The Cobblers can leap back into the playoffs with a Friday night draw or win at Grimsby but there's plenty of action in League Two that will go a long way to deciding who is there at the end of the season. On Saturday, Aldershot travel to Macclesfield Town and hopefully by then they will need a win to catch us up again. Out of form Bury travel to promotion chasing Notts County and could well be the ones to chase. Above them, Chesterfield host leaders Rochdale and Rotherham and Bournemouth have winnable home games.
It's the time of year when phones are being checked during the Cobblers games and hopefully there's not a lot of panic going on. Come Easter Monday's home game with Torquay United we could do with being back in the top seven with rivals Aldershot and Rotherham playing each other and Bury hosting Burton Albion.
It all adds up to some nervous times over the next seven days, with games that could change the course of the season.
Monday, March 29, 2010
Cobblers still waiting for Sincil Bank win
Lincoln City 1-1 Northampton Town
League Two
Saturday, March 27th 2010
The wait for a win at Sincil Bank goes on as Lincoln City ended our five game winning run at the weekend meaning that we’re still without a win since March 1992. At least Ian Sampson’s men managed to grab a late point from this one to keep in touch with the playoffs after Aldershot climbed into the top seven with a big win at Bury.
It took a deflected goal from John Johnson with four minutes to go to earn a point from a game that looked dead for the Cobblers to at least keep an unbeaten run going into the crucial Easter period. In a game where we struggled to get into our normal passing game and where the likes of Liam Davis and Paul Rodgers were strangely out of the game we can be grateful that we escaped with a share of the spoils.
Lincoln were making all of the early running and Jason Steele was busy in the opening exchanges as he had to save a Joe Anderson free kick before danger man Davide Somma went close twice in the first ten minutes.
The Cobblers calmed the game down a bit though and started to get more of a foot hold in it with Adebayo Akinfenwa having a shot blocked curling a good effort just over the bar. Bayo would once again go close with a header late in the half and Ryan Gilligan had a shot saved as the half came to an end with no score.
That would all change though just ten minutes into the second 45 as Matthew Saunders’ free kick curled into the top corner of Steele’s net, giving the Cobblers keeper no chance.
Craig Hinton and Abdul Osman headed over the bar as the Cobblers looked like they would go home pointless but salvation came just in time with Johnson’s volley deflecting in to the delight and relief of the large away following. We could even have won it late on with Bayo chipping just over but Lincoln would also come close to having the final say.
The last scare for Town came when Chris Herd forced Steele into a fine save right at the end of the game but it ended in a draw and the Cobblers dropped out of the playoffs ahead of Friday’s trip to Grimsby.
League Two
Saturday, March 27th 2010
The wait for a win at Sincil Bank goes on as Lincoln City ended our five game winning run at the weekend meaning that we’re still without a win since March 1992. At least Ian Sampson’s men managed to grab a late point from this one to keep in touch with the playoffs after Aldershot climbed into the top seven with a big win at Bury.
It took a deflected goal from John Johnson with four minutes to go to earn a point from a game that looked dead for the Cobblers to at least keep an unbeaten run going into the crucial Easter period. In a game where we struggled to get into our normal passing game and where the likes of Liam Davis and Paul Rodgers were strangely out of the game we can be grateful that we escaped with a share of the spoils.
Lincoln were making all of the early running and Jason Steele was busy in the opening exchanges as he had to save a Joe Anderson free kick before danger man Davide Somma went close twice in the first ten minutes.
The Cobblers calmed the game down a bit though and started to get more of a foot hold in it with Adebayo Akinfenwa having a shot blocked curling a good effort just over the bar. Bayo would once again go close with a header late in the half and Ryan Gilligan had a shot saved as the half came to an end with no score.
That would all change though just ten minutes into the second 45 as Matthew Saunders’ free kick curled into the top corner of Steele’s net, giving the Cobblers keeper no chance.
Craig Hinton and Abdul Osman headed over the bar as the Cobblers looked like they would go home pointless but salvation came just in time with Johnson’s volley deflecting in to the delight and relief of the large away following. We could even have won it late on with Bayo chipping just over but Lincoln would also come close to having the final say.
