Northampton Town 3-1 Rotherham United
League Two
Tuesday, September 29th 2009
The doom and gloom may be only temporarily lifted but Sixfields is finally cheering this evening with a, quite surprising if truth be told, success over in form Rotherham United. Ronnie Moore, leading the Millers properly once again, brought his newest set of Millers to the home of football and left with nothing as a young Town forward made his mark for the first time.
The man in question, Courtney Herbert, will never forget this evening for it was his strike just inside the second half that made it 2-0 and for the local lad signed from Long Buckby last week it was a dream come true on his first start for the Cobblers.
By then, Ryan Gilligan had already stooped to give Town the lead and leap to the top of the club’s scoring charts for this season, smashing home a half volley in the tenth minute. That seemed to give us confidence and Herbert broke before being denied by a defender on the half hour mark but it was the youngster’s pace causing all the problems.
Rotherham could have equalised before the break but John Curtis headed away a free kick from Nicky Law to keep us in front. Then it was time for Herbert to shine.
Herbert grabbed back possession in midfield and played a neat one-two with Steve Guinan before looping a shot over the Millers’ keeper Andy Warrington. The ball struck the under side of the cross bar and bounced down just behind the line and Herbert capped his first start with a fine goal.
With chances still at a premium despite the 2-0 lead, the three goal margin was handed to the Cobblers on a plate by Rotherham’s Ian Sharps who could only divert his header into his own net following a powerful volley from Luke Guttridge. 3-0, and a crazy notion that a game was just about wrapped up with half an hour to play!
Adam Le Fondre was causing most of the problems for the visitors and he came close once before grabbing a goal back. Andy Holt brought him down and was booked despite the offence seemingly occurring outside the area. Le Fondre picked himself up to slot home the consolation but it was nothing more and Sammo finally had his first win in charge.
It may yet be a result that the Town legend needs to kick start his campaign for taking the job full time, with the pressure on tonight for him to achieve that victory. Bradford at home on Saturday is another massive test and it’ll be a tough decision for Mr Cardoza to make should we get a repeat of this relief of a result!
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Rotherham United (H) Preview
A Rotherham side buoyed by the return of Ronnie Moore visits Sixfields tonight as the Cobblers search for a first win in six league games. Five defeats on the trot along with the sacking of Stuart Gray has dramatically given our season the worst start imaginable. Ian Sampson remains in charge this evening and we somehow need to scrape a win out by hook or by crook!
Team News
Liam Davis is the only player missing for Sampson but Luke Boden has returned to Sheffield Wednesday as his loan spell came to an end. Adebayo Akinfenwa limped off after half an hour at Shrewsbury last weekend but could yet make the squad.
Rotherham are unbeaten in seven league games and sit pretty in third place in League Two. Ronnie Moore has no new injury concerns ahead of the trip with a full bill of health following last weekend’s 3-0 win over Barnet at the Don Valley Stadium.
Last Meeting...Northampton Town 3-0 Rotherham United (24/02/07)
The Cobblers were comfortable winners in the sides’ last meeting with Kenny Deuchar giving Stuart Gray’s side a fifteenth minute lead. Mark Hughes added a second six minutes later and Ian Taylor completed the scoring on the stroke of half time.
Cobblers: Bunn ,Pearce ,Mark Hughes ,Doig ,Crowe ,Aiston (Kirk ,79 ) ,Taylor (Laird ,62 ) ,Johnson ,Holt ,Robertson ,Deuchar
Rotherham: Cutler ,Streete ,Sharps ,Fleming ,Brogan ,Partridge (Mills ,46 ) ,Cochrane (Bopp ,62(Newsham ,70 )) ,Diagouraga ,Martin Woods ,Facey ,O'Grady
Head to Head...Cobblers v Millers
Games Played: 32
Cobblers Wins: 12
Millers wins: 15
Draws: 5
Team News
Liam Davis is the only player missing for Sampson but Luke Boden has returned to Sheffield Wednesday as his loan spell came to an end. Adebayo Akinfenwa limped off after half an hour at Shrewsbury last weekend but could yet make the squad.
Rotherham are unbeaten in seven league games and sit pretty in third place in League Two. Ronnie Moore has no new injury concerns ahead of the trip with a full bill of health following last weekend’s 3-0 win over Barnet at the Don Valley Stadium.
Last Meeting...Northampton Town 3-0 Rotherham United (24/02/07)
The Cobblers were comfortable winners in the sides’ last meeting with Kenny Deuchar giving Stuart Gray’s side a fifteenth minute lead. Mark Hughes added a second six minutes later and Ian Taylor completed the scoring on the stroke of half time.
