Tuesday night's Johnstone's Paint Trophy First Round tie at Wycombe Wanderers comes just one hour after the transfer window slams shut for four months. So who will be left to take on the Chairboys? Adebayo Akinfenwa has been involved in many a transfer window speculation but it seems late in the day now for the big man to move, particularly with main suitors Swansea making a double signing on Friday night.
There doesn't seem to be a lot more threatening to happen in the players out column with most of the saleable assets already gone. The money received from Danny Jackman gives Stuart Gray some money but more than likely it will mean simply more to splash out on wages rather than a transfer fee, with Luke Boden already brought in for midfield cover and thrown straight into the action at Burton.
We should avoid falling into the trap of last season's loan dealings and Stuart Gray seems to recognise the need for more permanant signings. I can't see an awful lot happening before Tuesday's 6pm deadline with Gary Mulligan returning and Abdul Osman back from injury so don't be surprised if Sixfields is a quiet place in the next couple of days.
Here's hoping that there's no more holes in the starting line-up for the Wycombe game on Tuesday.
Monday, August 31, 2009
Saturday, August 29, 2009
Nightmare start hands defeat to Town
Burton Albion 3-2 Northampton Town
Saturday, August 29th 2009
League Two
A tight knit defence, the key to the positive side of the season so far for the Cobblers, was smashed aside in a little over ten minutes this afternoon as the travelling support had a real shock at the Pirelli Stadium, Burton. That defence, who had previously conceded just one goal in the league this season were torn apart by three inside the opening exchanges and despite a late fight back by Stuart Gray’s men the damage had been done and we slipped to defeat number two of this campaign.
Adebayo Akinfenwa was pronounced injured before the game and played no part. If he’s as ‘injured’ as Danny Jackman was a couple of weeks then we should be concerned of a looming move away from Sixfields but the big man is only 50/50 before every game so hopefully we won’t need to read any more into that. Steve Guinan partnered Billy McKay up front for this one with new boy Luke Boden anchoring the midfield and Seb Harris making the squad for the first time.
Ben Marshall almost got us off to the best possible start when he drove wide within the opening minute and how different the game could have been had that flown in. As it was, Burton stunned Town with a three minute goal salvo within ten minutes of kick off.
First, Chris Dunn’s error in delaying a kick out and being closed down by Shaun Harrod led to the Albion forward slotting home the opening goal. Michael Simpson scrambled home the second on just seven minutes and then rifled the ball in off the underside of the cross bar for the third in a disastrous start for Gray’s men.
We couldn’t get into the game after that until five minutes before the break when Steve Guinan could have made it 3-1 when sent clean through on goal but Burton keeper Artur Krysiak kept it out and ensured his side went in three goals to the good at half time.
Gray quickly changed things with Abdul Osman, returning from injury, and Gary Mulligan, making his debut, replacing Paul Rodgers and Craig Hinton. Billy McKay and Guinan went close in the early stages of the second half with Town looking for a similar recovery to last season’s remarkable 4-4 draw at Scunthorpe where we were 4-1 down before salvaging a draw.
But despite having a good go at getting it back for a draw we couldn’t find our way all the way back from the jaws of defeat. Guinan got one back after Boden initial effort had been blocked before a lifeline was handed to the Cobblers with a penalty nine minutes from time after a foul on Mulligan. Ryan Gilligan stepped up in Bayo’s place and made it 3-2 but that was the last of our efforts and Burton took home all the points.
After two wins in the last couple of games it was easy to think that the tide was turned but after a horror show of a first half and the transfer window looming large there is still a lot of unanswered questions as we leave the first month of the season behind. `
Back to the football after hectic week
As we prepare for today’s game at Burton Albion, our first ever visit to the Pirelli Stadium, Cobblers boss Stuart Gray must be anxious to finally play some football after an exhausting week of transfers, rumours and speculation as the deadline day for deals comes ever closer. With Danny Jackman departed, Stuart Gray has a bit to play with, whether it be loan signings or paying out for a transfer fee and he’s already brought in some midfield cover.
Loan number four of the season came in the form of Sheffield Wednesday man Luke Boden on an initial one month deal. Boden has been in and out of the first team for Wednesday in the last few seasons and is described as a “big, strong midfield player” by Gray. This may point to either Abdul Osman or Luke Guttridge’s injuries being worse than first thought and we’ll see how those two both recover. Guttridge is one man we’re still missing at the moment but the flair of Ben Marshall is seeing us through with that extra bit of attacking nouse.
Marshall is the shining star of the season so far and his performance against Bournemouth was typified by a run up the entire length of the pitch before setting up Billy McKay for a chance at goal. If we can keep hold of the Stoke man for the whole season it would represent a tremendous coup for the Town boss.
Bayo has also been in the spotlight with no comments from the club direct about a possible move back to Swansea City. The Swans have made two signings up front this week already including Lee Trundle returning home and that could well mean the Bayo rumour is over with them at least. Hopefully this doesn’t mean he’s wanting away as well!
