struggled through the first half but was replaced at the break by Aleksander Prijovic and could now miss Saturday’s game with Hereford United. But business was about to pick up before that at Sixfields as Scunthorpe took the lead in the opening few minutes of the half as they were awarded a penalty and Grant McCann converted from the spot.
With hearts pumping faster than ever inside Sixfields and around the country as Cobblers fans found any radio coverage they could, we drew level just before the hour mark. Anya, coming more and more into his own by the game, met a Guttridge cross and headed past Murphy to bring us out of the bottom four once again!
The league table was going backwards and forwards through the night with Scunthorpe battling for points at the right end of League One. It was they who struck next and restored their lead mid-way through the half as Matthew Sparrow fired home following a corner that the Cobblers failed to clear. At 3-2, we were back in the bottom four.
But there was one more, dramatic, twist in this tale. The Cobblers came again. Leon Constantine, returning from a spell on loan at Cheltenham, came off the bench and won a corner. The ball was swung in and Mark Hughes leaped to head us back onto terms once again. There was still fifteen minutes to go and all to play for but despite both sides having chances to win it a draw was a fair result and neither side after a draining night will say no to that.
For Scunthorpe, their playoff hopes are kept alive and for the Cobblers we now sit above the relegation zone on goal difference alone. Hereford United, under no pressure at all after their relegation was confirmed last weekend, visit on Saturday before the MK Dons home game next Tuesday. Victory on Saturday combined with defeats for both Crewe and Carlisle would mean that we would be virtually safe whatever happened in the last two games.
It’s anyone’s guess as to what happens next but if it’s anything like the last two games, we’re in for more heart stopping moments than ever before. Onwards we go!
Going into the clash at Sixfields, The Cobblers were desperate for a second win on the bounce but knew a point would be enough to lift us out of the bottom four on goal difference. On the other side, Scunthorpe needed a win to regain a playoff place. What happened after the game kicked off willgo down in memory as a Sixfields classic!
Adebayo Akinfenwa, Jason Crowe and Paul Rodgers all passed their fitness tests and started the game. Ikechi Anya, impressive in the 3-1 win at Orient on Saturday, started again and forced the first real effort of the game as he volleyed the ball towards goal but Joe Murphy was equal to it. At the other end, Chris Dunn saved well from Gary Hooper as the game began to reach a pace that it wouldn’t slow down from for the rest of the night.
On the twenty minute mark, Luke Guttridge came agonisingly close to breaking the deadlock as he sent in a cracking volley from distance that hammered against the cross bar. But after an Adebayo Akinfenwa shot that flashed wide, we did have the lead as Sixfields rose as one to celebrate Jason Crowe ran onto the end of a good ball from Andy Holt to poke the ball home and put us into the lead.
Stuart Gray must have been preparing his positive team talk when Scunthorpe suddenly hit back in first half stoppage time. The visitors were packed with physical players and one of those, Liam Trotter, rose to head home a corner late in the half to bring things level and change the game completely.
Akinfenwa had struggled through the first half but was replaced at the break by Aleksander Prijovic and could now miss Saturday’s game with Hereford United. But business was about to pick up before that at Sixfields as Scunthorpe took the lead in the opening few minutes of the half as they were awarded a penalty and Grant McCann converted from the spot.
With hearts pumping faster than ever inside Sixfields and around the country as Cobblers fans found any radio coverage they could, we drew level just before the hour mark. Anya, coming more and more into his own by the game, met a Guttridge cross and headed past Murphy to bring us out of the bottom four once again!
The league table was going backwards and forwards through the night with Scunthorpe battling for points at the right end of League One. It was they who struck next and restored their lead mid-way through the half as Matthew Sparrow fired home following a corner that the Cobblers failed to clear. At 3-2, we were back in the bottom four.
But there was one more, dramatic, twist in this tale. The Cobblers came again. Leon Constantine, returning from a spell on loan at Cheltenham, came off the bench and won a corner. The ball was swung in and Mark Hughes leaped to head us back onto terms once again. There was still fifteen minutes to go and all to play for but despite both sides having chances to win it a draw was a fair result and neither side after a draining night will say no to that.
For Scunthorpe, their playoff hopes are kept alive and for the Cobblers we now sit above the relegation zone on goal difference alone. Hereford United, under no pressure at all after their relegation was confirmed last weekend, visit on Saturday before the MK Dons home game next Tuesday. Victory on Saturday combined with defeats for both Crewe and Carlisle would mean that we would be virtually safe whatever happened in the last two games.
It’s anyone’s guess as to what happens next but if it’s anything like the last two games, we’re in for more heart stopping moments than ever before. Onwards we go!
Scunthorpe United (H) Preview...
The Cobblers host Scunthorpe in tonight’s vital first game in hand knowing that a point will be enough to take us out of the bottom four. Stuart Gray is waiting on the fitness of a number of first team players ahead of the game with the visitors hoping to jump into the playoff places with a win this evening..
Team News
The Cobblers could be without Adebayo Akinfenwa and Jason Crowe for the game, both of whom picked up knocks over the weekend. Meanwhile, Scott Vernon and Giles Coke look likely to sit out once again and Colin Larkin is also on the sidelines. Leon Constantine has been recalled from his loan spell at Cheltenham Town and goes straight into the squad.
Scunthorpe have doubts over loan pair Henri Lansbury and Matthew Mills whilst Sam Togwell, who spent a brief spell at Sixfields in 2005 is suspended for the game. Kenny Milne is out for the season whilst Jonathon Forte misses out despite returning from a loan spell with Notts County this week.
Form
The Cobblers were winners on Saturday as goals from Adebayo Akinfenwa, Aleksander Prijovic and Ikechi Anya turned the game around at Orient and sealed a massive win, lifting us to within a point of safety.
The Irons’ promotion hopes were dashed on Saturday as they fell to a single goal defeat at home to MK Dons. Luke Chadwick scored the only goal of the game to win it for Dons and Scunthorpe now need a result this evening to get back into the playoff places.
Last Time Out…Scunthorpe 4-4 Cobblers...
In arguably League One’s game of the season, Scunthorpe threw away a 4-1 lead at Glanford Park as the Cobblers salvaged a point in dramatic style. The home side were easing to victory with double strikes from Ben May and Gary Hooper to the single Scott McGleish reply. But a stirring comeback meant that we grabbed a stunning draw as Giles Coke pulled one back and Danny Jackman scored twice, the second direct from a corner to make this one of the most memorable moments of the 2008/09 campaign.
Recent Meetings
09/04/07: COBBLERS 2-1 SCUNTHORPE
After the Cobblers fans staged a protest before this Easter Monday game against the council's delays to a decision on Sixfields redevelopment, the team went on to record a big win. With the visitors close to being crowned champions, Alex Pearce put the Cobblers in front before Billy Sharp equalised. But Brad Johnson swooped in stoppage time to fire us a well earned win at Sixfields.
18/11/06: SCUNTHORPE 1-0 COBBLERS
Andy Crosby fires home a late penalty to sink the Cobblers at Glanford Park with just four minutes to go.
09/04/05: COBBLERS 1-2 SCUNTHORPE
Andy Kirk puts the Cobblers into the lead after just four minutes but first half goals from Paul Hayes and Richard Kell turn the game around and Scunthorpe take home all three points.
30/08/04: SCUNTHORPE 2-0 COBBLERS
A first half goal from Andy Keogh and an Andy Crosby spot kick ease the home side to victory.