Cobblers: Bunn ,Pearce ,Mark Hughes ,Doig ,Crowe ,Aiston (Kirk ,79 ) ,Taylor (Laird ,62 ) ,Johnson ,Holt ,Robertson ,Deuchar
Rotherham: Cutler ,Streete ,Sharps ,Fleming ,Brogan ,Partridge (Mills ,46 ) ,Cochrane (Bopp ,62(Newsham ,70 )) ,Diagouraga ,Martin Woods ,Facey ,O'Grady
Head to Head...Cobblers v Millers
Games Played: 32
Cobblers Wins: 12
Millers wins: 15
Draws: 5
Monday, September 28, 2009
Set play woes equals Shrews defeat
Shrewsbury Town 3-0 Northampton Town
League Two
Saturday, September 26th 2009
It’s now five league defeats in a row for the Cobblers as the 2009/10 season goes from bad to worse following another heavy defeat, this time contributed to by poor defending of set plays and a mix of bad finishing and bad luck at the other end. It was our first trip to the New Meadow and we certainly won’t want to be returning any time soon after a defeat that signified once more how big a job this is for whoever our new boss should be.
Looking back on the match stats, we look like the team that should have won the game by the 3-0 score line that Shrewsbury Town ran away with. But dismal defending, an unusual trait to have under former rock solid defender Ian Sampson, was the defining factor to settle this game.
Chris Dunn quite rightly earned a recall in goal with Simon Brown looking quite unremarkable in his first couple of games whilst John Johnson made his debut after joining from Middlesbrough. Gary Mulligan, Steve Guinan and Luke Guttridge also came in for starts.
It was almost inevitable that after the Cobblers had made a good start that the home side would take the lead in the most simple of circumstances. A right wing cross was met by Jake Robinson who finished with ease and it was an uphill battle from then on in with yet another game being chased from the early going.
The agitation continued when Adebayo Akinfenwa had to come off after just half an hour because of injury with Ben Marshall replacing the big man. Guinan shot just wide as the Cobblers continued to have the lions’ share of possession but there was just no finishing touch. Gilligan shot over the bar after connecting well with a half volley before Luke Guttridge went close on a couple of occasions before half time to at least give the 450 travelling fans something to cling to as the sides went in at the break.
But it was all undone in a matter of moments after the break as Joss Labadie was given space to head home a free kick and it was to get even worse a few minutes later when Kelvin Langmead did exactly the same thing and nodded the ball in from another set play and it was 3-0 and game well and truly put to bed.
Guttridge continued his one man crusade to get shots away at the Shrews’ goal but was frustrated twice more before new signing Courtney Herbert was given a debut after replacing Gary Mulligan. Not the ideal situation for the young lad to come into but he showed some real pace at least to trouble the home defence. It was never going to be enough though and it was typical of the day when Ryan Gilligan hit the post in the dying moments.
So another defeat for the Cobblers and Ian Sampson’s fury at the final whistle at the defending was justified and backed by a real desire to get himself the top job. Those hopes may be well and truly over after the Town legend oversaw four defeats in a row and it could be his final game this Tuesday at home to Rotherham United who are, of course, under a new/old boss themselves in Ronnie Moore.
It’s a shame for Sammo who will feel that he hasn’t had the best of chances to bring in his own players and who knows, Mr Cardoza may see him as the answer long term. But surely we need this mess sorted before a fear of relegation begins again. This time though, it would be so much more serious should we face a disastrous drop once more. It may seem an overreaction but can anyone else see where the next win is coming from?
League Two
Saturday, September 26th 2009
It’s now five league defeats in a row for the Cobblers as the 2009/10 season goes from bad to worse following another heavy defeat, this time contributed to by poor defending of set plays and a mix of bad finishing and bad luck at the other end. It was our first trip to the New Meadow and we certainly won’t want to be returning any time soon after a defeat that signified once more how big a job this is for whoever our new boss should be.
Looking back on the match stats, we look like the team that should have won the game by the 3-0 score line that Shrewsbury Town ran away with. But dismal defending, an unusual trait to have under former rock solid defender Ian Sampson, was the defining factor to settle this game.
Chris Dunn quite rightly earned a recall in goal with Simon Brown looking quite unremarkable in his first couple of games whilst John Johnson made his debut after joining from Middlesbrough. Gary Mulligan, Steve Guinan and Luke Guttridge also came in for starts.