The last scare for Town came when Chris Herd forced Steele into a fine save right at the end of the game but it ended in a draw and the Cobblers dropped out of the playoffs ahead of Friday’s trip to Grimsby.
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Somma the danger man at Sincil Bank
The latest threat to the Cobblers' fine winning run will come in the form of the new attacking sensation of League Two this weekend. Lincoln's on loan forward Davide Somma, borrowed from Leeds United, has been on fire since joining the Imps scoring five goals in as many game including a brace in their 3-2 win at Torquay.
Somma has this week signed an extension to his loan that takes him up until the end of the season and could be one to worry about as we begin the first of two back to back away games.
Gilly latest to verbally agree deal
Ryan Gilligan has become the latest to verbally agree a contract extension as Sammo begins to build his side for next season regardless of which league we're in. It's safe to say that Gilly would be capable in League One or Two and eleven goals from midfield says it all for a player who is fast becoming a loyal servant to the club having joined in 2005.
It's good to see plans being made already in terms of next season with so many out of contract players and hopefully Gilly can persuade his mate Bayo to do the same!
It's good to see plans being made already in terms of next season with so many out of contract players and hopefully Gilly can persuade his mate Bayo to do the same!
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Shots close gap after win at Darlo
Aldershot have tonight closed the gap on the Cobblers to just one point after a 2-1 victory at bottom club Darlington. The Shots have used up all their games in hand but look a real threat to the playoffs now. Meanwhile, Accrington Stanley wasted the chance to close in after a 2-0 home defeat to Burton Albion.
Notts County have consolidated their place in second with a goalless draw at Bradford but Rotherham are the big winners after a 3-1 home win against Macclesfield Town. That win means that the Millers are up to third and seven clear of the Cobblers as we now enter the final furlong.
The pressure is on but at least the games in hand are now near enough all sorted out. Let battle commence!
Notts County have consolidated their place in second with a goalless draw at Bradford but Rotherham are the big winners after a 3-1 home win against Macclesfield Town. That win means that the Millers are up to third and seven clear of the Cobblers as we now enter the final furlong.
The pressure is on but at least the games in hand are now near enough all sorted out. Let battle commence!
Defenders in place for next season
Sammo has been boosted by the news that key central defensive partners Dean Beckwith and Craig Hinton have had triggers activated in their contracts that means they will both be at Sixfields next season. The Cobblers have been building a strong defensive line, a key part of the incredible run of form of late, and this can only be good news before the summer is even upon us.
Meanwhile, Peter Gilbert is in talks about a new deal whilst it is believed that Adebayo Akinfenwa has been offered a two year contract.
Important night in League Two
Games in hand are getting cleared up now and tonight is a big night as the Cobblers wait to see if Accrington Stanley can move closer to them and if Rotherham can go into third place. Should the Millers claim all three points as expected at home to Macclesfield Town, they will go into the final automatic promotion place and will be seven points clear of the Cobblers.
Accrington must win their two games in hand if they are to catch us now and they host Burton Albion who need a win to keep alive their own playoff hopes. Meanwhile, Notts County are at Breadford as they look to close the gap on top club Rochdale and Aldershot can go to within a point of us if they win at bottom club and managerless Darlington.
So all four of tonight's games affect us in some way, meaning a very interesting night is in store with the business end of the season well and truly starting.
Accrington must win their two games in hand if they are to catch us now and they host Burton Albion who need a win to keep alive their own playoff hopes. Meanwhile, Notts County are at Breadford as they look to close the gap on top club Rochdale and Aldershot can go to within a point of us if they win at bottom club and managerless Darlington.
So all four of tonight's games affect us in some way, meaning a very interesting night is in store with the business end of the season well and truly starting.
Sunday, March 21, 2010
2010...the year of the Cobbler?
Northampton Town 2-0 Morecambe
League Two
Saturday, March 20th 2010
In a year that is going from strength to strength, 2010 is proving to be a quite remarkable one so far for the Cobblers. This latest important three points, a relatively straight forward win over a tired Morecambe side, means that Sammo’s team have now won ten of fourteen games since the turn of the year. That form in itself is promotion form without a doubt and that scenario is looking more and more likely by the week despite there still being nine games to play.