Head to Head...Iron v Cobblers...
Games Played: 46
Cobblers Wins: 21
22 Draws: 13
Scunthorpe Wins: 12
Team News
The Cobblers could be without Adebayo Akinfenwa and Jason Crowe for the game, both of whom picked up knocks over the weekend. Meanwhile, Scott Vernon and Giles Coke look likely to sit out once again and Colin Larkin is also on the sidelines. Leon Constantine has been recalled from his loan spell at Cheltenham Town and goes straight into the squad.
Scunthorpe have doubts over loan pair Henri Lansbury and Matthew Mills whilst Sam Togwell, who spent a brief spell at Sixfields in 2005 is suspended for the game. Kenny Milne is out for the season whilst Jonathon Forte misses out despite returning from a loan spell with Notts County this week.
Form
The Cobblers were winners on Saturday as goals from Adebayo Akinfenwa, Aleksander Prijovic and Ikechi Anya turned the game around at Orient and sealed a massive win, lifting us to within a point of safety.
The Irons’ promotion hopes were dashed on Saturday as they fell to a single goal defeat at home to MK Dons. Luke Chadwick scored the only goal of the game to win it for Dons and Scunthorpe now need a result this evening to get back into the playoff places.
Last Time Out…Scunthorpe 4-4 Cobblers...
In arguably League One’s game of the season, Scunthorpe threw away a 4-1 lead at Glanford Park as the Cobblers salvaged a point in dramatic style. The home side were easing to victory with double strikes from Ben May and Gary Hooper to the single Scott McGleish reply. But a stirring comeback meant that we grabbed a stunning draw as Giles Coke pulled one back and Danny Jackman scored twice, the second direct from a corner to make this one of the most memorable moments of the 2008/09 campaign.
Recent Meetings
09/04/07: COBBLERS 2-1 SCUNTHORPE
After the Cobblers fans staged a protest before this Easter Monday game against the council's delays to a decision on Sixfields redevelopment, the team went on to record a big win. With the visitors close to being crowned champions, Alex Pearce put the Cobblers in front before Billy Sharp equalised. But Brad Johnson swooped in stoppage time to fire us a well earned win at Sixfields.
18/11/06: SCUNTHORPE 1-0 COBBLERS
Andy Crosby fires home a late penalty to sink the Cobblers at Glanford Park with just four minutes to go.
09/04/05: COBBLERS 1-2 SCUNTHORPE
Andy Kirk puts the Cobblers into the lead after just four minutes but first half goals from Paul Hayes and Richard Kell turn the game around and Scunthorpe take home all three points.
30/08/04: SCUNTHORPE 2-0 COBBLERS
A first half goal from Andy Keogh and an Andy Crosby spot kick ease the home side to victory.
Head to Head...Iron v Cobblers...
Games Played: 46
Cobblers Wins: 21
22 Draws: 13
Scunthorpe Wins: 12
Monday, April 20, 2009
Constantine returns to Sixfields
Leon Constantine has returned to Sixfields after ending his loan spell at League One rivals Cheltenham Town. Constantine has been recalled by Stuart Gray after injuries to both Adebayo Akinfenwa and Scott Vernon in this past week.
Gray may be short on options ahead of the visit of Scunthorpe United on Tuesday night and Constantine could come straight into contention. Ikechi Anya pressed his claim for a starting berth once again with a goal after starting the 3-1 win at Orient on Saturday.
Constantine helped the Cobblers' cause, meanwhile, as he set up the winning goal for Cheltenham at Crewe that leaves the Railwaymen in touching distance in the fight to survive in League One.
The turning point...?
On a sunny Saturday afternoon in London, Northampton Town’s League One future hung on a tightrope for a good hour of Saturday’s fixtures. By 4:10pm, we were staring at being six points from safety, meaning that we would have HAD to win our games in hand to keep in touch.
But a stirring recovery has turned this season right on its head. Bayo, Prijovic and finally, gloriously, Anya scored to bring us to within a point of safety. This could yet be the turning point of a survival bid that looked lost mid-afternoon. The relief, the joy was incredible and I don’t think I’ve celebrated a win like that for many a month, if even this season. How important this day could be in the history of Northampton Town.
But now it’s on to Scunthorpe with renewed hope and positivity hopefully restored. We needed the comeback so much and what a way to get back on track. Negative vibes are suddenly turning into positive ones, with just a draw enough to lift us out of the bottom four this Tuesday. Of course it’s by no means over and Scunny’s playoff hopes will mean that they will be well up for the fight.
But with a spring in our step, who would bet against a point at least on Tuesday? Hereford at home is winnable on Saturday and if we come in off the back of a good result tomorrow night, it could yet be the MK Dons home game in eight days that decides a lot of issues.
But a stirring recovery has turned this season right on its head. Bayo, Prijovic and finally, gloriously, Anya scored to bring us to within a point of safety. This could yet be the turning point of a survival bid that looked lost mid-afternoon. The relief, the joy was incredible and I don’t think I’ve celebrated a win like that for many a month, if even this season. How important this day could be in the history of Northampton Town.
But now it’s on to Scunthorpe with renewed hope and positivity hopefully restored. We needed the comeback so much and what a way to get back on track. Negative vibes are suddenly turning into positive ones, with just a draw enough to lift us out of the bottom four this Tuesday. Of course it’s by no means over and Scunny’s playoff hopes will mean that they will be well up for the fight.
But with a spring in our step, who would bet against a point at least on Tuesday? Hereford at home is winnable on Saturday and if we come in off the back of a good result tomorrow night, it could yet be the MK Dons home game in eight days that decides a lot of issues.
Saturday, April 18, 2009
Leyton Orient 1-3 Northampton Town
In a second half that could save the Cobblers’ season, results elsewhere and a complete change of fortune at Brisbane Road turned this campaign suddenly back in our favour. At the break, so many things were going against Stuart Gray and his side, particularly the 1-0 lead given to Orient by Jason Crowe’s own goal mid-way through the half.
Gray had started with Ikechi Anya up front with Adebayo Akinfenwa but it was a former Cobblers striker that helped to deliver what could have been a killer blow to our survival hopes on the half hour mark. After a nervy first half hour, it was a Sean Thornton free-kick that caused problems and a combination of McGleish and Crowe that scrambled the ball into the net.
Andy Holt had the best chances to level before the break with a header and a left footed effort but the perilous league position was looking even worse as news came through from the other sides around us in the scrap. Come half time, combined with our result, Carlisle were leading against Swindon whilst Brighton and Crewe also had the lead.
The situation was getting critical but who could possibly have predicted what happened next, a stunning fight back that we may well look back on in the summer months as the minutes that saved our season and kept us in League One.
Early on, we had the better of the action but McGleish came close to doubling the advantage with a near post effort that Chris Dunn did well to turn away. At the other end, Holt headed wide again, this time from a Danny Jackman cross.
But we did, vitally, have the equaliser on the hour mark. Luke Guttridge, who made the game despite a niggling injury this week, put in a free kick and Adebayo Akinfenwa met the ball with a powerful header to start a comeback out of nowhere.
Aleksander Prijovic had come off the bench just before Bayo’s goal and he would be the one to put us in front just three minutes after the equaliser. Akinfenwa and Guttridge combined to set up the Derby loan man and he shot low past Orient keeper Jamie Jones.