It was almost inevitable that after the Cobblers had made a good start that the home side would take the lead in the most simple of circumstances. A right wing cross was met by Jake Robinson who finished with ease and it was an uphill battle from then on in with yet another game being chased from the early going.
The agitation continued when Adebayo Akinfenwa had to come off after just half an hour because of injury with Ben Marshall replacing the big man. Guinan shot just wide as the Cobblers continued to have the lions’ share of possession but there was just no finishing touch. Gilligan shot over the bar after connecting well with a half volley before Luke Guttridge went close on a couple of occasions before half time to at least give the 450 travelling fans something to cling to as the sides went in at the break.
But it was all undone in a matter of moments after the break as Joss Labadie was given space to head home a free kick and it was to get even worse a few minutes later when Kelvin Langmead did exactly the same thing and nodded the ball in from another set play and it was 3-0 and game well and truly put to bed.
Guttridge continued his one man crusade to get shots away at the Shrews’ goal but was frustrated twice more before new signing Courtney Herbert was given a debut after replacing Gary Mulligan. Not the ideal situation for the young lad to come into but he showed some real pace at least to trouble the home defence. It was never going to be enough though and it was typical of the day when Ryan Gilligan hit the post in the dying moments.
So another defeat for the Cobblers and Ian Sampson’s fury at the final whistle at the defending was justified and backed by a real desire to get himself the top job. Those hopes may be well and truly over after the Town legend oversaw four defeats in a row and it could be his final game this Tuesday at home to Rotherham United who are, of course, under a new/old boss themselves in Ronnie Moore.
It’s a shame for Sammo who will feel that he hasn’t had the best of chances to bring in his own players and who knows, Mr Cardoza may see him as the answer long term. But surely we need this mess sorted before a fear of relegation begins again. This time though, it would be so much more serious should we face a disastrous drop once more. It may seem an overreaction but can anyone else see where the next win is coming from?
Friday, September 25, 2009
Shrewsbury Town (A) Preview
A trip to Shrewsbury is next for Ian Sampson and the boys with a win now more desperately needed than ever. It’s our first ever trip to the Prostar Stadium/New Meadow and we’ll be looking to give Sammo his first victory in caretaker charge against a Shrews side full of confidence following back to back victories over Crewe Alexandra and Lincoln City.
Team News
The Cobblers could hand John Johnson a start after the Boro defender signed on loan this week whilst Courtney Herbert may get a place on the bench following his arrival from Long Buckby. Chris McCready is still suspended so Craig Hinton and Dean Beckwith should keep their places at the back.
Shrewsbury boss Paul Simpson is without Craig Disley after he was stretchered off whilst playing for the reserves in midweek. Further casualties Omer Riza, Chris Neal, Glyn Garner, Mike Jackson and Terry Dunfield are also missing.
Last Meeting...Cobblers 1-0 Shrewsbury (League Two,17/12/05)
Scott McGleish scored the only goal of the game in the last meeting of the two sides in our promotion season of 2005/06 at Sixfields. Earlier in the season we has recorded a 1-1 draw at Gay Meadow but McGleish’s goal was enough in the return game.
Cobblers: Harper, Chambers, Dyche, Doig, Low, Hunt (Bojic), Taylor, Jess (Rowson), Smith (Kirk), McGleish, Mendes
Shrewsbury: Hart ,Herd ,Whitehead ,Hope ,Ashton ,Edwards ,Sorvel ,Tolley ,Langmead ,Stallard (Lyng ,68 ) ,McMenamin (Jackson ,87)
Head to Head...Shrews v Cobblers...
Games Played: 41
Shrews wins: 17
Draws: 7
Cobbelrs Wins: 17
Johnson joins on loan as Herbert signs on
Middlesbrough defender John Johnson has joined the Cobblers on a month's loan. Ian Sampson has used Malcolm Crosby's contact book to bring in the Boro man, who played in the side when Crosy was at the Riverside stadium last season. Johnson signed professional terms with Boro in 2008 and played numerous games in their Premier League campaign last season and also spent some time on loan at Tranmere Rovers.
He can play at right back or in midfield and should shake up a defense that has looked uncomfortable over the past few weeks. Johnson signs in time for Saturday's trip to Shrewsbury Town.
The Cobblers have also revealed that striker Courtney Herbert has signed with the club after a trial with the club. Herbert joins from local side Long Buckby.