As for Burton this afternoon it’s going to be a toughie despite our change in form with a whole host of experienced heads in their squad including former Cobblers men Guy Branston and Richard Walker. Despite it being so early in the season still it does represent a big game for the Cobblers with a real chance of claiming an early position in the higher echelons of the league table.
Monday’s transfer window will be as interesting as ever but for now let’s concentrate on three points this afternoon!
Loan number four of the season came in the form of Sheffield Wednesday man Luke Boden on an initial one month deal. Boden has been in and out of the first team for Wednesday in the last few seasons and is described as a “big, strong midfield player” by Gray. This may point to either Abdul Osman or Luke Guttridge’s injuries being worse than first thought and we’ll see how those two both recover. Guttridge is one man we’re still missing at the moment but the flair of Ben Marshall is seeing us through with that extra bit of attacking nouse.
Marshall is the shining star of the season so far and his performance against Bournemouth was typified by a run up the entire length of the pitch before setting up Billy McKay for a chance at goal. If we can keep hold of the Stoke man for the whole season it would represent a tremendous coup for the Town boss.
Bayo has also been in the spotlight with no comments from the club direct about a possible move back to Swansea City. The Swans have made two signings up front this week already including Lee Trundle returning home and that could well mean the Bayo rumour is over with them at least. Hopefully this doesn’t mean he’s wanting away as well!
As for Burton this afternoon it’s going to be a toughie despite our change in form with a whole host of experienced heads in their squad including former Cobblers men Guy Branston and Richard Walker. Despite it being so early in the season still it does represent a big game for the Cobblers with a real chance of claiming an early position in the higher echelons of the league table.
Monday’s transfer window will be as interesting as ever but for now let’s concentrate on three points this afternoon!
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Jackman departure inevitable but still mystery surrounds the "injury"
And so Danny Jackman has left for higher ground in a move creating mystery, intrigue and an incredible injury recovery. Jackman appeared to have picked up an injury before the season started, strangely directly after a transfer request went in and was rejected a couple of days previous. Two weeks later and the double player of the year has left and the ‘injury’ is apparently healed as he played for Gillingham last night in their 3-1 defeat to Blackburn in the Carling Cup.
More than a few eyebrows have been raised, and rightly so. Jackman, once a fans’ favourite and someone that I wrote very favourably of in this very blog, has now left under a cloud. What grates the most is that he himself said that he’d stick around this season even if we did go down (a statement from before the Leeds game on the final day of 08/09).
It’s fair enough that Jackman wants to play at the higher level but did he not think that before the end of last season? Or was it all just a front, put on to look like the hero? Either way, Jackman is gone for what must be a fairly big sum (the undisclosed fee rears its ugly head again) and we must now move on with players who want to be at the club. A good result on Saturday and we’ll be flying and if the defence can continue to cope without his influence then we should be OK.
With under a week of the transfer window to go, time is running out to find a replacement so it could be a busy few days for Mr Gray.
Sunday, August 23, 2009
Cherries picked off by improving Town
Northampton Town 2-0 AFC Bournemouth
League Two
Saturday, August 22nd 2009
Something strange has happened. Northampton Town have won two games in a row in what seems an unprecedented step. The win at Accrington on Tuesday night was good enough to salvage something from a stuttering start to the season but this win over a Bournemouth side who had previously won all three of their opening games was more impressive for the all round team performance that matched the result.
Naming an unchanged side, Stuart Gray knew that the pressure was still on him but the Cobblers boss didn’t have to wait long for the opening that eased the pressure on his side, looking for a home win to lift their spirits even more after Tuesday’s big win in midweek. Ben Marshall collected the ball from Steve Guinan on the right hand side and delivered a good cross that Bayo Akinfenwa had no trouble in converting from close range.
The Cherries were stunned into action, having conceded their first goal in the league this season and Mark Molesley forced a save out of Chris Dunn. The Cobblers were forced into a worrying double change with injuries continuing to mount as John Curtis and Akinfenwa replaced by Alex Dyer and Billy McKay.
Marshall shot over after a bursting run from midfield before Sammy Igoe tested Dunn again at the other end with a curling effort. In an increasingly entertaining first half, Brett Pitman hit the bar for the visitors before Steve Guinan shot wide after good build up play.
Going into the break two goals up gave the Cobblers a good base for the second 45 and Dean Beckwith came close to making it two following a free kick before Billy McKay also went close following yet another long run from Marshall, once again coming into his own on the League Two stage.
With ten minutes to go, McKay thought he had found the breakthrough of the second goal but his effort, a rebound after a Guinan shot, was ruled out for offside. But the Cobblers would get the second and seal an impressive win against a strong Bournemouth side as McKay forced a save out of the visiting keeper only for Marshall to seal a good performance by slotting home the rebound.
As the final whistle went, the Cobblers fans rose to appreciate a performance that was as improved as we could have hoped after the first three games of the season. An all round team effort to take into next week’s game at newly promoted Burton Albion and the fact that no side in League Two has won all four games can give us terrific hope that we can still make a good start to this campaign.