Now it was a case of hanging on and the time seemed to stop as suddenly results elsewhere also began to swing in our favour. Danny Jackman managed to head the ball off the goal line after Jordan Spence had headed the ball to what looked like a leveller.
The dreaded four minutes of stoppage time would be played and hearts were in mouths as the home side attacked but suddenly, beautifully, we broke away and the ball fell to Anya who sealed the win with a well taken goal and to send the hardy travelling support, deprived of this sort of win on the road for so long, into delirium.
The full time whistle moments later brought scenes of utter joy and relief from anyone connected with the club up and down the country. It’s, of course, far from being over but with two games in hand and this sort of reversal in fortune the tide has turned just at the last and most vital of times. Scunthorpe visit on Tuesday night in the biggest game of the season so far and even a draw at Sixfields would lift us out of the bottom four with three to play.
This could be the one that gives us the breath of life we so badly, badly needed.
Friday, April 17, 2009
Leyton Orient (A) Preview
With just five games to go including two games in hand, the Cobblers travel to Leyton Orient tomorrow afternoon in a bid to close the gap on those outside the relegation zone. Orient are in fine form though and will be a massive test for Stuart Gray’s men.
Team News
Orient have fitness concerns over Adam Chambers (calf) and Ryan Jarvis (groin) whilst Alton Thelwell is still recovering from an ankle problem. Scott McGleish should start up front against the Cobblers after scoring six times in twelve games to lift Orient to League One safety.
The Cobblers could welcome back Luke Guttridge for the trip to Brisbane Road after the midfielder returned to training on Thursday. Giles Coke and Liam Davis look likely to miss out while striker Scott Vernon is also a doubt with a thigh injury.
Form
The hosts are on a fine run of form that’s taken them out of relegation trouble with a run of five games unbeaten including last weekend’s crucial 1-0 win at Swindon. Jason Demtriou got the only goal of the game at the County Ground to leave the O’s officially safe from the drop.
The Cobblers are in a do or die situation with five games to go and have lost four of the last five games. Last weekend saw us beaten at Bristol Rovers and at home to Southend and Stuart Gray’s men are now three points from safety with two games in hand.
Last Time Out...06/12/08: COBBLERS 1-1 ORIENT
Liam Davis gave the Cobblers a perfect start earlier in the season at Sixfields when he found the net after just two minutes. But a goal three minutes from the break for John Melligan earns a deserved point for the visitors.
Previous Meetings
25/01/08: COBBLERS 2-0 ORIENT
Giles Coke and Poul Hubertz get the goals to sink the O's in the last meeting between the sides back in January.
01/09/07: ORIENT 2-2 COBBLERS
Poul Hubertz and Chris Doig fired the Cobblers into a to goal lead before half-time but two goals in five minutes from Adam Chambers and Tamika Mkandawire in the second half earned the home side a draw.
07/04/07: ORIENT 0-2 COBBLERS
An early Simon Cox goal and an own goal just before the break from Aiden Palmer gave the Cobblers a vital win on the way to League One survival last season.
19/12/06: COBBLERS 0-1 ORIENT
Paul Connor scores with ten minutes to go to win the game for The O's in John Gorman's final game in charge of the Cobblers.
14/02/06: COBBLERS 1-1 ORIENT
After an Andy Kirk wonder goal gives the Cobblers an early lead, Orient strike back on 65 minutes through John Mackie to grab a point.
Head to Head...Orient v Cobblers...
Games Played: 89
Orient Wins: 29
Draws: 24
Cobblers Wins: 36
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Jackman a shining example in times of need
Danny Jackman today stated that he will be staying at the club even if we're relegated, saying that he is part of the team that got us in trouble so he should get us out of it should the worst happen and we're playing League Two football next season.
Jackman is not one of those out of contract in the summer with one year left on his current deal and rather than the doo and gloom over the past week, this is a quite marvellous change in writing a blog about some positivity.
Jackman, in my eyes, should keep his player of the year award earned last season and put it with another this term as he's been the shining star in a team of uncertain players not battling hard enough. The little man in the middle of the pitch gives us a real fighting spirit whilst the strolling nonchelonce of Abdul Osman and Giles Coke go about their business.
Of couse, an offer too good to refuse could come in for Jacko but this is exactly the attitude we need to hear from each and every player putting on a Cobbler shirt. In a time of desperation, fans look for characters and Jackman, the smallest man on every pitch he runs on, is head and shoulders above the rest in terms of commitment and sheet fight.
Give that man the captaincy!
All ticket for Leeds trip
The Cobblers have been allocated an initial 1,500 tickets for the potentially crucial last day of the season clash at Elland Road. Stuart Gray's side could need a result at Leeds to secure League One status for another season and a large following is expected.
Should we need more tickets, there will be a second allocation is demand is high enough but the game will be an ALL TICKET encounter. Season ticket holders can purcahse their tickets now at one per season ticket while members can claim their seats from Tuesday, April 21st, again with one ticket per member. Tickets will then go on general sale on Thursday, April 23rd.
The club have responded to popular demand and included a "singing section" for certain seats and those seats can be taken by request on purchasing your tickets.
Should we need more tickets, there will be a second allocation is demand is high enough but the game will be an ALL TICKET encounter. Season ticket holders can purcahse their tickets now at one per season ticket while members can claim their seats from Tuesday, April 21st, again with one ticket per member. Tickets will then go on general sale on Thursday, April 23rd.
The club have responded to popular demand and included a "singing section" for certain seats and those seats can be taken by request on purchasing your tickets.
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
The Relegation Battle: Easter results leave Town in real trouble
After a double dose of League One action this weekend, the Cobblers’ position has been left in greater danger with Brighton joining us on level points and those above us gathering points to mean that Stuart Gray’s side are now three points adrift with two games in hand.
Yesterday saw Brighton gain a valuable 1-0 win at Colchester to join the Cobblers on 32 points. Below them, Cheltenham also picked up a win but they still look doomed to the drop. Hereford fell to the foot of the table after a 2-1 defeat at Tranmere Rovers and they are just a game away from relegation.
Above the line, Carlisle are the team to chase now as they were beaten at Huddersfield while Crewe picked up a vital point at home to Oldham. Leyton Orient are surely out of danger now after an excellent Easter period including a victory at Swindon yesterday. Hartlepool are, however, still deep in trouble following a 3-2 home defeat by Scunthorpe.
With most others picking up points this weekend it’s vital that the Cobblers come home with something from Orient on Saturday to set up the first game in hand in a week’s time. The worrying form of Brighton means we’ll have to be looking over our shoulder as well if we don’t want to be dropping another place down the table.
Yesterday saw Brighton gain a valuable 1-0 win at Colchester to join the Cobblers on 32 points. Below them, Cheltenham also picked up a win but they still look doomed to the drop. Hereford fell to the foot of the table after a 2-1 defeat at Tranmere Rovers and they are just a game away from relegation.
Above the line, Carlisle are the team to chase now as they were beaten at Huddersfield while Crewe picked up a vital point at home to Oldham. Leyton Orient are surely out of danger now after an excellent Easter period including a victory at Swindon yesterday. Hartlepool are, however, still deep in trouble following a 3-2 home defeat by Scunthorpe.
With most others picking up points this weekend it’s vital that the Cobblers come home with something from Orient on Saturday to set up the first game in hand in a week’s time. The worrying form of Brighton means we’ll have to be looking over our shoulder as well if we don’t want to be dropping another place down the table.