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
The coming of age of Ryan Gilligan
A battling midfielder? A striker? A right back even?! Ryan Gilligan has certainly been around the pitch in his time with the Cobblers and not just in the positional sense. And now, maybe just maybe the young man signed from Watford in 2005 seems to be coming of age and is the stand out player of a disappointing season so far.
Gilligan’s never going to be a player to stand out in terms of wonder goals, winding runs or outbursts of pace but we’re seeing the real fight of the man that’s grown under Colin Calderwood, John Gorman, Stuart Gray and now Ian Sampson. When the chips are down you learn a lot about your players and Gilli is an example that the others should follow.
A man of the match performance at the weekend was marred by defeat for the team but it’s just reward for the player who is finally coming good. Gilli was all over the pitch doing the simple stuff, something that sometimes goes unnoticed and deserved his goal that looked to have given us a route back into the game, for a couple of minutes at least.
Last season I lorded the efforts of Danny Jackman in the time of crises...now it’s time to recognise the man that has stepped into his shoes as the whole hearted core of the Cobblers midfield.
The rise of Ryan...
12/08/05: Gilligan signs for the Cobblers on free transfer from Watford.
13/08/05: First team debut as an 85th minute substitute for Josh Low in 0-0 draw with Wrexham.
10/09/05: First Cobblers goal as he rescues a point at Sixfields against Bury.
27/09/05: Scores the first in 3-1 derby win for Cobblers at Rushden.
25/02/06: Scores the only goal of the game at Wrexham in massive win to help Town on the way to promotion.
06/05/06: His last kick of the game spoils Grimsby’s party in dramatic fashion to send the Mariners into the playoffs and deny them automatic promotion.
07/09/07: After no goals in the 06/07 season, Gilly’s back on track with a strike in the 2-0 home win over Doncaster Rovers.
22/11/08: Grabs one of the goals in important 2-0 away win at Hereford.
01/09/09: Gilly scores a penalty in normal time and one in the shoot out as Town progress in the JPT.
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Dale take all three points
Northampton Town 1-2 Rochdale
League Two
Saturday, September 19th 2009
Desperately seeking a win, desperately seeking three points and desperately unlucky not to gain at least one point in the end. Sammo’s reign at Sixfields won’t last too much longer should results not turn but you have to feel for the man. With no pre-season to build his side, no friendlies to try out formations and no time to bring in his own players barring any loans that come in this week it’s a near impossible task. The big players have gone but now we’re still expecting to do well against strong League Two opposition, one of which, Rochdale, came away from Sixfields with three points.
Dale’s solid defence was a basis to frustrate Town and anyone expecting an easy time in League Two was taught a lesson on Saturday as the visitors produced a fine away performance. Sammo began the game with Ben Marshall playing off Adebayo Akinfenwa up front but it took time for him to settle into a new role and the Stoke loan man only got going when switched wide to accommodate the introduction of Luke Guttridge. It was that change that gave us some stability and Guttridge could yet be the player to ignite the season.
Before that substitution though, Sammo watched on as Rochdale frustrated his Town side in the early going with no-one willing to take responsibility and shoot when given the chance. There appeared to be a real fear of taking the shot on and for all the hard graft there was no end product.
It was Rochdale who broke the deadlock when Chris O’Grady slid in a shot under the body of Simon Brown, who is yet to convince Cobblers fans that he is a better option than Chris Dunn in between the sticks for Town. A half-time deficit didn’t look like being turned over after the break and it would take a lot to turn the game around against a stubborn resistance.
Enter Guttridge and a change of shape that brought us back into the game. Ryan Gilligan was having a terrific game and his battling midfield play earned him the man of the match award along with a goal that briefly brought us level. It was always going to be a scrappy one and when a corner wasn’t cleared, Gilligan forced the ball home and it was game on once more.
Unfortunately for us, Dale didn’t take long to respond and stunned Sixfields with a beauty of a winner. Will Buckley was given space and he took it with real quality with a fine curling finish into the top corner of Brown’s net. It was a killer blow that took the stuffing right out of Sammo’s men and ended up sending the small band of away fans home happy.
The Cobblers were still so close to pulling level late on though, as Ben Marshall connected with a cross from the right to head the ball onto the cross bar. The ball bounced away to safety, taking away any chance of even a draw.
And so we go to 21st in League Two and it’s a massive job for whoever take this job full time. The players are giving it a go at least but the simple fact is that they’re not quite good enough. Bayo was poor with his shooting worryingly wayward. Shining lights came in the form of the 3 G’s, Guttridge and Guinan but it’s going to tough to turn this season back on its head.