The playoff chasing visitors were opened up and after a trip to Hereford in midweek ran out of legs and couldn’t get back into the game after goals from Liam Davis and Ryan Gilligan had given the Cobblers the advantage.
Billy McKay had already had a good chance after just fifteen seconds, forcing Morecambe keeper Barry Roche into a good stop but Davis wouldn’t be denied a minute and a half later as he picked his spot in the corner of the net after being played in by Peter Gilbert. That set us up for the half and gave Sixfields another advantage to cheer. With a solid defensive unit we now look confident whenever in front and the early relief of a goal was certainly a blessing.
Bayo Akinfenwa could have had a couple before the break, twice denied by Roche as the Cobblers kept the pressure on whilst Paul Mullin had the best chance for Morecambe. The small band of travelling support had little to get excited about apart from that though and we were in front at half-time.
It was a good time for the break with a shift in pressure going over to Morecambe but we were straight out of the blocks once again in the second half as Ryan Gilligan got on the end of a fine move to score his eleventh of the season. Good work from Gilbert found Akinfenwa and the big man held the ball up well to play in the midfielder who made no mistake.
Billy McKay curled a shot just wide as we kept the pressure on before Gilligan had a couple of shots blocked. The highlight of the game for the home fans at least was the sight moments later as Bayo chased his man back for over half of the pitch, sprinting back to cover and make a challenge, earning him the biggest cheer of the afternoon!
Steve Guinan made his return to the side as he replaced McKay late in the game and there was only a late Phil Jevons effort to bother us as Sammo led his side to a fifth straight victory that keeps us well and truly in a playoff place.
Results elsewhere, crucially defeats for Shrewsbury and Accrington of the chasing pack and for Bournemouth in third place, means that the Cobblers are three points clear of eighth place and just six behind third in an incredible turn around. Rotherham could go third on Tuesday night should they see off Macclesfield Town but for now we once again bask in a weekend that sees us as the side to fear in League Two. Sammo is working wonders, no doubt about it. Now keep one eye behind us but the other one on that (dare we even mention?) final automatic promotion place.
Hold on to your hats! Lincoln up next...
Thursday, March 18, 2010
Guinan and Gilly back in squad
Steve Guinan and Ryan Gilligan will be back in the squad for Saturday's vital home game with Morecambe at Sixfields. Guinan scored a hat-trick in his return in the reserves earlier this week while Gilligan is back after suspension so there's a couple more options for Sammo as he looks to take another step towards a playoff place.
Andy Holt, meanwhile, is back in training whilst Kevin Thornton and Chris Dunn should begin again next week.
Andy Holt, meanwhile, is back in training whilst Kevin Thornton and Chris Dunn should begin again next week.
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Flowers off to Hull
Goalkeeping coach Tim Flowers has ended his short run on the Cobblers' coaching staff as he takes up a position with Hull City. The Tigers have replaced Phil Brown with Iain Dowie today and the new boss has moved quickly to appoint the former Blackburn Rovers stopper.
Plenty in reserve as Guinan returns in style
Steve Guinan was back in style on Tuesday afternoon as he bagged a hat-trick for the Cobblers' reserves in an impressive 4-0 rout of Southend United at Sixfields. Guinan, who has been out for a couple of months with a hernia problem, played sixty minutes and opened the scoring early on following good work from Stephen O'Flynn. The striker then went on to net twice more before being withdrawn on the hour.
O'Flynn got a deserved goal himself to round of the scoring and Courtney Herbert and Gary Mulligan also put in good shifts on either side of the front two.
It gives Sammo plenty to think about for the closing stages of the season when the squad will certainly need to be used in a busy program that includes two games over the Easter Bank Holiday and a quick fire double with fellow contenders Notts County and Rotherham United in April.
O'Flynn got a deserved goal himself to round of the scoring and Courtney Herbert and Gary Mulligan also put in good shifts on either side of the front two.