Monday, April 13, 2009
Northampton Town 2-3 Southend United
After the Good Friday defeat to Bristol Rovers, Stuart Gray once again bemoaned the fact that we’d lost so many games by the single goal this season. Unfortunately he tasted that feeling for the fifteenth time this season in today’s 3-2 reverse at home to Southend United. A first goal for the club from Aleksander Prijovic wasn’t enough late on and the Cobblers remain three points from safety.
Only one change was made from the Bristol defeat with Mark Hughes coming in to make the defence a five man rather than a four man wall, Giles Coke sitting out through injury. It was a good start from both sides, with the visitors’ 1,000+ fans still clinging on to hope of a late dash for the playoffs. Peter Clarke struck a free kick into the area early on that missed a clutch of players and Sixfields drew their breaths before the ball rolled to safety.
Danny Jackman’s corner was headed just wide by Chris Doig in the Cobblers’ first real effort of the game, one that would heavily rely on us getting a good start if we were to claim all three points. Shortly afterwards, Adebayo Akinfenwa shot wide and Mark Hughes defended well to stop Theo Robinson from getting a clean shot away at the other end.
It was Southend who vitally had the lead before half time. Usually when you see Southend score against us it’s Adam Barrett on the score sheet nine out of ten times but this time, although the goal came from a Southend corner, it was the less familiar Jean-Francois Christophe that rose highest to head home and send the Shrimpers into half-time in front.
The familiar 0-1 score line was surely playing on the Cobblers’ minds as they had their half time cups of tea and oranges and we had to come out all guns blazing if we were to get anything from the game. Fortunately we did, and Adebayo Akinfenwa got on the end of a Danny Jackman cross five minutes in to fire us level. Game on!
Bayo so nearly put us in front with a header wide just moments later and who knows where the game would have gone should that have gone in. The fact that Southend went on to take control means that we could be looking back on that moment for many a month to come.
For it was Theo Robinson and Lee Barnard that heaved Southend into a 3-1 lead within minutes of each other and took the wind right out of our sails. First, Robinson shot into the net from distance and then former Cobblers loan man Barnard beat the offside trap to finish past Chris Dunn for the lead to be stretched.
With a lead to chase, Stuart Gray sent on both Ikechi Anya and Aleksander Prijovic in an attempt to get back into the game and Mark Hughes thought he’d done just that when his cross was seemingly taken over the line by Southend keeper Steve Mildenhall. No flag from the official on the far side though and frustratingly we still had a mountain to climb.
With ten minutes to go, The Cobblers had a breakthrough as Andy Holt’s long throw was met by Prijovic who turned and fired us to within a goal of our visitors and with results elsewhere uncertain, we desperately needed a leveller.
But despite a late claim for a penalty when Mark Hughes appeared to be brought down, it was another single goal defeat and one that leaves the Cobblers three points from safety. With two games in hand there is hope of salvation but the games are beginning to run out and where the next point will come from is anyone’s guess. Something is certainly needed at Orient on Saturday to set up the first game in hand against MK Dons on Tuesday week.
Before Easter we were looking at having to win one of these games. The fact that we’ve taken no points cannot be a good sign at all.
Only one change was made from the Bristol defeat with Mark Hughes coming in to make the defence a five man rather than a four man wall, Giles Coke sitting out through injury. It was a good start from both sides, with the visitors’ 1,000+ fans still clinging on to hope of a late dash for the playoffs. Peter Clarke struck a free kick into the area early on that missed a clutch of players and Sixfields drew their breaths before the ball rolled to safety.
Danny Jackman’s corner was headed just wide by Chris Doig in the Cobblers’ first real effort of the game, one that would heavily rely on us getting a good start if we were to claim all three points. Shortly afterwards, Adebayo Akinfenwa shot wide and Mark Hughes defended well to stop Theo Robinson from getting a clean shot away at the other end.
It was Southend who vitally had the lead before half time. Usually when you see Southend score against us it’s Adam Barrett on the score sheet nine out of ten times but this time, although the goal came from a Southend corner, it was the less familiar Jean-Francois Christophe that rose highest to head home and send the Shrimpers into half-time in front.
The familiar 0-1 score line was surely playing on the Cobblers’ minds as they had their half time cups of tea and oranges and we had to come out all guns blazing if we were to get anything from the game. Fortunately we did, and Adebayo Akinfenwa got on the end of a Danny Jackman cross five minutes in to fire us level. Game on!
Bayo so nearly put us in front with a header wide just moments later and who knows where the game would have gone should that have gone in. The fact that Southend went on to take control means that we could be looking back on that moment for many a month to come.
For it was Theo Robinson and Lee Barnard that heaved Southend into a 3-1 lead within minutes of each other and took the wind right out of our sails. First, Robinson shot into the net from distance and then former Cobblers loan man Barnard beat the offside trap to finish past Chris Dunn for the lead to be stretched.
With a lead to chase, Stuart Gray sent on both Ikechi Anya and Aleksander Prijovic in an attempt to get back into the game and Mark Hughes thought he’d done just that when his cross was seemingly taken over the line by Southend keeper Steve Mildenhall. No flag from the official on the far side though and frustratingly we still had a mountain to climb.
With ten minutes to go, The Cobblers had a breakthrough as Andy Holt’s long throw was met by Prijovic who turned and fired us to within a goal of our visitors and with results elsewhere uncertain, we desperately needed a leveller.
But despite a late claim for a penalty when Mark Hughes appeared to be brought down, it was another single goal defeat and one that leaves the Cobblers three points from safety. With two games in hand there is hope of salvation but the games are beginning to run out and where the next point will come from is anyone’s guess. Something is certainly needed at Orient on Saturday to set up the first game in hand against MK Dons on Tuesday week.
Before Easter we were looking at having to win one of these games. The fact that we’ve taken no points cannot be a good sign at all.
Saturday, April 11, 2009
Southed United (H) Preview...
With time running out in the relegation dog fight, Southend are the visitors to Sixfields on Bank Holiday Monday and they’ll be looking to hammer another nail in the coffin for Stuart Gray’s men. But after a slightly improved performance in Good Friday’s 1-0 defeat at Bristol Rovers, the Cobblers will be praying for any kind of break to start the journey out of the drop zone.
Team News
Giles Coke is a major doubt for the Cobblers after he limped out of Friday’s game at Bristol Rovers. Meanwhile, Luke Guttridge is still struggling and will miss out again. Adam Watts looks likely to keep his place in defence while Ryan Gilligan came through the game OK and should be back in midfield on Monday.
Southend went into the bank holiday weekend with no fresh injury worries and striker James Walker s the only long term absentee with a hamstring injury.
Form
It’s now just four wins in twenty three for the Cobblers after defeat at Bristol Rovers on Good Friday and the defeat, handed to us by Jo Kuffour’s late strike, leaves us in the bottom four and desperate for a result.
Southend’s playoff hopes are all but over after they suffered a 2-0 loss at home to MK Dons on Friday. Mark Wright got both the goals for the Dons and despite twice having shots stopped on the line, Southend couldn’t respond.
Last Time Out...26/12/08: SOUTHEND 1-0 COBBLERS
Back on Boxing Day of last year, the Cobblers looked like they would hold on for a point despite having Abdul Osman sent off for a second yellow card in the second half. But a late free kick from on loan midfielder Junior Stanislas gave Southend all three points in a dour game at Roots Hall.