Shrewsbury away next Saturday is not what we need...another side in and around the playoffs for the past couple of seasons and it’s going to be another big game. Points need to be put on the board soon, however and wherever we really don’t mind. Plain to say, we’ll take a Pat Gavin ‘in off the arse’ next weekend!
League Two
Saturday, September 19th 2009
Desperately seeking a win, desperately seeking three points and desperately unlucky not to gain at least one point in the end. Sammo’s reign at Sixfields won’t last too much longer should results not turn but you have to feel for the man. With no pre-season to build his side, no friendlies to try out formations and no time to bring in his own players barring any loans that come in this week it’s a near impossible task. The big players have gone but now we’re still expecting to do well against strong League Two opposition, one of which, Rochdale, came away from Sixfields with three points.
Dale’s solid defence was a basis to frustrate Town and anyone expecting an easy time in League Two was taught a lesson on Saturday as the visitors produced a fine away performance. Sammo began the game with Ben Marshall playing off Adebayo Akinfenwa up front but it took time for him to settle into a new role and the Stoke loan man only got going when switched wide to accommodate the introduction of Luke Guttridge. It was that change that gave us some stability and Guttridge could yet be the player to ignite the season.
Before that substitution though, Sammo watched on as Rochdale frustrated his Town side in the early going with no-one willing to take responsibility and shoot when given the chance. There appeared to be a real fear of taking the shot on and for all the hard graft there was no end product.
It was Rochdale who broke the deadlock when Chris O’Grady slid in a shot under the body of Simon Brown, who is yet to convince Cobblers fans that he is a better option than Chris Dunn in between the sticks for Town. A half-time deficit didn’t look like being turned over after the break and it would take a lot to turn the game around against a stubborn resistance.
Enter Guttridge and a change of shape that brought us back into the game. Ryan Gilligan was having a terrific game and his battling midfield play earned him the man of the match award along with a goal that briefly brought us level. It was always going to be a scrappy one and when a corner wasn’t cleared, Gilligan forced the ball home and it was game on once more.
Unfortunately for us, Dale didn’t take long to respond and stunned Sixfields with a beauty of a winner. Will Buckley was given space and he took it with real quality with a fine curling finish into the top corner of Brown’s net. It was a killer blow that took the stuffing right out of Sammo’s men and ended up sending the small band of away fans home happy.
The Cobblers were still so close to pulling level late on though, as Ben Marshall connected with a cross from the right to head the ball onto the cross bar. The ball bounced away to safety, taking away any chance of even a draw.
And so we go to 21st in League Two and it’s a massive job for whoever take this job full time. The players are giving it a go at least but the simple fact is that they’re not quite good enough. Bayo was poor with his shooting worryingly wayward. Shining lights came in the form of the 3 G’s, Guttridge and Guinan but it’s going to tough to turn this season back on its head.
Shrewsbury away next Saturday is not what we need...another side in and around the playoffs for the past couple of seasons and it’s going to be another big game. Points need to be put on the board soon, however and wherever we really don’t mind. Plain to say, we’ll take a Pat Gavin ‘in off the arse’ next weekend!
Friday, September 18, 2009
Sammo's Second Chance
Sammo gets his second bite of the cherry tomorrow afternoon as the Cobblers take on Rochdale at Sixfields. It’s make or break time for the Town legend in his bid to take the job that he seems to want and the job that David Cardoza looks likely to give him should results turn in the next couple of weeks.
Notts County brushed us aside last weekend and reports were that we were completely inept in trying to deal with the money bags of League Two. Whilst that result wasn’t overlooked, it certainly won’t get as much focus as tomorrow’s game with the boys from Spotland. Sammo has now had a week with his players to get over that result and a positive one tomorrow could still keep him in line for the top job.
Now is the time for us all to get behind him...we all want the Cobblers to be back in the top knockings of the league, none of us want to be where we are. It’s time to channel the spirit of ’97 when Sammo was at the heart of the defence to take us to Wembley. The hard times are back and this is when we’re needed the most.
Whoever stands in that dugout needs our full support and we desperately need three points tomorrow against a Rochdale side struggling on the road so far this season. There is a great number who aren’t bothered about going, who have become so disillusioned at things that you don’t want to return until it’s sorted. But having been through adversity with this club many a time before, believe me, it makes it a hell of a lot better when the good times do come around knowing that you were there behind the team from the start.