It gives Sammo plenty to think about for the closing stages of the season when the squad will certainly need to be used in a busy program that includes two games over the Easter Bank Holiday and a quick fire double with fellow contenders Notts County and Rotherham United in April.
Stanley closing in as playoff race hots up
Accrington Stanley produced a more than significant result last night as they reignited their playoff hopes with a 2-1 home win over Rotherham United that takes them to within two points of the Cobblers with two games still in hand. Stanley had Jimmy Ryan to thank for the winner, coming ten minutes from time, after former Cobblers loan man Josh Walker had levelled Michael Symes' first half strike.
The win means the Accrington are now well in the thick of the playoff race and with home games against Burton and Barnet in the next two weeks making up their games in hand they are a real threat to our place. Meanwhile, Rotherham now only have one game in hand on the other sides in the playoffs.
Notts County and Bournemouth played out a 2-2 draw on Monday evening and both look odds on to take the other two automatic promotion places behind Rochdale. Morecambe also picked up a 1-0 win at Lincoln last night and are three behind the Cobblers ahead of their Sixfields visit this weekend.
In a huge weekend elsewhere, Shrewsbury go to Aldershot whilst Accrington host Rochdale. Sixth plays fourth as Rotherham host Bury and stuttering Chesterfield face a tough trip to Burton Albion.
It's all getting as tight as ever but we're right in the thick of a titanic battle for the final playoff berth. There may yet be time for the teams above us to start worrying though and they're not quite assured of a place in the end of season lottery just yet.
Come on the Cobblers!
Saturday, March 13, 2010
Seventh Heaven for Cobblers
Northampton Town 2-0 Darlington
League Two
Saturday, March 13th 2010
When the Cobblers were floundering in 21st position earlier this season, you would have laughed at anyone that would have even mentioned the playoffs. But after this afternoon's 2-0 win over plucky but poor Darlington, Sammo's men have reach seventh place and now, incredibly, have a proper chance of a playoff spot.
There's still a lot of football to be played of course but the momentum is now well and truly with the Cobblers after four straight wins and who would bet against us sealing a place in the end of season lottery now? Goals from Billy McKay and Abdul Osman made it safe today but a second half that saw the visitors give us a real test showed that there's still work to be done.
Darlington came to Sixfields hoping to make at least some ground up at the bottom but their first half showing was far from convincing and explained why they are the Football League's bottom club.
Alex Dyer was drafted into the Cobblers midfield with the absence of Ryan Gilligan, John Curtis, Kevin Thornton and Luke Guttridge, the latter making the bench after an injury sustained this week. Dyer was involved early on as he cut the ball back to Liam Davis who should have done better from close range, bringing a good stop from visiting keeper Shane Redmond.
But the Cobblers would go on to take the lead as Adebayo Akinfenwa crashed a shot off the cross bar and John Johnson finished it off.
The lead was doubled soon afterwards as a Liam Davis corner was only cleared as far as Osman who finished from inside the area and we were well in control as half tiem approached.
The second half certainly didn't live up to the first half promise with a more subdued performance from the Cobblers and more purpose from Darlo. The visitors in fact looked more likely to score as Gary Smith tested Jason Steele and the Cobblers on loan keeper did well to also block the follow up from Josh Gray.
The Cobblers just couldn't get a hold of the game in the second half but Luke Guttridge's introduction at least gave us a bit more control back in the game and Bayo could have made it three in stoppage time but his turn and shot went wide of the post.
The second half didn't matter though and the result was the thing that meant the most. With Rochdale defeating Shrewsbury, we moved up to the playoff zone, something inconceivable earlier in the season. We now have a real chance of ending the season with a chance at League One and the excitement, tension and belief is rising at Sixfields.
Now comes ten games that will become a crucial part of the history of Northampton Town. Let battle commence...
League Two
Saturday, March 13th 2010
When the Cobblers were floundering in 21st position earlier this season, you would have laughed at anyone that would have even mentioned the playoffs. But after this afternoon's 2-0 win over plucky but poor Darlington, Sammo's men have reach seventh place and now, incredibly, have a proper chance of a playoff spot.