Previous Meetings
12/04/08: SOUTHEND 1-1 COBBLERS
Colin Larkin heads the Cobblers in front in the first half but Lee Barnard taps home a rebound to equalise following Charlie Mulgrew's free kick.
03/11/08: COBBLERS 0-1 SOUTHEND
Adam Barrett's second half header gives Southend all three points at Sixfields and starts us off on a run of seven games without a win.
21/05/05: SOUTHEND 1-0 COBBLERS (League Two Playoff Semi Final, 2nd Leg)
Fredy Eastwood's controversial penalty sends Southend to the Millennium Stadium and the League Two playoff final as the Cobblers come up short in the playoffs for the second season in a row.
15/05/05: COBBLERS 0-0 SOUTHEND (League Two Playoff Semi Final, 1st Leg)
A nervy playoff semi final, first leg at Sixfields that ends goalless.
19/02/05: COBBLERS 1-2 SOUTHEND
Martin Smith fires the Cobblers into a seventh minute lead but two identical headers from Adam Barrett turns the game in Southend's favour late in the game, the winner coming in stoppage time.
Head to Head...Cobblers v Shrimpers...
Games Played: 122
Cobblers Wins: 52
Draws: 28
Southend Wins: 41
Team News
Giles Coke is a major doubt for the Cobblers after he limped out of Friday’s game at Bristol Rovers. Meanwhile, Luke Guttridge is still struggling and will miss out again. Adam Watts looks likely to keep his place in defence while Ryan Gilligan came through the game OK and should be back in midfield on Monday.
Southend went into the bank holiday weekend with no fresh injury worries and striker James Walker s the only long term absentee with a hamstring injury.
Form
It’s now just four wins in twenty three for the Cobblers after defeat at Bristol Rovers on Good Friday and the defeat, handed to us by Jo Kuffour’s late strike, leaves us in the bottom four and desperate for a result.
Southend’s playoff hopes are all but over after they suffered a 2-0 loss at home to MK Dons on Friday. Mark Wright got both the goals for the Dons and despite twice having shots stopped on the line, Southend couldn’t respond.
Last Time Out...26/12/08: SOUTHEND 1-0 COBBLERS
Back on Boxing Day of last year, the Cobblers looked like they would hold on for a point despite having Abdul Osman sent off for a second yellow card in the second half. But a late free kick from on loan midfielder Junior Stanislas gave Southend all three points in a dour game at Roots Hall.
Previous Meetings
12/04/08: SOUTHEND 1-1 COBBLERS
Colin Larkin heads the Cobblers in front in the first half but Lee Barnard taps home a rebound to equalise following Charlie Mulgrew's free kick.
03/11/08: COBBLERS 0-1 SOUTHEND
Adam Barrett's second half header gives Southend all three points at Sixfields and starts us off on a run of seven games without a win.
21/05/05: SOUTHEND 1-0 COBBLERS (League Two Playoff Semi Final, 2nd Leg)
Fredy Eastwood's controversial penalty sends Southend to the Millennium Stadium and the League Two playoff final as the Cobblers come up short in the playoffs for the second season in a row.
15/05/05: COBBLERS 0-0 SOUTHEND (League Two Playoff Semi Final, 1st Leg)
A nervy playoff semi final, first leg at Sixfields that ends goalless.
19/02/05: COBBLERS 1-2 SOUTHEND
Martin Smith fires the Cobblers into a seventh minute lead but two identical headers from Adam Barrett turns the game in Southend's favour late in the game, the winner coming in stoppage time.
Head to Head...Cobblers v Shrimpers...
Games Played: 122
Cobblers Wins: 52
Draws: 28
Southend Wins: 41
Friday, April 10, 2009
Bristol Rovers 1-0 Northampton Town
This latest defeat, another major blow to the Cobblers’ survival hopes, was a case of “same old, same old” as good chances were wasted before the almost inevitable late winner, scored by Rovers’ Jo Kuffour. The defeat means that we now face a nervous Saturday awaiting other results, although Carlisle’s draw and Yeovil’s win didn’t help matters.
The game could have started in a much more positive fashion as Adebayo Akinfenwa went close within the opening ten seconds, muscling past two defenders before shooting wide. At the other end, a good opening to the game saw Rickie Lambert play in Jo Kuffour and after the striker saw off the challenge of Adam Watts, making his Cobblers debut, he shot straight at Chris Dunn.
Lambert tried his luck from thirty yards out with a free kick on fifteen minutes before the Cobblers went up the other and Scott Vernon’s shot was deflected away. The ball broke to Ryan Gilligan, returning from injury, but his cross/shot was well wide. The Cobblers were showing good signs going forward but it was a glaring miss that would provide the major talking point of the first half.
After Giles Coke had shot against the outside of the post, The Cobblers were starting to look more dangerous going forward but Vernon was wasteful in front of goal mid-way through the half in an incident that could have changed the course of the game had it gone in. Jason Crowe broke well down the right hand side and his cross was met with a free header from the on loan Colchester man but he could only nod it straight at Rovers keeper Steve Phillips.
Rovers responded with a chance of their own with Jeff Hughes heading over the bar and Kuffour forced Dunn into a fine save with ten minutes of the half to go. But we held firm despite a chance for Lambert going begging and were probably the more happy of the two sides that the whistle went for the break with Rovers building up a head of steam.
With results not going for us elsewhere in the two other games involving relegation threatened sides, we need a positive second half. The Cobblers were close to going ahead right from the kick off once again with Gilligan battling his way into the area and setting up Vernon but the striker shot over when well placed.
Kuffour threatened soon after and sent a warning shot in after collecting a cross from Jeff Hughes but he made no mistake with just under twenty minutes to go as he fired in what could be a crucial moment in the Cobblers season.
David Pipe crossed the ball in and Chris Dunn went up to collect the ball but dropped it into the path of Kuffour who made no mistake to score what will be a pretty meaningless goal for the Gas but one that for the Cobblers could mean so much for all the wrong reasons.
Desperation, as in the defeat at Yeovil, set in late on as four strikers were on the pitch going into the final knockings. Vernon had a shot turned off the line before Akinfenwa had a good chance to level things with a free header of his own but he couldn’t direct it beyond Phillps. There was to be no late effort that was stopped on the line or hitting the woodwork like at Yeovil and the full time whistle went on another defeat.
Although this was an improved, more battling performance with Andy Holt and Ryan Gilligan giving more right to the midfield, the simple matter of good chances going begging and simple errors costing us means that we’re stuck in the bottom four going into the weekend. Carlisle were held eventually by Oldham but Yeovil’s win takes them further clear so all eyes are now on Saturday’s games as we wait with fingers fully crossed that nothing else goes wrong.
It’s not been a Good Friday for the Cobblers by any stretch of the imagination.
The game could have started in a much more positive fashion as Adebayo Akinfenwa went close within the opening ten seconds, muscling past two defenders before shooting wide. At the other end, a good opening to the game saw Rickie Lambert play in Jo Kuffour and after the striker saw off the challenge of Adam Watts, making his Cobblers debut, he shot straight at Chris Dunn.
Lambert tried his luck from thirty yards out with a free kick on fifteen minutes before the Cobblers went up the other and Scott Vernon’s shot was deflected away. The ball broke to Ryan Gilligan, returning from injury, but his cross/shot was well wide. The Cobblers were showing good signs going forward but it was a glaring miss that would provide the major talking point of the first half.
