Part One of the season in review 2008/09...August...a month that saw a shaky start shadowed by a stunning cup success...
The Cobblers started the new season in true style as Cheltenham Town were beaten 4-2 at Sixfields. Three new signings, Luke Guttridge, Leon Constantine and Liam Davis made their Cobblers debut but it wasn’t all plain sailing. David Bird gave the visitors the lead in the 35th minute but it was Chris Doig that equalised before half time. Two penalties from Adebayo Akinfenwa gave us a comfortable lead before Michael Townsend scored from the spot at the other end. But it was Constantine who rounded things off following good work from Akinfenwa who unselfishly set his strike partner up for a debut goal.
In the first midweek game of the season, Jason Crowe’s goal was enough to knock Milwall out of the Carling Cup but little would we know what drama would follow in the same competition.
The following Saturday saw a disappointing performance at MK Dons result in the Dons winning the first ever meeting between the clubs. Aaron Wilbraham got the only goal of the game following a goal mouth scramble and the Cobblers had nothing in reply.
Millwall were the opponents the following weekend as we faced a quick fire rematch with the Lions after that Carling Cup tie. This time there was nothing to separate the sides and the game ended goalless.
After drawing Bolton Wanderers away in the Carling Cup, no-one would have given us a chance against the Premier League outfit. But Adebayo Akinfenwa had other ideas and scored twice in the opening half an hour to give us a surprise lead. Gary Cahill was sent off to add to Bolton’s troubles and despite a late goal from Kevin Nolan, the Cobblers recorded a fantastic win to upset the odds.
After that stunning night at the Reebok, we were brought right back down to earth though as we were hammered by Tranmere Rovers. Ryan Gilligan put the Cobblers in front but Rovers were 3-1 up by half time as goals from Bas Savage, Antony Kay and Craig Curran gave the hosts the advantage. Ian Moore scored in stoppage time to round off a disappointing end to August for the Cobblers.
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