There's still a lot of football to be played of course but the momentum is now well and truly with the Cobblers after four straight wins and who would bet against us sealing a place in the end of season lottery now? Goals from Billy McKay and Abdul Osman made it safe today but a second half that saw the visitors give us a real test showed that there's still work to be done.
Darlington came to Sixfields hoping to make at least some ground up at the bottom but their first half showing was far from convincing and explained why they are the Football League's bottom club.
Alex Dyer was drafted into the Cobblers midfield with the absence of Ryan Gilligan, John Curtis, Kevin Thornton and Luke Guttridge, the latter making the bench after an injury sustained this week. Dyer was involved early on as he cut the ball back to Liam Davis who should have done better from close range, bringing a good stop from visiting keeper Shane Redmond.
But the Cobblers would go on to take the lead as Adebayo Akinfenwa crashed a shot off the cross bar and John Johnson finished it off.
The lead was doubled soon afterwards as a Liam Davis corner was only cleared as far as Osman who finished from inside the area and we were well in control as half tiem approached.
The second half certainly didn't live up to the first half promise with a more subdued performance from the Cobblers and more purpose from Darlo. The visitors in fact looked more likely to score as Gary Smith tested Jason Steele and the Cobblers on loan keeper did well to also block the follow up from Josh Gray.
The Cobblers just couldn't get a hold of the game in the second half but Luke Guttridge's introduction at least gave us a bit more control back in the game and Bayo could have made it three in stoppage time but his turn and shot went wide of the post.
The second half didn't matter though and the result was the thing that meant the most. With Rochdale defeating Shrewsbury, we moved up to the playoff zone, something inconceivable earlier in the season. We now have a real chance of ending the season with a chance at League One and the excitement, tension and belief is rising at Sixfields.
Now comes ten games that will become a crucial part of the history of Northampton Town. Let battle commence...
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Triple injury blow ahead of Saturday
There's been a blow to preparations for Saturday's game with three midfield players picking up injuries in a midweek game. Designed to give a few players some game time, the behind closed doors friendly with Nottingham Forest turned into a disaster when Kevin Thornton, John Curtis and Luke Guttridge all picked up injuries.
Thornton and Curtis are now certain to miss the Darlington game whilst Guttridge is touch and go, leaving us short in midfield. Alex Dyer will be the favourite to come in whilst Ryan Gilligan returned last week and did well at Port Vale so he should provide some cover at least.
Meanwhile, Steve Guinan is back in training but won't be used just yet.
Crunch time in playoff race...
It's getting to that stage now where every game is vital to our cause. A "must win" game at home to Darlington on Saturday could provide a few problems should we not be leading / behind early on. An expectant home crowd should show up hoping to put four or five past the league's bottom club. There needs to be patience on and off the pitch in a game that's by no means a foregone conclusion.
Darlo will come still fighting for their lives although fifteen points is surely too huge a gap to catch up with at this point in the season. On paper we should roll them over but also have to remember that we had a tough time up there a few weeks back in a 2-1 win after going a goal down.
With three wins in a row, Sammo's got the lads back firing on all cylinders again but we simply can't let all the hard work of the 3-1 win at Port Vale last weekend go to waste. With seventh places Shrewsbury hosting Rochdale it's a massive, massive chance to move into the playoff area or at least close the gap on the Shrews.
Kevin Thornton could return to the starting line up but Sammo will be wary of changing a winning side. It really is time to get on the edge of your seats...it's going to be one hell of an end to the season!
Darlo will come still fighting for their lives although fifteen points is surely too huge a gap to catch up with at this point in the season. On paper we should roll them over but also have to remember that we had a tough time up there a few weeks back in a 2-1 win after going a goal down.
With three wins in a row, Sammo's got the lads back firing on all cylinders again but we simply can't let all the hard work of the 3-1 win at Port Vale last weekend go to waste. With seventh places Shrewsbury hosting Rochdale it's a massive, massive chance to move into the playoff area or at least close the gap on the Shrews.
Kevin Thornton could return to the starting line up but Sammo will be wary of changing a winning side. It really is time to get on the edge of your seats...it's going to be one hell of an end to the season!