After Giles Coke had shot against the outside of the post, The Cobblers were starting to look more dangerous going forward but Vernon was wasteful in front of goal mid-way through the half in an incident that could have changed the course of the game had it gone in. Jason Crowe broke well down the right hand side and his cross was met with a free header from the on loan Colchester man but he could only nod it straight at Rovers keeper Steve Phillips.
Rovers responded with a chance of their own with Jeff Hughes heading over the bar and Kuffour forced Dunn into a fine save with ten minutes of the half to go. But we held firm despite a chance for Lambert going begging and were probably the more happy of the two sides that the whistle went for the break with Rovers building up a head of steam.
With results not going for us elsewhere in the two other games involving relegation threatened sides, we need a positive second half. The Cobblers were close to going ahead right from the kick off once again with Gilligan battling his way into the area and setting up Vernon but the striker shot over when well placed.
Kuffour threatened soon after and sent a warning shot in after collecting a cross from Jeff Hughes but he made no mistake with just under twenty minutes to go as he fired in what could be a crucial moment in the Cobblers season.
David Pipe crossed the ball in and Chris Dunn went up to collect the ball but dropped it into the path of Kuffour who made no mistake to score what will be a pretty meaningless goal for the Gas but one that for the Cobblers could mean so much for all the wrong reasons.
Desperation, as in the defeat at Yeovil, set in late on as four strikers were on the pitch going into the final knockings. Vernon had a shot turned off the line before Akinfenwa had a good chance to level things with a free header of his own but he couldn’t direct it beyond Phillps. There was to be no late effort that was stopped on the line or hitting the woodwork like at Yeovil and the full time whistle went on another defeat.
Although this was an improved, more battling performance with Andy Holt and Ryan Gilligan giving more right to the midfield, the simple matter of good chances going begging and simple errors costing us means that we’re stuck in the bottom four going into the weekend. Carlisle were held eventually by Oldham but Yeovil’s win takes them further clear so all eyes are now on Saturday’s games as we wait with fingers fully crossed that nothing else goes wrong.
It’s not been a Good Friday for the Cobblers by any stretch of the imagination.
All the best Eoin!
Former Cobblers midfielder Eoin Jess has revealed that he suffered a stroke, at the young age of 28. Jess, now working at Nottingham Forest was struck down when preparing for a trip to the gym but doctors have reassured him that the stroke was at the minimal end of the scale and he could be back at work soon.
I'm sure all Cobblers fans join the thousands saying that we wish Eoin all the best in his recovery over the next few weeks.
I smell Gas!
It's Gas time again and this afternoon's clash at the Memorial Stadium is the start of a huge weekend for the Cobblers. The last three games have been a massive disappointment, with one point from three big games. We could maybe have been forgiven the 3-4 loss to Swindon having just beaten Stockport 4-0 the previous Saturday.
But what has followed was two poor performances, firstly at Carlisle where we managed a draw but were disappointing, before that shocker at Yeovil. Whether it would have been best to try and bounce back immediately or whether the break has done us good is up for debate but I see no better time for this extra time out for the players to realise what has happened to them.
Anything less than a draw today will set up an extremely difficult and nervy home game on Monday against Southend and if we're anything like the level we were at against Yeovil we may as well not turn up!
But what has followed was two poor performances, firstly at Carlisle where we managed a draw but were disappointing, before that shocker at Yeovil. Whether it would have been best to try and bounce back immediately or whether the break has done us good is up for debate but I see no better time for this extra time out for the players to realise what has happened to them.
Anything less than a draw today will set up an extremely difficult and nervy home game on Monday against Southend and if we're anything like the level we were at against Yeovil we may as well not turn up!
Bristol Rovers (A) Preview...
The Cobblers travel to Bristol Rovers this afternoon looking to bounce back from a desperate night at Yeovil a couple of weeks ago. With Scunthorpe’s involvement in the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy final last weekend, we missed a chance to get out of the bottom four, instead slipping a further point off the pace and time is running out for a final push for survival.
Team News
The Gas may be without first choice keeper Lee Phillips for the game, with on loan Stoke City stopper Danzelle St Louis-Hamilton ready to deputise. Striker Darryl Duffy hopes to shake off a calf injury picked up in the defeat at Tranmere.
Stuart Gray is without Luke Guttridge, whose knee injury flared up again last week whilst Colin Larkin was injured in training. But on loan defender Adam Watts could make his debut after overcoming concussion and he could take the place of Chris Doig who is struggling with an Achilles injury.
Form
Both sides go into today’s game on a poor run of form. Rovers were pushing for the playoffs a few weeks ago but three defeats in four have ended those hopes. Last weekend, Paul Trollope’s men were beaten 2-0 at Tranmere as Aaron Cresswell and Ian Moore struck to send Rovers hope pointless.
The Cobblers faded after a 4-0 win over Stockport County a couple of weeks ago, with a 4-3 home defeat at home to Swindon followed by a draw at Carlisle and defeat at Yeovil. One point from three massive relegation battles wasn’t good enough and inevitably we slipped into the bottom four following the loss at Huish Park.
Last Time Out...28/12/08...COBBLERS 0-0 BRISTOL ROVERS
On a disappointing afternoon at Sixfields, 2008 was seen in very quietly as neither side could find a way through and the game ended goalless.
Previous Meetings...
12/03/08: ROVERS 1-1 COBBLERS
Sean Rigg put the Gas in front but Poul Hubertz grabbed an equaliser to keep the Cobblers in the hunt for a top half finish towards the end of last season.
06/11/07: COBBLERS 0-1 ROVERS
Days after a good league run came to and end at Southend, Rovers doubled the misery by winning with a Rickie Lambert goal.
19/11/05: COBBLERS 4-0 ROVERS
Two goals from Andy Kirk, one from Martin Smith and a late header from Pedj Bojic seal a comfortable win en route to promotion.
07/10/05: ROVERS 0-0 COBBLERS
Stalemate in the Cobblers' promotion season of 05/06.
03/01/05: ROVERS 3-1 COBBLERS
Former Cobbler James Hunt gives Rovers the lead before it's doubled by Chris Edwards. Eric Sabin gives us hope with ten minutes to go but Junior Agogo makes it 3-1 in stoppage time.
Head to Head...Gas v Cobblers...
Games Played: 121
Bristol Rovers Wins: 30
Draws: 35
Cobblers Wins: 47
Thursday, April 09, 2009
The Relegation Battle: This weekend's key games...
It’s all go this weekend as teams play twice in League One in the space of two or three days. The Easter games could go a long way in deciding who stays in League One and who is doomed for the drop and there’s some big games of interest to the Cobblers as the season comes up to a vital point.
Tomorrow night, we travel to Bristol Rovers in a game that we must get something from to at least close the gap, if not get out of the bottom four. Meanwhile, Carlisle host Oldham, bottom club Cheltenham go to Peterborough and Yeovil are at home against Millwall.
Saturday sees a massive relegation scrap as Brighton take on Swindon at The Withdean whilst Crewe host Hartlepool. Hereford are desperate for points but face top club Leicester and Leyton Orient, buoyed by the midweek comeback against Leeds, are up against Colchester.