League Two
Saturday, August 22nd 2009
Something strange has happened. Northampton Town have won two games in a row in what seems an unprecedented step. The win at Accrington on Tuesday night was good enough to salvage something from a stuttering start to the season but this win over a Bournemouth side who had previously won all three of their opening games was more impressive for the all round team performance that matched the result.
Naming an unchanged side, Stuart Gray knew that the pressure was still on him but the Cobblers boss didn’t have to wait long for the opening that eased the pressure on his side, looking for a home win to lift their spirits even more after Tuesday’s big win in midweek. Ben Marshall collected the ball from Steve Guinan on the right hand side and delivered a good cross that Bayo Akinfenwa had no trouble in converting from close range.
The Cherries were stunned into action, having conceded their first goal in the league this season and Mark Molesley forced a save out of Chris Dunn. The Cobblers were forced into a worrying double change with injuries continuing to mount as John Curtis and Akinfenwa replaced by Alex Dyer and Billy McKay.
Marshall shot over after a bursting run from midfield before Sammy Igoe tested Dunn again at the other end with a curling effort. In an increasingly entertaining first half, Brett Pitman hit the bar for the visitors before Steve Guinan shot wide after good build up play.
Going into the break two goals up gave the Cobblers a good base for the second 45 and Dean Beckwith came close to making it two following a free kick before Billy McKay also went close following yet another long run from Marshall, once again coming into his own on the League Two stage.
With ten minutes to go, McKay thought he had found the breakthrough of the second goal but his effort, a rebound after a Guinan shot, was ruled out for offside. But the Cobblers would get the second and seal an impressive win against a strong Bournemouth side as McKay forced a save out of the visiting keeper only for Marshall to seal a good performance by slotting home the rebound.
As the final whistle went, the Cobblers fans rose to appreciate a performance that was as improved as we could have hoped after the first three games of the season. An all round team effort to take into next week’s game at newly promoted Burton Albion and the fact that no side in League Two has won all four games can give us terrific hope that we can still make a good start to this campaign.
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Relief all round for attacking trio
It was relieving not only to win on Tuesday but to have all three fit strikers scoring for the first time this season. With Gary Mulligan chomping at the bit to get back in action and to finally make his Cobblers debut, the pressure was on at Accrington for the other three forwards to break their season ducks.
Steve Guinan got the ball rolling with a superbly taken first, a curling effort into the top corner following neat build up through the middle of the park. Guinan picked his spot wonderfully and could easily have had a second goal later in the first half as he looped a volley onto the Stanley cross bar. Bayo was next to kick off his season’s tally when he was fouled and dusted himself off to slot home the spot kick. The fact that Bayo got a decision his way for once showed that not all referees are so quick to jump on the bandwagon of reprimanding the big man whenever he goes in for a 50/50 challenge. Picking up an injury late on, Bayo was replaced by Billy McKay who sealed the win with a third goal late one, drilling the ball home into the bottom corner of the net and the job was done.
Whether it goes in from a stunning 40 yarder or off your backside I’m sure all strikers will agree that the first goal of the season is the one leaving you with most relief. Here’s to a few more as the months roll on!
Travelling support finally get some reward
The 3-0 win at Accrington Stanley on Tuesday night wasn’t just impressive for the result, a first win of the season for a relieved Stuart Gray, but for the volume of travelling support from the claret faithful. Not since the 3-1 success over Leyton Orient in April have we recorded an away win and for the Cobblers fans it was a just reward for a tough drive north.
Stanley fans themselves were said to impressed by the number of away fans on show on Tuesday night and this sort of commitment despite a less than impressive opening to the season must have provided a massive lift for the players as they ran out of the tunnel.
There could be an argument that many visited the Fraser Eagles Stadium because it was another of “the 92” to tick off their list but still, a Tuesday night in Accrington still doesn’t seem appealing even to the biggest of the stadium explorers. Much more is still to come this season with some tough away ties at equally unglamorous locations and the night at Accrington could be the start of a turn around in attitudes both on and off the pitch.
Stuart Gray won’t have won that many new fans just yet but a 3-0 away success is difficult to moan about, though some will still grumble about us sitting back for long periods at 2-0, but a few more results like this one will go a long way to sealing Gray’s future at the club. There’s a thought that Gray has ten games to get it right so work is still to be done without a doubt.
We just have to hope that we don’t need to send Gray on his way as a tough looking few weeks looms on the horizon.
Stanley fans themselves were said to impressed by the number of away fans on show on Tuesday night and this sort of commitment despite a less than impressive opening to the season must have provided a massive lift for the players as they ran out of the tunnel.
There could be an argument that many visited the Fraser Eagles Stadium because it was another of “the 92” to tick off their list but still, a Tuesday night in Accrington still doesn’t seem appealing even to the biggest of the stadium explorers. Much more is still to come this season with some tough away ties at equally unglamorous locations and the night at Accrington could be the start of a turn around in attitudes both on and off the pitch.
Stuart Gray won’t have won that many new fans just yet but a 3-0 away success is difficult to moan about, though some will still grumble about us sitting back for long periods at 2-0, but a few more results like this one will go a long way to sealing Gray’s future at the club. There’s a thought that Gray has ten games to get it right so work is still to be done without a doubt.