Tuesday, March 09, 2010
Club Shop: An explanation
In response to the below, Northampton Town have said the following (Thanks to Gareth Willsher for a quick response):
"The Premier League items are here on a trial basis, and we will see how it goes. They have been brought in at this time with a number of forthcoming events in mind, such as England internationals car boot sales, local cup finals and community events all taking place at Sixfields in the next few months. That means there will be a lot of non-Cobblers fans visiting our premises."
"We will also be doing plenty of promotion of the club and our matches to these people with offers and ticket vouchers to come and support us at a first team game etc, but as much as we might not like it, we have to accept a lot of these people will be armchair Premier League fans."
"If we can take their money off them and earn some valuable income for the club at the same time, then that is something we have decided to look at and to see if it works."
"If, when they come to buy these items it drags them into our club shop that can only be good news for us, and our items are much cheaper than the Premier League items. It also gives our staff a chance to convince them of the error of their ways!"
"As I say it is only a trial and will be reviewed in the summer and is really aimed at non-Cobblers fans who will be visiting us."
"The Premier League items are here on a trial basis, and we will see how it goes. They have been brought in at this time with a number of forthcoming events in mind, such as England internationals car boot sales, local cup finals and community events all taking place at Sixfields in the next few months. That means there will be a lot of non-Cobblers fans visiting our premises."
"We will also be doing plenty of promotion of the club and our matches to these people with offers and ticket vouchers to come and support us at a first team game etc, but as much as we might not like it, we have to accept a lot of these people will be armchair Premier League fans."
"If we can take their money off them and earn some valuable income for the club at the same time, then that is something we have decided to look at and to see if it works."
"If, when they come to buy these items it drags them into our club shop that can only be good news for us, and our items are much cheaper than the Premier League items. It also gives our staff a chance to convince them of the error of their ways!"
"As I say it is only a trial and will be reviewed in the summer and is really aimed at non-Cobblers fans who will be visiting us."
Welcome to the Northampton Town/Chelsea/Arsenal/ManYoo/Liverpool club shop...
It appears that the online 'club shop' has now turned into a retail outlet holding items for sale for our good friends at Chelsea, Manchester United, Ars-...hold on, what's going on?
It's been announced that our online shop is now stocking items from Premier League clubs. So while searching for that discount blue away shirt, maybe you would fancy a Chelsea back pack, an Arsenal pen or a Phil Thompson signed photograph? The move is hoped to raise more money for the club but appears more like a complete sell out move by the powers that be.
To try to counter the backlash from some fans, the club have mentioned that many Cobblers items are now half price but that doesn't make an awful lot of difference if you buy a Town hat and then notice a Chelsea scarf on the same website and think "oh well I might as well, seeing as though I've saved some cash!"
There's nothing worse than walking around on a home game at Sixfields and seeing different colours in the home end (it does still happen). It's particularly noticeable in the younger generation and this new move doesn't help matters. Yes, we can get half price Cobblers shirts but we're promoting other teams whether directly or indirectly.
Sort it out Town! We are NORTHAMPTON TOWN after all!
Monday, March 08, 2010
Three in a row as Sammo celebrates new deal
Port Vale 1-3 Northampton Town
League Two
Saturday, March 6th 2010
If ever there was a time for it all to come together on one majestic away day then this was it. A trip to an improving Port Vale side under Mickey Adams was a tough test and the Cobblers’ recent away form would be severely put under the microscope against a side still harbouring their own playoff ambitions. But on the day that Sammo signed a new contract, keeping his Sixfields legacy alive until 2013, his side did him proud and edged to within three points of the top seven.
The Town boss kept faith with many of his side with Ryan Gilligan the only one of three returning midfielders to go straight back into the starting eleven. The faith was rewarded as the Cobblers were two goals better off than their hosts by half time and despite a second half rally we clung on to the most vital of all the latest victories.
It was a frantic start to the game and it should have been no surprise that goals were flowing after the teams shared four of them at Sixfields earlier in the season. Bayo was the first off the mark as he added to his impressive recent form by holding off three defenders before shooting low into the corner from outside the area.