So if you’re reading this umming and arring about going to the game and circumstances mean that you can make it if you wanted to, get down to Sixfields, support the team, support Sammo and help to bring this great club back to where we belong!
Notts County brushed us aside last weekend and reports were that we were completely inept in trying to deal with the money bags of League Two. Whilst that result wasn’t overlooked, it certainly won’t get as much focus as tomorrow’s game with the boys from Spotland. Sammo has now had a week with his players to get over that result and a positive one tomorrow could still keep him in line for the top job.
Now is the time for us all to get behind him...we all want the Cobblers to be back in the top knockings of the league, none of us want to be where we are. It’s time to channel the spirit of ’97 when Sammo was at the heart of the defence to take us to Wembley. The hard times are back and this is when we’re needed the most.
Whoever stands in that dugout needs our full support and we desperately need three points tomorrow against a Rochdale side struggling on the road so far this season. There is a great number who aren’t bothered about going, who have become so disillusioned at things that you don’t want to return until it’s sorted. But having been through adversity with this club many a time before, believe me, it makes it a hell of a lot better when the good times do come around knowing that you were there behind the team from the start.
So if you’re reading this umming and arring about going to the game and circumstances mean that you can make it if you wanted to, get down to Sixfields, support the team, support Sammo and help to bring this great club back to where we belong!
Monday, September 14, 2009
Home...did I miss anything?
Well what a week to take off...I'm not sure if I can face even mentioning the 5-2 defeat at Notts County, never mind the abject performance reports coming from it. My initial thought of Sammo for the top job went down the pan at Meadow Lane but he should be given a last chance for the home game with Rochdale on Saturday.
We managed to find a pub with Sky Sports News in on Saturday to watch the results roll in but started to wish we hadn't...Dyer's early goal brought a single cheer to confuse the mix of Spanish locals and Liverpool fans, in to see their game with Burnley, but it wasn't to be and we were well and truly battered!
Dad's reported back yesterday to say that it's in complete disarray and he walked out early for one of the first times ever at the game on Saturday and his views are that a brand new regime, not just a manager is needed very very quickly.
Whether any of the "40" applicants received in the hour after David Cardoza announced the job vacancy are any good we will wait to see but something needs to be done as we're already way off even a playoff place at the moment.
I don't think I dare go on holiday again...
We managed to find a pub with Sky Sports News in on Saturday to watch the results roll in but started to wish we hadn't...Dyer's early goal brought a single cheer to confuse the mix of Spanish locals and Liverpool fans, in to see their game with Burnley, but it wasn't to be and we were well and truly battered!
Dad's reported back yesterday to say that it's in complete disarray and he walked out early for one of the first times ever at the game on Saturday and his views are that a brand new regime, not just a manager is needed very very quickly.
Whether any of the "40" applicants received in the hour after David Cardoza announced the job vacancy are any good we will wait to see but something needs to be done as we're already way off even a playoff place at the moment.
I don't think I dare go on holiday again...
Wednesday, September 09, 2009
Quick update...
Well all I needed to do was leave the conutry and it all kicks off! Gray is gone and Sammo takes temporary charge once more as the powers that be look for the right man to follow Gray. Personally I feel it´s time for Sammo but more on all the views of myself when I get back...just popped online to say hello and that there will be all the reaction from aloadofcobblers.net when I return.
In the meantime, here´s hoping for Town to kick on at Notts Conuty on Saturday...good luck Sammo!
In the meantime, here´s hoping for Town to kick on at Notts Conuty on Saturday...good luck Sammo!
Sunday, September 06, 2009
Out of Office: Auto Reply
I will be away from Aloadofcobblers.net for 7 days, returning on Sunday, 13th September for a welcome break in sunny Spain. I look forward to returning for a catch up in a week's time.
Happy Cobblering!
Danny
Happy Cobblering!
Danny
Saturday, September 05, 2009
Gray's tenure on a knife edge as Barnet take the points
Northampton Town 1-3 Barnet
League Two
Friday, 4th September 2009
If Stuart Gray was given ten games to prove that he is the man to take the Cobblers back into League One then he’s quickly running out of time after a defeat that shot us right back down to earth and the parallels between Gray’s opening of the season to Martin Wilkinson’s ill fated start are becoming strangely apparent.