We just have to hope that we don’t need to send Gray on his way as a tough looking few weeks looms on the horizon.
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Breath of life for Gray and Town
Accrington Stanley 0-3 Northampton Town
Tuesday, August 18th 2009
In what has seemed a hell of a long time coming, The Cobblers are finally off the mark in League Two, tonight scoring their first goals and securing a first win of the season that not only lifts the players but gives Stuart Gray a more than timely boost. Accrington Stanley away was surely not the fixture Gray would have wanted with his future becoming more uncertain as the games go on but his strikers finally found form and the fact that both Steve Guinan and Billy McKay both opened their Town accounts would have left the Cobblers boss a happy man.
We still had to work hard defensively for a lot of the game after a terrific start that saw Guinan bag his opening strike as a Town player after just three minutes with a lovely goal from twenty yards, curled into the top corner. After Bayo Akinfenwa had been hauled down on seventeen minutes, the big man picked himself up to slot home the second and we were up and running for the season.
Stanley had their chances and right at the start of the second half, Dean Winnard had their best chance, heading wide when well placed from a free kick. The Cobblers were holding firm though and the defence was only breached on a couple of occasions, once from a free kick that Chris Dunn did very well to tip away and again from another effort from Winnard.
But it was Gray’s men that would have the final say after Stanley had rattled the woodwork and substitute Billy McKay sealed a good night for our strikers by finishing well from twenty yards. There was still time for Steve Guinan to bring down James Ryan for a penalty to Accrington but Ryan got up and shot wide from the resulting kick, meaning that we had kept a clean sheet in difficult circumstances and scored three goals in what should be a morale boosting win.
Gray himself won’t be out of the woods just yet with a massive test at home to Bournemouth on Saturday looming large. The Cherries have stormed through the first three games, taking maximum points along the way and will be a big step up from this game tonight.
So panic buttons are on hold for now anyway...the roller coaster has well and truly begun and we’re only just over a week in. Hold on tight...
Sunday, August 16, 2009
Single goal sends Town to defeat at Chesterfield
One goal was enough on Saturday for the Cobblers to fall to a first league defeat of the season as we continue to search for our first goal of the campaign.
A home side that were looking to bounce back from defeat last weekend were always going to be tricky opposition but the Cobblers will still be disappointed with a narrow loss. So many games were lost by the single goal last season and Stuart Gray will not be happy with the first of 2009/10.
Steve Guinan came into the side for Billy McKay and had the first shot on goal within the first minute, curling an effort wide. A couple of goalmouth efforts were blocked by the Spireites before they had a goal disallowed at the other end. Bookings for Abdul Osman, John Curtis and Guinan in quick succession angered the visiting support but worse was to follow as Chesterfield took the lead.
Former Cobblers target Jack Lester crossed the ball for Donal McDermott who finished well past Chris Dunn and it was advantage to our hosts.
Akinfenwa almost levelled a minute before half time and seconds later Ben Marshall shot just over the bar as the Cobblers ended the half well but couldn't get back into things.
The second half began with Town looking despertately to get back on level terms with plenty of possession but little in final quality. Ryan Gilligan came off the bench to replace defender Craig Hinton in an attacking move but Billy McKay didn't see any action until eight minutes to go, replacing Guinan.
By then, Marshall had hit the post with a curling effort and that would be the closest we would come in a frustrating game to signal ou first loss of the league season. Accrington Stanley away on Tuesday now presents the first big moment of the season despite it being just three games old.
Defeat there and we would really be considering this a shocker of a start but a win would start to turn the tide. Staurt Gray may be starting to feel a little uncomfortable again.
Wycombe away in JPT
The Cobblers have been handed a tough trip to newly promoted League One side Wycombe Wanderers in the first round of the Johnstone's Paint Trophy. The trip to Adams Park is set for the week commencing 31st August after the draw was made on Saturday morning.
Last season the Cobblers crashed out in the first round after a 1-0 defeat at Sixfields to Brighton and will be looking to go further this time around...
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Saints dump Cobblers out of cup
Last season’s Carling Cup heroics against Bolton and Sunderland couldn’t be repeated this evening as the Cobblers put up a brave battle but lost out to Southampton at St Mary’s. Saints boasted new signing Rickie Lambert and the former Bristol Rovers man opened the scoring in the first half. A real battle after the break saw us come so close but we couldn’t quite break them down and a second goal killed us off.
On a bright evening on the south coast, we started with the same back four as Saturday but Romone Rose was handed a debut at right midfield, coming in for Alex Dyer with Ryan Gilligan pushed inside with Abdul Osman. Bayo was dropped to the bench with Steve Guinan and Billy McKay up front.
Saints began the brighter with a couple of Lambert free kicks flying over the bar. Warning shots they most certainly were and it wouldn’t be long before the inevitable goal came from the former Gas Head. Ben Marshall, impressive again on the left, cut inside to create the first of our chances but he was foiled by the excellent Kelvin Davies.