But Vale were back in the game almost immediately when Cobblers loan keeper Jason Steele could only parry a long range effort into the path of Doug Loft who finished well to level the scores with just five minutes played.
The first half was finely balanced but it was a goalkeeping error that handed us the initiative right on the stroke of half time as Joe Anyon in the Vale goal dropped a Paul Rodgers cross into the path of Abdul Osman who was only too happy to notch his first goal of the season. There was still time for more though as we extended the lead in first half stoppage time. Billy McKay latched on to a clever pass from Liam Davis to slot the ball past Anyon for 3-1.
Jason Steele would prove his worth in the second half as the home side pressed to get back into the game. Craig Davies forced a good save from the loan man before former Cobbler Marc Richards’ glancing header produced another fine stop.
But the Town defence held firm and it was another huge win, the third in a row now, for Sammo’s men and more good news was to follow with results going our way, particularly at Grimsby where Shrewsbury were beaten 3-0 to fall to within three points of the Cobblers’ reach.
With the Shrews hosting top club Rochdale next weekend and the Cobblers at home to bottom club Darlington, this is the time where we need to keep it going, get the town behind us once more for a final push. It’s official – we’re playoff contenders...let’s give it one last push and keep Sammo’s Wembley dream alive!
League Two
Saturday, March 6th 2010
If ever there was a time for it all to come together on one majestic away day then this was it. A trip to an improving Port Vale side under Mickey Adams was a tough test and the Cobblers’ recent away form would be severely put under the microscope against a side still harbouring their own playoff ambitions. But on the day that Sammo signed a new contract, keeping his Sixfields legacy alive until 2013, his side did him proud and edged to within three points of the top seven.
The Town boss kept faith with many of his side with Ryan Gilligan the only one of three returning midfielders to go straight back into the starting eleven. The faith was rewarded as the Cobblers were two goals better off than their hosts by half time and despite a second half rally we clung on to the most vital of all the latest victories.
It was a frantic start to the game and it should have been no surprise that goals were flowing after the teams shared four of them at Sixfields earlier in the season. Bayo was the first off the mark as he added to his impressive recent form by holding off three defenders before shooting low into the corner from outside the area.
But Vale were back in the game almost immediately when Cobblers loan keeper Jason Steele could only parry a long range effort into the path of Doug Loft who finished well to level the scores with just five minutes played.
The first half was finely balanced but it was a goalkeeping error that handed us the initiative right on the stroke of half time as Joe Anyon in the Vale goal dropped a Paul Rodgers cross into the path of Abdul Osman who was only too happy to notch his first goal of the season. There was still time for more though as we extended the lead in first half stoppage time. Billy McKay latched on to a clever pass from Liam Davis to slot the ball past Anyon for 3-1.
Jason Steele would prove his worth in the second half as the home side pressed to get back into the game. Craig Davies forced a good save from the loan man before former Cobbler Marc Richards’ glancing header produced another fine stop.
But the Town defence held firm and it was another huge win, the third in a row now, for Sammo’s men and more good news was to follow with results going our way, particularly at Grimsby where Shrewsbury were beaten 3-0 to fall to within three points of the Cobblers’ reach.
With the Shrews hosting top club Rochdale next weekend and the Cobblers at home to bottom club Darlington, this is the time where we need to keep it going, get the town behind us once more for a final push. It’s official – we’re playoff contenders...let’s give it one last push and keep Sammo’s Wembley dream alive!
Wednesday, March 03, 2010
Sammo set for new deal?
It's being reported that Sammo is set to extend his reign at the helm at Sixfields as Cobblers boss. David Cardoza has already began talks with the former defender to extend his current deal, that runs out at the end of the season, by a further few years. Sammo is seen as the man to take the club forward in tough times and his impressive record since taking over has helped him to persuade the chairman to talk about a longer deal.
Cardoza has revealed that the playing budget will be cut next season with the financial pressure on football clubs at this time and that it will be more about quality than quantity next term. That, alongside Sammo's impressive knowledge of this level of football, appears to be the perfect match to cope with the lack of funds available this summer.
The new deal could even be finalised by the end of this week and there seems nothing much more in the way of Sammo continuing his Sixfields legacy into 2010-11 and beyond!