There’s a full fixture list on Holiday Monday including the Cobblers hosting Southend, Cheltenham battling fellow strugglers Yeovil and Brighton travelling to Colchester. Carlisle face a tricky trip to Huddersfield and Crewe go to Oldham. Hereford are also facing a tough away game at Tranmere and there’s another six pointer with Swindon meeting Orient at The County Ground.
Tomorrow night, we travel to Bristol Rovers in a game that we must get something from to at least close the gap, if not get out of the bottom four. Meanwhile, Carlisle host Oldham, bottom club Cheltenham go to Peterborough and Yeovil are at home against Millwall.
Saturday sees a massive relegation scrap as Brighton take on Swindon at The Withdean whilst Crewe host Hartlepool. Hereford are desperate for points but face top club Leicester and Leyton Orient, buoyed by the midweek comeback against Leeds, are up against Colchester.
There’s a full fixture list on Holiday Monday including the Cobblers hosting Southend, Cheltenham battling fellow strugglers Yeovil and Brighton travelling to Colchester. Carlisle face a tricky trip to Huddersfield and Crewe go to Oldham. Hereford are also facing a tough away game at Tranmere and there’s another six pointer with Swindon meeting Orient at The County Ground.
Monday, April 06, 2009
Nervy Easter ahead...
At the end of Saturday, we weren’t as far off the pace as we could have been with the draws for the teams above us certainly helping our cause as none of those we’re chasing got a win. Below the Cobblers, Brighton, Hereford and Cheltenham all look doomed to League Two and that’s one welcome relief, that games are running out and the dreaded ‘R’, certainly in Cheltenham’s case, could be next to a couple of names in the coming weeks.
Foe Stuart Gray, the two week break could not have come at a better time. A week on from Yeovil, we’re hopefully recharging the batteries at Sixfields. All the right noises are coming from the players with Chris Doig doing his skippers’ job by rallying the troops and Danny Jackman also rolling the sleeves up. This has to transfer onto the pitch at Bristol Rovers on Friday or we might not be so lucky with other teams’ results going into the Bank Holiday weekend.
The Memorial Ground isn’t the place you’d choose to go on the back of poor form and we have to get something from the game with Southend coming up on Holiday Monday, a side that always enjoys twisting our season in the wrong direction.
Testing times ahead and the war cries from the players must now turn into vital, vital Easter points.
Foe Stuart Gray, the two week break could not have come at a better time. A week on from Yeovil, we’re hopefully recharging the batteries at Sixfields. All the right noises are coming from the players with Chris Doig doing his skippers’ job by rallying the troops and Danny Jackman also rolling the sleeves up. This has to transfer onto the pitch at Bristol Rovers on Friday or we might not be so lucky with other teams’ results going into the Bank Holiday weekend.
The Memorial Ground isn’t the place you’d choose to go on the back of poor form and we have to get something from the game with Southend coming up on Holiday Monday, a side that always enjoys twisting our season in the wrong direction.
Testing times ahead and the war cries from the players must now turn into vital, vital Easter points.
Sunday, April 05, 2009
League One: Saturday round-up
The Cobblers are now two points from safety in League One following Saturday's round of games. Stuart Gray's side weren't in action this weekend due to Scunthorpe United's involvement in the Johnstone's Paint Trophy Final at Wembley today.
Yesterday's games saw Crewe, one place above the Cobblers, draw away at Swindon Town who themselves remain in danger. Carlisle managed to grab a last minute equaliser at top club Leicester to take them two clear of the drop zone while Yeovil made it seven points from a possible nine when they earned a decent draw at Stockport.
There was better news behind the Cobblers as Brighton, Hereford and Cheltenham all fell to defeats and they all look doomed. Our games in hand are now even more vital than ever but we resume action at Bristol Rovers in a crunch game on Good Friday.
Yesterday's games saw Crewe, one place above the Cobblers, draw away at Swindon Town who themselves remain in danger. Carlisle managed to grab a last minute equaliser at top club Leicester to take them two clear of the drop zone while Yeovil made it seven points from a possible nine when they earned a decent draw at Stockport.
There was better news behind the Cobblers as Brighton, Hereford and Cheltenham all fell to defeats and they all look doomed. Our games in hand are now even more vital than ever but we resume action at Bristol Rovers in a crunch game on Good Friday.
Thursday, April 02, 2009
Killer Blow
The Cobblers continue to have a hold on me despite that shoddy performance on Tuesday night as I was considering some options this morning. This month’s budget has worked out with a couple of extra pounds than I expected so I was thinking about buying pre-sale tickets to see The Killers this summer when I had the chance this morning. A massive band who I would love to see would have been worth scrimping a bit for, a la the Foo Fighters gig of last summer I attended, but suddenly Bristol Rovers away popped into my head and everything changed.
So having sat through the atrocity of Yeovil, I actually halted payment on a Killers ticket to close the window on my work computer and instead plan to start plotting a route to Bristol on Good Friday instead. Why on earth I still want to sit, or stand, through another ninety minutes of possible agony I can’t tell you but sometimes in the most desperate of times you just have to find a way to be there if you can.
Lunacy or Loyalty? Probably a bit of both, but to be a Cobbler it takes a good mix of those features. That’s what Somebody Told Me.
So having sat through the atrocity of Yeovil, I actually halted payment on a Killers ticket to close the window on my work computer and instead plan to start plotting a route to Bristol on Good Friday instead. Why on earth I still want to sit, or stand, through another ninety minutes of possible agony I can’t tell you but sometimes in the most desperate of times you just have to find a way to be there if you can.
Lunacy or Loyalty? Probably a bit of both, but to be a Cobbler it takes a good mix of those features. That’s what Somebody Told Me.
Wednesday, April 01, 2009
Too many loans ruining a season…?
Plenty of rumours, discussion and debate has been going on for weeks as to what’s gone wrong at Sixfields this season on message boards, terraces and in the pub. Is the manager to blame? Are the players out of contract in the summer just not caring enough? Or could it be the fact that it seems every week we have a new loan signing to welcome in?
Stuart Gray has, in the past, used the loan system quite brilliantly and last season’s taking of Daniel Jones and Mark Little was a stroke of genius. This season promised much but with a small squad at the start of the season, we’ve been forced into more than FIFTEEN loan signings over the course of the campaign.
Loans are handy for a period of time when you lose a player for a few months but quick fixes they most certainly are not. For one thing, a new loan has to adjust to his new environment, meet the players and learn how his new side plays. By the time he’s done this, it’s time to go back to that parent club and become another forgotten man.
There’s been far too much squad disruption this season. Kurt Robinson came in and never played a first team game, Little returned and got injured so he was shipped back whilst the impressive Kyle Walker suffered as well and returned to the Championship with Sheffield United.
We’ve been bombarded with loans and new faces and it’s been difficult as fans to deal with the constant change in personnel. Imagine working wherever you work and a new young worker comes in every week. You have to teach him the ropes, show him how things are done and then within weeks he leaves, meaning you have to get another young whipper snapper in. It can’t be much fun.
As supporters we love to be able to identify with our players, to feel the same as they do after months of struggle and feel like you’re in the season together, fighting for the same cause. When players come in and out, it’s impossible to get that bond between fans and players that are coming and going.
Stuart Gray may learn some valuable lessons from this season and take them into the summer…loans have, on occasions, worked wonders for him and he must be praised for that. But after a season of stop-starts in the work force, now is the time to think about the long term and getting people who actually want to play for Northampton Town in and signing them…permanently.