Andy Holt had a free header on the twenty minute mark but he was made to pay for that miss as the home side took the lead ten minutes later. Lloyd James was given too much space on the right and his good cross was met by Lambert who stooped to header home low into Chris Dunn’s net. Saints came to life with that goal and we did well to hold out till half time with the score still at just 1-0.
A double change near the hour mark so nearly changed the game in our favour with Bayo on for McKay and John Curtis given a debut in the place of Romone Rose. The changes sparked a period of fifteen minutes where we really looked like we would get back into the game. Guinan had a shot deflected over and the atmosphere built in the Northam end where the 700 or so Cobblers fans had gathered.
Marshall shot wide before Bayo had a golden chance to level the scores, pouncing on a defensive error to bring the ball down and fire over the bar. That would be the last chance to get back on terms as Southampton scored the killer goal when Adam Lallana scrambled the ball home and from then on it was all but over.
Alex Dyer came off the bench to give a good account of himself and looked ten times the player Abdul Osman did in the middle of the park in a shocker for the former Gretna midfielder. A third goal for Southampton would have been harsh on us but Rasiak nearly got it before being denied by Dunn late on.
The game faded and the Cobblers crashed out of the Carling Cup at the first round stage. A good battle and this gives me a little more confidence after Saturday’s game against Macclesfield. Next up is a tricky away double at Chesterfield and Accrington Stanley. Welcome to League Two indeed...on this tale of quality and final touch, we have a fair way to go yet.
Now for the real tests...
On a bright evening on the south coast, we started with the same back four as Saturday but Romone Rose was handed a debut at right midfield, coming in for Alex Dyer with Ryan Gilligan pushed inside with Abdul Osman. Bayo was dropped to the bench with Steve Guinan and Billy McKay up front.
Saints began the brighter with a couple of Lambert free kicks flying over the bar. Warning shots they most certainly were and it wouldn’t be long before the inevitable goal came from the former Gas Head. Ben Marshall, impressive again on the left, cut inside to create the first of our chances but he was foiled by the excellent Kelvin Davies.
Andy Holt had a free header on the twenty minute mark but he was made to pay for that miss as the home side took the lead ten minutes later. Lloyd James was given too much space on the right and his good cross was met by Lambert who stooped to header home low into Chris Dunn’s net. Saints came to life with that goal and we did well to hold out till half time with the score still at just 1-0.
A double change near the hour mark so nearly changed the game in our favour with Bayo on for McKay and John Curtis given a debut in the place of Romone Rose. The changes sparked a period of fifteen minutes where we really looked like we would get back into the game. Guinan had a shot deflected over and the atmosphere built in the Northam end where the 700 or so Cobblers fans had gathered.
Marshall shot wide before Bayo had a golden chance to level the scores, pouncing on a defensive error to bring the ball down and fire over the bar. That would be the last chance to get back on terms as Southampton scored the killer goal when Adam Lallana scrambled the ball home and from then on it was all but over.
Alex Dyer came off the bench to give a good account of himself and looked ten times the player Abdul Osman did in the middle of the park in a shocker for the former Gretna midfielder. A third goal for Southampton would have been harsh on us but Rasiak nearly got it before being denied by Dunn late on.
The game faded and the Cobblers crashed out of the Carling Cup at the first round stage. A good battle and this gives me a little more confidence after Saturday’s game against Macclesfield. Next up is a tricky away double at Chesterfield and Accrington Stanley. Welcome to League Two indeed...on this tale of quality and final touch, we have a fair way to go yet.
Now for the real tests...
A six year wait finally over
As the Cobblers prepare for tonight's League Cup First Round game at Southampton, I personally end a six year wait for a game between the sides at St Mary's. Moving to university in Southampton in 2003 there never seemed a chance that we would ever play across the road from my halls of residence with Saints in Europe having finished runners up in the FA Cup final the season before.
A glimmer of hope came in 04/05 when Town drew Southampton in both cups but frustratingly both games were at Sixfields! So this game tonight means a lot, to finally give me a chance to wander over to a game instead of sit on a train/replacement bus service/taxi/boat to get to a game.
It's also a return to the club for Stuart Gray of course and he'll be looking to put one over on a few friends. Injuries are mounting for Gray with Ryan Gilligan the latest doubt so Romone Rose could make his Cobblers debut.
With good ticket prices there should be a fair attendance in place tonight...let's hope I'm not regretting finally meeting Southampton away come 9:30 tonight!
Sunday, August 09, 2009
Cobblers held on opening day
2009/10 started with as much distraction as there was ambition on this day one year ago. Back in August 2008, nothing could stop the Cobblers after a terrific ninth place finish in League One the season before. But twelve months and a relegation on, key players have left the club to leave us with an uncertain beginning to this season and Macclesfield Town were very much a “welcome back to League Two” opponent.
The rumours circulating before the first blow of the referee’s whistle in this campaign surrounded Danny Jackman, who this week handed in a transfer request that was rejected by David Cardoza.