Keith Alexander
The absolutely shocking news coming from the footballing world this afternoon is that the Macclesfield Town manager Keith Alexander has passed away at the age of 53. Alexander suffered a brain aneurysm in November 2003 and recently took some time off work through illness. He passed away after arriving home from the Silkmen's game at Notts County on Tuesday evening.
A pioneer for young black managers in this country, Alexander came into prominence as boss of Lincoln City in 2002 and led the Imps to numerous playoff campaigns on a small budget. This led him to become boss at Peterborough United from 2006 to 2007 before taking over at Moss Rose in February 2008.
The footballing world has lost a true gentleman, a hard worker and a major figure in lower league football. My thoughts, as I'm sure all Northampton Town fans will echo, are with Mr Alexander's family and friends and the supporters of Macclesfield Town Football Club.
More nominations for Cobblers
There's more nominations this month for the Cobblers as the Football League monthly awards. Ian Sampson has been nominated once again for the Manager of the Month award having won the honour in January. Meanwhile, Adebayo Akinfenwa's reward for three goals in three games and a storming February with four in seven games is a nomination for League Two Player of the Month.
The nominations in full:
League Two Manager of the Month
Alan Knill (Bury)
John Sheridan (Chesterfield)
Ian Sampson (Northampton Town)
Paul Simpson (Shrewsbury Town)
League Two Player of the Month
Adebayo Akinfenwa (Northampton Town)
Wayne Brown (Bury)
Tommy Lee (Chesterfield)
Adam Le Fondre (Rotherham United)
Billy completes 90 minutes for country
Billy McKay last night played the entire game in Northern Ireland Under 21s' 3-0 win over San Marino. The striker has slowly worked his way into being the first choice partner to Adebayo Akinfenwa at Sixfields and continued his impressive season with the appearance for his country.
McKay will be back at Sixfields in time to travel to Port Vale on Saturday afternoon.
Tuesday, March 02, 2010
Mixed fortunes in midweek catch up
Well it was a mixed bag tonight but only Dagenham and Redbridge of the teams around us dropped points as they drew 0-0 at Torquay. Aldershot had to stave off a late Bradford spell of pressure to secure a single goal win whilst Notts County saw off Macclesfield by the single goal.
All those results mean the Cobblers drop to tenth in League Two, dropping below both Aldershot and Dagenham. Both of those sides now have just one game in hand on Ian Sampson's men so it's still likely to be a tight finish to the season.
All eyes now on Saturday's trip to Port Vale, who came from behind this evening to record a 3-1 away win at Darlington.
More catch ups tonight...
Tonight sees more of the Cobblers' playoff rivals catch up with another game with four games involving sides in and around the Town in League Two.
We'll more than likely be forgetting about catching Notts County with the Magpies holding five games in hand over us and looking more likely to gun for automatic promotion. They should also see off Macclesfield Town at Meadow Lane this evening. Aldershot sit a point behind us and take on Bradford in their first of two games in hand. The Bantams have won their last two under new boss Peter Taylor and could well give Aldershot a close run tonight.
Meanwhile, fifth placed Rotherham travel to top club Rochdale and we must hope for a home win there to keep the Millers in our sights. Finally, Dagenham go to Plainmoor to Torquay and will overtake us should they get a point or more in darkest Devon.
It's all starting to even itself out so all set for a night of hoping for more slip ups as the big catch up continues.
We'll more than likely be forgetting about catching Notts County with the Magpies holding five games in hand over us and looking more likely to gun for automatic promotion. They should also see off Macclesfield Town at Meadow Lane this evening. Aldershot sit a point behind us and take on Bradford in their first of two games in hand. The Bantams have won their last two under new boss Peter Taylor and could well give Aldershot a close run tonight.
Meanwhile, fifth placed Rotherham travel to top club Rochdale and we must hope for a home win there to keep the Millers in our sights. Finally, Dagenham go to Plainmoor to Torquay and will overtake us should they get a point or more in darkest Devon.
It's all starting to even itself out so all set for a night of hoping for more slip ups as the big catch up continues.
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