Stuart Gray has, in the past, used the loan system quite brilliantly and last season’s taking of Daniel Jones and Mark Little was a stroke of genius. This season promised much but with a small squad at the start of the season, we’ve been forced into more than FIFTEEN loan signings over the course of the campaign.
Loans are handy for a period of time when you lose a player for a few months but quick fixes they most certainly are not. For one thing, a new loan has to adjust to his new environment, meet the players and learn how his new side plays. By the time he’s done this, it’s time to go back to that parent club and become another forgotten man.
There’s been far too much squad disruption this season. Kurt Robinson came in and never played a first team game, Little returned and got injured so he was shipped back whilst the impressive Kyle Walker suffered as well and returned to the Championship with Sheffield United.
We’ve been bombarded with loans and new faces and it’s been difficult as fans to deal with the constant change in personnel. Imagine working wherever you work and a new young worker comes in every week. You have to teach him the ropes, show him how things are done and then within weeks he leaves, meaning you have to get another young whipper snapper in. It can’t be much fun.
As supporters we love to be able to identify with our players, to feel the same as they do after months of struggle and feel like you’re in the season together, fighting for the same cause. When players come in and out, it’s impossible to get that bond between fans and players that are coming and going.
Stuart Gray may learn some valuable lessons from this season and take them into the summer…loans have, on occasions, worked wonders for him and he must be praised for that. But after a season of stop-starts in the work force, now is the time to think about the long term and getting people who actually want to play for Northampton Town in and signing them…permanently.
Yeovil Town 1-0 Northampton Town
Despair, gloom and utter desperation. Just three of the many adjectives I can use for last night’s performance as the Cobblers sunk into League One’s bottom four as Yeovil snatched a late goal to win the game and send a small band of our fans home utterly dejected.
Before the game, Stuart Gray was already talking about the importance of not losing the game rather than actually winning it, heaven forbid! That message drummed into the players before kick off certainly wouldn’t have helped the cause and the team that emerged on a chilly but calm evening in Somerset responded in nervous fashion.
Danny Jackman tried his best in the pre-match ambling about of the players to get his team mates fired up. Clearly his words fell on deaf ears and the little man would be the only outfield player worthy of wearing the Cobblers’ colours on an evening to forget.
Unorganised defending from some early corners had the claret faithful, hidden away in the corner of the home end thanks to the terrace being shut with low numbers travelling, looking for their nails to bite already.
We failed to ever get going in the first half with Bayo heading over and a couple of nearly chances with through balls not reaching their targets. Giles Coke, once the first name on a team sheet when fit, and Abdul Osman brought no presence to the midfield and it said it all with Jackman, a foot small than them, had more about him than both of those two together.
The poor first half was summed up in stoppage time when Osman scuffed a shot miles wide and a collective groan went up from the Cobblers fans. So at the break, there were no signs of hope with flair players like Liam Davis being kept very quiet.
The second half began with the Cobblers finally finding an attacking foot. Scott Vernon, more creative than the unusually quiet Akinfenwa had a chance to put us in front but has his effort save easily by the home keeper. Jackman had a chance of his own shortly afterwards when he wriggled free past a couple of challenges and shot just over with his weaker right foot.
Time was beginning to run out, desperation was kicking in. The Cobblers support wanted a win, not the aforementioned draw. Yeovil brought on Luke Rodgers, a summer target for Gray. We all wrote the script in our head…Rodgers would score the winner. As it turned out, he didn’t but he did play a major part in the winning goal, setting up Jon Obika for his second goal in as many games, a finish low past the unfortunate Dunn, who had done well for the rest of the game.
Dunn had to be on top form to stop Rodgers adding to the tally as we threw on three forwards and promoted Osman to the attack. With a couple of minutes to go, Akinfenwa flicked on a Jackman free kick and the ball rattled the post. How that stayed out was anyone’s guess but when we won a free kick in stoppage time in the same position, there was more reason for heads in hands.
Jackman swung the ball in from the right and Jason Crowe sent in a powerful header that somehow the keeper stopped on the goal line. That was the last effort and the final nail in the coffin of a truly awful game of football. Both sides were shocking, Yeovil slightly less bad than us.
Where we go from now is a question that someone needs to answer, and quickly. We’re in the bottom four now with no game this weekend, meaning that we could be as far as four points from safety when we go to Bristol Rovers on Good Friday. If some players don’t start caring as much as the loyal support we’ll have no chance of staying in League One and that will be just the start of our worries.
I said after the Peterborough defeat that if we put that much passion into every game we would be fine. Unfortunately, we’re not doing that and what comes next could be a living nightmare as the trap door begins to open.
Before the game, Stuart Gray was already talking about the importance of not losing the game rather than actually winning it, heaven forbid! That message drummed into the players before kick off certainly wouldn’t have helped the cause and the team that emerged on a chilly but calm evening in Somerset responded in nervous fashion.
Danny Jackman tried his best in the pre-match ambling about of the players to get his team mates fired up. Clearly his words fell on deaf ears and the little man would be the only outfield player worthy of wearing the Cobblers’ colours on an evening to forget.
Unorganised defending from some early corners had the claret faithful, hidden away in the corner of the home end thanks to the terrace being shut with low numbers travelling, looking for their nails to bite already.
We failed to ever get going in the first half with Bayo heading over and a couple of nearly chances with through balls not reaching their targets. Giles Coke, once the first name on a team sheet when fit, and Abdul Osman brought no presence to the midfield and it said it all with Jackman, a foot small than them, had more about him than both of those two together.
The poor first half was summed up in stoppage time when Osman scuffed a shot miles wide and a collective groan went up from the Cobblers fans. So at the break, there were no signs of hope with flair players like Liam Davis being kept very quiet.
The second half began with the Cobblers finally finding an attacking foot. Scott Vernon, more creative than the unusually quiet Akinfenwa had a chance to put us in front but has his effort save easily by the home keeper. Jackman had a chance of his own shortly afterwards when he wriggled free past a couple of challenges and shot just over with his weaker right foot.
Time was beginning to run out, desperation was kicking in. The Cobblers support wanted a win, not the aforementioned draw. Yeovil brought on Luke Rodgers, a summer target for Gray. We all wrote the script in our head…Rodgers would score the winner. As it turned out, he didn’t but he did play a major part in the winning goal, setting up Jon Obika for his second goal in as many games, a finish low past the unfortunate Dunn, who had done well for the rest of the game.
Dunn had to be on top form to stop Rodgers adding to the tally as we threw on three forwards and promoted Osman to the attack. With a couple of minutes to go, Akinfenwa flicked on a Jackman free kick and the ball rattled the post. How that stayed out was anyone’s guess but when we won a free kick in stoppage time in the same position, there was more reason for heads in hands.
Jackman swung the ball in from the right and Jason Crowe sent in a powerful header that somehow the keeper stopped on the goal line. That was the last effort and the final nail in the coffin of a truly awful game of football. Both sides were shocking, Yeovil slightly less bad than us.
Where we go from now is a question that someone needs to answer, and quickly. We’re in the bottom four now with no game this weekend, meaning that we could be as far as four points from safety when we go to Bristol Rovers on Good Friday. If some players don’t start caring as much as the loyal support we’ll have no chance of staying in League One and that will be just the start of our worries.
I said after the Peterborough defeat that if we put that much passion into every game we would be fine. Unfortunately, we’re not doing that and what comes next could be a living nightmare as the trap door begins to open.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)