The talk before the game were of Jackman’s “injury” that kept him out of the match at the last minute. Some said the double player of the year had signed for Notts County, some said a home return to Gillingham was his path but either way we would have to do without him for this game at the very least.
Elsewhere, Stuart Gray picked a strange line-up with John Curtis also missing and new centre back Craig Hinton started at right back instead whilst actual right back Paul Rodgers sat on the bench. Ryan Gilligan started on the right of a four man midfield with Alex Dyer getting his chance in the middle with Abdul Osman. On the left was Town’s best prospect throughout the match, the newly signed loan man Ben Marshall. Akinfenwa and Billy McKay led the line up front.
Bayo was in the mix from the off, receiving a ridiculous booking for nothing more than standing up a couple of times whilst the Macc defender couldn’t deal with him. Whether the yellow card had any effect on the rest of the game for the big man was debatable and he lashed a shot in from range soon after, signalling his frustration and intent.
A free kick was wasted, ironically in an ideal spot for a Jackman special, by Osman before the same man hoofed over the bar. But the visitors were the side that came closest to a breakthrough when they hit the bar late in the half, firing off a warning to Gray’s men, who responded well and had a header cleared off the line and generally looked a lot brighter after that.
Half time came too soon though and after the break we looked sluggish again, with Bayo coming closest for us with after winding up and powering a right footed shot at goal that the Silkman’s keeper did well to push away for a corner.
At the other end, hesitation between defenders and keeper Chris Dunn so nearly cost us even a point as John Roooney broke through and missed a golden chance when one on one with the Cobblers stopper. It was increasingly becoming more open a game as every one of our attacks left us open to the break away tactic from Macclesfield who so nearly caught us out once again towards the end with a left footed shot from Rooney flashing past Dunn’s near post.
There was no real late flurry despite a last ditch corner for us and we had to settle for a point in the opening game of this season. The Jackman saga took another turn when he made the raffle draw in the bar after the game, with questions being fired from all angles about his next career move. Jackman himself said he was indeed injured so time will tell whether his reassuring words are true.
As for Gray, he has a trip to his old friends at Southampton to prepare for on Tuesday night but certainly we need more organisation going into that one. The starting eleven were a scary shadow of our former selves but now that we’ve been dealt the cards we have it’s time to get everyone playing in their positions even if that does mean leaving out some of the new boys.
Romone Rose remained on the bench today with Paul Rodgers coming on in his place at right midfield at one point with Rose surely the better and more logical replacement. Meanwhile, Alex Dyer still looked raw and Holt didn’t look the most comfortable pushed a bit further back than usual.
So the analysing and critique begins but at least Tuesday night should provide a brief reflection on where we want to be and where we quite simply should still be as we take a trip to St Mary’s. Personally it’s one I’ve been waiting for for six years having lived in the area since moving to uni there in 2003 and it should be a fun night, even if we could struggle!
It’s good to be back, either way!
The rumours circulating before the first blow of the referee’s whistle in this campaign surrounded Danny Jackman, who this week handed in a transfer request that was rejected by David Cardoza.
The talk before the game were of Jackman’s “injury” that kept him out of the match at the last minute. Some said the double player of the year had signed for Notts County, some said a home return to Gillingham was his path but either way we would have to do without him for this game at the very least.
Elsewhere, Stuart Gray picked a strange line-up with John Curtis also missing and new centre back Craig Hinton started at right back instead whilst actual right back Paul Rodgers sat on the bench. Ryan Gilligan started on the right of a four man midfield with Alex Dyer getting his chance in the middle with Abdul Osman. On the left was Town’s best prospect throughout the match, the newly signed loan man Ben Marshall. Akinfenwa and Billy McKay led the line up front.
Bayo was in the mix from the off, receiving a ridiculous booking for nothing more than standing up a couple of times whilst the Macc defender couldn’t deal with him. Whether the yellow card had any effect on the rest of the game for the big man was debatable and he lashed a shot in from range soon after, signalling his frustration and intent.
A free kick was wasted, ironically in an ideal spot for a Jackman special, by Osman before the same man hoofed over the bar. But the visitors were the side that came closest to a breakthrough when they hit the bar late in the half, firing off a warning to Gray’s men, who responded well and had a header cleared off the line and generally looked a lot brighter after that.
Half time came too soon though and after the break we looked sluggish again, with Bayo coming closest for us with after winding up and powering a right footed shot at goal that the Silkman’s keeper did well to push away for a corner.
At the other end, hesitation between defenders and keeper Chris Dunn so nearly cost us even a point as John Roooney broke through and missed a golden chance when one on one with the Cobblers stopper. It was increasingly becoming more open a game as every one of our attacks left us open to the break away tactic from Macclesfield who so nearly caught us out once again towards the end with a left footed shot from Rooney flashing past Dunn’s near post.
There was no real late flurry despite a last ditch corner for us and we had to settle for a point in the opening game of this season. The Jackman saga took another turn when he made the raffle draw in the bar after the game, with questions being fired from all angles about his next career move. Jackman himself said he was indeed injured so time will tell whether his reassuring words are true.