Last time we were relegated into this league, Wilkinson took charge with a wealth of talent as his disposal but started with a 1-0 defeat at home to newly promoted Torquay. Whilst the Macclesfield game didn’t end in a loss it was as good as in a game that we should be taking maximum points from. Another defeat the following week at York didn’t help matters, a la the single goal reverse at Chesterfield this time around. Then came a run of three wins in a row. We all thought the tide had turned, that the season had finally began and that the promotion bid could start. Sound familiar? (see 2009/10’s two game winning ‘streak vs Accrington and Bournemouth). It all went wrong from there, with a 3-1 lead at Cheltenham let slip as we conceded three in the last ten minutes to lose 4-3...last weekend’s shipping of three in ten at Burton, anyone?
Last night Stuart Gray got to the point, if we’re to stick to the comparison, of having five games to go. Win against Barnet and, combined with a win in midweek, he’d be breathing again. As it was, Barnet wanted it more and ended up sitting pretty on top of League Two for the night at least.
Gary Mulligan had kept his place in the starting line-up after impressing in the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy win at Wycombe in mid-week whilst Bayo returned to partner him up front, replacing Abdul Osman. The story began brightly enough in the first Friday night game of the season with Mulligan breaking away early on only to be penalised for handball.
After a quiet opening, it was the Cobblers who struck first and all was happy at Sixfields. Ben Marshall broke into the box and blasted a deflected shot into the net via a deflection. Ismail Yukubu headed over in Barnet’s best effort of the half but it was looking comfortable as we went into the break a goal up.
It was there that things began to go wrong. Barnet were soon level after the second half kicked off with a free kick placed beyond the reach of Chris Dunn, Ahmed Deen the scorer as the visitors drew level. Marshall went close to putting us back in front at the other end but we never sustained the pressure and were caught out as Barnet took the lead.
Veteran striker Paul Furlong volleyed home well from a left wing cross and suddenly the Cobblers were behind in a game that looked so positive before half-time. A defensive nightmare rounded off the game in the worst possible way as Chris Dunn was embarrassed again following last week’s howlers at Burton. A header back to him from Dean Beckwith had Dunn hesitating and John O’Flynn chased it down and got to the ball first to make it 3-1 and game over.
A more than disappointing night at Sixfields then and the Cobblers boss won’t be sleeping easily this weekend. If this pattern of mirroring 2003/04 continues and Gray stays to see out September then we’ll win our next game and he’ll have a bit more time. Pity that it’s away at Notts County...
League Two
Friday, 4th September 2009
If Stuart Gray was given ten games to prove that he is the man to take the Cobblers back into League One then he’s quickly running out of time after a defeat that shot us right back down to earth and the parallels between Gray’s opening of the season to Martin Wilkinson’s ill fated start are becoming strangely apparent.
Last time we were relegated into this league, Wilkinson took charge with a wealth of talent as his disposal but started with a 1-0 defeat at home to newly promoted Torquay. Whilst the Macclesfield game didn’t end in a loss it was as good as in a game that we should be taking maximum points from. Another defeat the following week at York didn’t help matters, a la the single goal reverse at Chesterfield this time around. Then came a run of three wins in a row. We all thought the tide had turned, that the season had finally began and that the promotion bid could start. Sound familiar? (see 2009/10’s two game winning ‘streak vs Accrington and Bournemouth). It all went wrong from there, with a 3-1 lead at Cheltenham let slip as we conceded three in the last ten minutes to lose 4-3...last weekend’s shipping of three in ten at Burton, anyone?
Last night Stuart Gray got to the point, if we’re to stick to the comparison, of having five games to go. Win against Barnet and, combined with a win in midweek, he’d be breathing again. As it was, Barnet wanted it more and ended up sitting pretty on top of League Two for the night at least.
Gary Mulligan had kept his place in the starting line-up after impressing in the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy win at Wycombe in mid-week whilst Bayo returned to partner him up front, replacing Abdul Osman. The story began brightly enough in the first Friday night game of the season with Mulligan breaking away early on only to be penalised for handball.
After a quiet opening, it was the Cobblers who struck first and all was happy at Sixfields. Ben Marshall broke into the box and blasted a deflected shot into the net via a deflection. Ismail Yukubu headed over in Barnet’s best effort of the half but it was looking comfortable as we went into the break a goal up.
It was there that things began to go wrong. Barnet were soon level after the second half kicked off with a free kick placed beyond the reach of Chris Dunn, Ahmed Deen the scorer as the visitors drew level. Marshall went close to putting us back in front at the other end but we never sustained the pressure and were caught out as Barnet took the lead.