As for Gray, he has a trip to his old friends at Southampton to prepare for on Tuesday night but certainly we need more organisation going into that one. The starting eleven were a scary shadow of our former selves but now that we’ve been dealt the cards we have it’s time to get everyone playing in their positions even if that does mean leaving out some of the new boys.
Romone Rose remained on the bench today with Paul Rodgers coming on in his place at right midfield at one point with Rose surely the better and more logical replacement. Meanwhile, Alex Dyer still looked raw and Holt didn’t look the most comfortable pushed a bit further back than usual.
So the analysing and critique begins but at least Tuesday night should provide a brief reflection on where we want to be and where we quite simply should still be as we take a trip to St Mary’s. Personally it’s one I’ve been waiting for for six years having lived in the area since moving to uni there in 2003 and it should be a fun night, even if we could struggle!
It’s good to be back, either way!
Thursday, August 06, 2009
Here we go again...
And so we sit on the edge of another season and we’re back to the point where there’s nothing to worry about so let’s make the most of that while it lasts. Because once 3pm on Saturday comes around, nine months of worry, doubts, heartache, perhaps even joy and hope begins.
Since that fateful day at Elland Road in early May there’s been changes aplenty but whatever side starts and finishes this season it’s imperative that we get our ambition back, imperative that we get our Cobblers back.
The most noteable changes to the squad have come at the back, with Mark Hughes, Chris Doig and Jason Crowe all leaving this summer. This must be one major concern, with a defence that hardly knows each other set to start the season. Dean Beckwith and Craig Hinton must gel from the start to give Chris Dunn behind them a little bit of confidence. It’s still worth noting that Dunn is a rookie, thrown in at the deep end last season when Bunny left for Blackburn, and his vulnerability needs to be protected despite a vast improvement over the last few months of last season.
In midfield, Giles Coke decided to play a nasty game in giving his word that he would sign before flying off to Motherwell but this is a terrific chance for the likes of Alex Dyer to break into the side. Abdul Osman must hold the middle of the field together and he could be key in some of the more physical battles this division provides. Ryan Gilligan also gets a chance for now and his hard work could prove vital. Liam Davis’ injury looks to keep him out but Holty can step in if needed – he was one of the players that did actually battle in the run in last season and League Two needs that sort of mettle.
Up top we’ll turn to Bayo for the goals but thankfully we look to have finally found a nifty young whipper snapper in Billy McKay that could be the secret weapon to play off the big man. Last season we had Constantine which says it all, and we at least have goals in us with different types of forward – the hustling Bayo and Guinan, the pacy McKay and the workhorse Mulligan.
So all in all we’re looking pretty strong with the defence the main concern for me. If they can get together quickly and figure out an understanding then their records show that their talents can aid a promotion challenge.
It’s that illusive good start we crave so much and with Macclesfield coming to town we have a good chance of that. I can’t help think that there could be a sting in the tail as there so often is on opening day and I’d much rather be playing Notts County’s new era on day one than the Silkmen, who beat us 1-0 at Moss Rose on opening day 1999 – ten years and a day previous to this season’s big kick off. Hopefully no bad omens there but remember we were promoted that season in third place following a magnificent final day out at Plainmoor, Torquay.
Anything like a season to match that one will be terrific and if we can erase the still lingering heartache of Elland Road within the first couple of months of the 09/10 season then I’ll be delighted. The hurt is still there but the fans, players and staff now have to use that pain to push for a place back in League One.
Up The Cobblers!
Since that fateful day at Elland Road in early May there’s been changes aplenty but whatever side starts and finishes this season it’s imperative that we get our ambition back, imperative that we get our Cobblers back.
The most noteable changes to the squad have come at the back, with Mark Hughes, Chris Doig and Jason Crowe all leaving this summer. This must be one major concern, with a defence that hardly knows each other set to start the season. Dean Beckwith and Craig Hinton must gel from the start to give Chris Dunn behind them a little bit of confidence. It’s still worth noting that Dunn is a rookie, thrown in at the deep end last season when Bunny left for Blackburn, and his vulnerability needs to be protected despite a vast improvement over the last few months of last season.
In midfield, Giles Coke decided to play a nasty game in giving his word that he would sign before flying off to Motherwell but this is a terrific chance for the likes of Alex Dyer to break into the side. Abdul Osman must hold the middle of the field together and he could be key in some of the more physical battles this division provides. Ryan Gilligan also gets a chance for now and his hard work could prove vital. Liam Davis’ injury looks to keep him out but Holty can step in if needed – he was one of the players that did actually battle in the run in last season and League Two needs that sort of mettle.
Up top we’ll turn to Bayo for the goals but thankfully we look to have finally found a nifty young whipper snapper in Billy McKay that could be the secret weapon to play off the big man. Last season we had Constantine which says it all, and we at least have goals in us with different types of forward – the hustling Bayo and Guinan, the pacy McKay and the workhorse Mulligan.
So all in all we’re looking pretty strong with the defence the main concern for me. If they can get together quickly and figure out an understanding then their records show that their talents can aid a promotion challenge.