Veteran striker Paul Furlong volleyed home well from a left wing cross and suddenly the Cobblers were behind in a game that looked so positive before half-time. A defensive nightmare rounded off the game in the worst possible way as Chris Dunn was embarrassed again following last week’s howlers at Burton. A header back to him from Dean Beckwith had Dunn hesitating and John O’Flynn chased it down and got to the ball first to make it 3-1 and game over.
A more than disappointing night at Sixfields then and the Cobblers boss won’t be sleeping easily this weekend. If this pattern of mirroring 2003/04 continues and Gray stays to see out September then we’ll win our next game and he’ll have a bit more time. Pity that it’s away at Notts County...
Thursday, September 03, 2009
Barnet on a high as they prepare for Sixfields
Barnet come into tomorrow's league game on a real high after three straight league wins, including a 1-0 victory over Notts County last weekend, and a Johnstone's Paint Trophy upset against Millwall on Tuesday night. The Bees are really flying at the moment and will be a stern test in the first Friday night fixture of the season.
After an opening day defeat at Lincoln and a home draw with Shrewsbury, our visitors tomorrow night have seen off Morecambe, Torquay, County and Millwall without even conceding a goal and are sitting pretty in fourth place in League Two. The club managed to hold on to promising 21-year-old Albert Adomah during the transfer window after a late deal with Blackpool fell through and he will be a real handful for the Cobblers.
As for Town, we have Adebayo Akinfenwa back in contention and the big man was also the subject of an offer from Swansea City during the window but that deal fell by the wayside and he will be here until January at least. Steve Guinan has bagged two in two, as has Ryan Gilligan and both should start again with Billy McKay on internationl duty with Northern Ireland Under 21s.
A tough tussel expected then as we look to build on the penalty shoot out win on Tuesday and get back in the reckogning at the right end of the table.
Dunn the hero in shoot out
Wycombe Wanderers 2-2 Northampton Town (Cobblers win 3-0 on penalties)
Johnstone's Paint Trophy, First Round
1st September 2009
Chris Dunn, at fault for a couple of the goals in the weekend defeat to Burton Albion, spectacularly his back on Tuesday night with a double penalty save that gave the Cobblers a route through to Round Two of the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy. In terms of match importance and setting this game slipped through the radar of the fixture list, particularly with the early 7pm kick off. But the Cobblers, and particularly Dunn, had a point to prove and came through following an entertaining ninety minutes that ended all square.
Stuart Gray should be credited for keeping faith in Dunn and putting him back into the starting line-up when he could so easily have given young Paul Walker a go. It would be an act of trust that would eventually pay off.
Other changes saw Liverpool loan man Robbie Thelfall come in at left back and Abdul Osman return to midfield with Steve Guinan dropped to the bench and Billy McKay on international duty with Northern Ireland Under 21s. Guinan would be another to make a noticeable return later in the game.
It was Wycombe who started the brighter though and Jean-Paul Pittman had the best chance of the opening exchanges, running onto a through ball to have a clear shot on goal but Dunn was equal to it and managed to save well. It took the Cobblers a while to get going but when they did it was with real reward at the end of it. Ryan Gilligan was the man in the middle of everything with a free kick just over before he put his side into the lead from the spot. Ben Marshall was fouled and Gilligan made it two in two games as he coolly sent the keeper the wrong way to give Gray’s men a half-time lead.
It was a second penalty that would draw Wycombe level as a handball was awarded against Dean Beckwith and Pittman made no mistakes from the spot. The game began to open up a bit after that and both sides could have won it. Cobblers substitutions late in the game saw Guinan on for Mulligan and Joe Benjamin and Alex Dyer also taking to the field for Marshall and Luke Boden.
It was Guinan that had us back into the lead with under five minutes to go. Benjamin shot against a defender and the ball broke well for Guinan to finish well and that, we thought, was that. Of course there’s always another sting in the tale just around the corner and Pittman equalised once again in the 92nd minute from an Ian Westlake cross.
That second leveller could well have taken the wind out of our sails but with no extra time it was straight to penalties and time for Dunn to complete his turn around. Ian Westlake was the first to step up and Dunn saved to give us an early advantage. Gilligan put away his second of the night before Dunn saved once more, this time from Ashley Chambers. Guinan made it 2-0 before Leon Johnson shot wide and it was down to Abdul Osman to seal progression to Round Two. He duly scored and the celebrations began as we took our place in the next stage.
Whether or not you feel this is a worthwhile competition or not, if we can get through a few rounds then the excitement cannot help but build. Chris Dunn will certainly be thinking that the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy is very worthwhile indeed.
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