It’s that illusive good start we crave so much and with Macclesfield coming to town we have a good chance of that. I can’t help think that there could be a sting in the tail as there so often is on opening day and I’d much rather be playing Notts County’s new era on day one than the Silkmen, who beat us 1-0 at Moss Rose on opening day 1999 – ten years and a day previous to this season’s big kick off. Hopefully no bad omens there but remember we were promoted that season in third place following a magnificent final day out at Plainmoor, Torquay.
Anything like a season to match that one will be terrific and if we can erase the still lingering heartache of Elland Road within the first couple of months of the 09/10 season then I’ll be delighted. The hurt is still there but the fans, players and staff now have to use that pain to push for a place back in League One.
Up The Cobblers!
Winger Rose joins on months' loan
QPR winger Romone Rose has signed for the Cobblers on a month long loan deal. The youngster impressed in the 3-1 friendly defeat to MK Dons last weekend and Stuart Gray moved quickly to sign him up for the next few weeks.
Rose, 19, started his career with the R's and helped their under 18s to the Youth Alliance title in 2007. A loan spell at AFC Wimbledon followed before he returned to Loftus Road to make his first team debut in May 2008 against West Bromwich Albion, coming off the bench. Rose went on to play for Histon on loan but then made three appearances for his parent club last season.
He will be immediately available for Saturday's League Two opener against Macclesfield Town.
Wednesday, August 05, 2009
Hearty gesture from Town players
The Cobblers players will donate their match fees for Saturday's game with Macclesfield Town to their eight charities. In a summer when huge transfer fees are being exchanged across Europe, it's refreshing to see a "small" club make what is likely a tiny gesture that will make a lot of difference.
Well done to all at the club!
Well done to all at the club!
Jackman transfer request turned down
Danny Jackman has had a transfer request turned down by Cobblers chairman David Cardoza. The Player of the Year for the past two seasons put in his request on Tuesday but Cardoza was quick to reject it but it does put a number of doubts in fans' minds ahead of the big kick off.
Giles Coke, Mark Hughes and now Jackman have all stated desires to leave with Coke and Hughes already gone this summer. Jackman said before the end of last season that should we be relegated, he would stay as he felt partly responsible so this is quite the shock to say the least!
What does this, in turn, say about the state of the dressing room? When you get a player like Jackman wanting out there must be some sort of problem and the worries have been set in motion.
Very much the last thing we need at this stage!
Monday, August 03, 2009
Squad begins to finalise as McCready and Harris sign
The Cobblers have finalised deals to keep Chris McCready and Sebastian Harris at Sixfields after successful trials with the club. McCready,27, joins after leaving Crewe Alexandra at the end of last season and will compete with Craig Hinton and Dean Beckwith for places at the heart of the Town defence.
Meanwhile, Harris, a young forward, has also caught the eye of Stuart Gray over the summer and joins at least until December with pace and energy the traits stated by the Cobblers boss as reasons to take a closer look at him.
With another couple of players expected through the door before Saturday's big opener against Macclesfield Town, Town fans could be looking at a very different side to the one that ended the Leeds game back in May.
Meanwhile, Harris, a young forward, has also caught the eye of Stuart Gray over the summer and joins at least until December with pace and energy the traits stated by the Cobblers boss as reasons to take a closer look at him.
With another couple of players expected through the door before Saturday's big opener against Macclesfield Town, Town fans could be looking at a very different side to the one that ended the Leeds game back in May.
Sunday, August 02, 2009
Pre-season ends in Dons defeat
So that's all the build up complete as a final pre-season game ends in a defeat at MK Dons. Yesterday, it was Jemal Johnson acting as chief annoyance to The Cobblers' defence and his hat-trick ultimately won it for the Franchise. It was a game that seemed to personify the pre-season so far, a disappointment results wise but with Billy McKay again on the scoresheet, a ray of hope emerging that we could yet bounce back to League One at the first attempt.
Should Bayo and McKay hit it off and we can gel together quickly we should be up there. One sticking point may be a defence that has been rebuild following the departure of it's core in Mark Hughes and Chris Doig. Craig Hinton and Dean Beckwith both won promotion from this league before but they must fit together sooner rather than later.
In this entertaining friendly though, it was our "rivals" that took home the win thanks to Johnson's treble tpo show that Dons should once again be in the front runners in League One next season. As for The Cobblers, we've had a mixed bag of friendlies but were always beaten by the higher opposition.
That's all over now though and the countdown can begin to the 09/10 season...let the real football begin!
Should Bayo and McKay hit it off and we can gel together quickly we should be up there. One sticking point may be a defence that has been rebuild following the departure of it's core in Mark Hughes and Chris Doig. Craig Hinton and Dean Beckwith both won promotion from this league before but they must fit together sooner rather than later.
In this entertaining friendly though, it was our "rivals" that took home the win thanks to Johnson's treble tpo show that Dons should once again be in the front runners in League One next season. As for The Cobblers, we've had a mixed bag of friendlies but were always beaten by the higher opposition.
That's all over now though and the countdown can begin to the 09/10 season...let the real football begin!
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