Ooh look he's getting all soppy! This isn't poetry or a love letter to Neil Grayson, but a quick ode to my long suffering, and heavily pregnant, girlfriend Martha (who isn't watching me write this by the way!) for actually coming up with - yes, COMING UP WITH - the idea of putting my claret Northampton Town Wembley flag above our brand new sofa in the new place!
It may be the hormones but if that's not love then I don't know what is!
(photo will follow very soon...!)
Friday, October 29, 2010
Trepidation over double header...
So the cup run is over and the focus now turns back to the league and getting ourselves out of this miserable predicament we find ourselves in. Joint bottom of the football league, we must hope that Gillingham’s own poor run away from home continues. 33 games have gone since the Gills last won away and that all points to a victory at Sixfields for the returning Bayo and Jackman. The last set of fixtures that we need right now are against a side that need a win away in Gillingham and at a haunted ground for Cobblers teams of recent history, Sincil Bank, on Tuesday night.
The form book shouldn’t, of course, play much part but that niggling feeling is that the Cobblers will hand out that long awaited win to Gillingham – both because of that run and because Bayo will more than likely get on the score sheet! Then it will be to Lincoln on Tuesday night, a place where we haven’t won since 1765...
I could, and most definitely hope I am, wrong, but I’m sure a lot of you have the same feeling going into this double header, one of trepidation and inevitability. On the other hand, I still wish I was there to lend my voice and support. We all want Sammo to lift the side out of the doldrums and back into mid table security that is looking mightily attractive right now, if it wasn’t before.
The back four should at least be functioning a bit better again tomorrow afternoon with Dean Beckwith returning, John Johnson back in the fold after seeing out his suspension at Ipswich as well as Craig Hinton, who put in ninety minutes on Tuesday night, to further boost the cause. Holty’s strength is needed now more than ever to boot Bayo into touch but, as attractive as the prospect of kung fu kicking Danny Jackman into another fake injury might be, please no more red cards this week lads!
All I can say is that the footballing Gods need to be back on our side this week...four points from these two will be a real good start in the long road back.
The form book shouldn’t, of course, play much part but that niggling feeling is that the Cobblers will hand out that long awaited win to Gillingham – both because of that run and because Bayo will more than likely get on the score sheet! Then it will be to Lincoln on Tuesday night, a place where we haven’t won since 1765...
I could, and most definitely hope I am, wrong, but I’m sure a lot of you have the same feeling going into this double header, one of trepidation and inevitability. On the other hand, I still wish I was there to lend my voice and support. We all want Sammo to lift the side out of the doldrums and back into mid table security that is looking mightily attractive right now, if it wasn’t before.
The back four should at least be functioning a bit better again tomorrow afternoon with Dean Beckwith returning, John Johnson back in the fold after seeing out his suspension at Ipswich as well as Craig Hinton, who put in ninety minutes on Tuesday night, to further boost the cause. Holty’s strength is needed now more than ever to boot Bayo into touch but, as attractive as the prospect of kung fu kicking Danny Jackman into another fake injury might be, please no more red cards this week lads!
All I can say is that the footballing Gods need to be back on our side this week...four points from these two will be a real good start in the long road back.
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Another quick hello...g'wan the lads!
Hello there! Again, a brief greeting for now...internet is on at our new place next Tuesday and then I'll be back on here more often.
It's the big night at Ipswich tonight and a chance to get away from the disastrous league form. It would be completely like us to go at win there given all the poor league form but we'll have to do it without John Johnson, who's ban (the third red card in three games for the Cobblers)will stand for tonights' game.
Craig Hinton, maker of the behnid the scenes action from Anfield during his time off the pitch, could be in line for a start though with Sammo looking likely to fill in the back line that looks a bit dilapidated. The defender is well missed and his form towards the end of last season could be very handy to call upon once again.
Oxford seemed like another difficult game for the players and fans and with all the defeats it makes me want to be back involved as a fan even more than usual. It's bizarre, but in bad times I find myself wanting to be there every week every bit more in the hope that my ugly mug will spur the lads on!
For one night though, we can put it behind us. It's a massive game and we might as well just have a go at Roy Keane's men with every bit of energy as at Anfield. If the footballing Gods have their way, and Cobblers law of the Town coming good against bigger clubs, it could yet be the most unlikely of big nights.
We all know that Gillingham, having not won in 33 away games, will take home the points at Sixfields on Saturday, but let's enjoy tonight and go for it.
Up The Cobblers!
Danny
It's the big night at Ipswich tonight and a chance to get away from the disastrous league form. It would be completely like us to go at win there given all the poor league form but we'll have to do it without John Johnson, who's ban (the third red card in three games for the Cobblers)will stand for tonights' game.
Craig Hinton, maker of the behnid the scenes action from Anfield during his time off the pitch, could be in line for a start though with Sammo looking likely to fill in the back line that looks a bit dilapidated. The defender is well missed and his form towards the end of last season could be very handy to call upon once again.
Oxford seemed like another difficult game for the players and fans and with all the defeats it makes me want to be back involved as a fan even more than usual. It's bizarre, but in bad times I find myself wanting to be there every week every bit more in the hope that my ugly mug will spur the lads on!
For one night though, we can put it behind us. It's a massive game and we might as well just have a go at Roy Keane's men with every bit of energy as at Anfield. If the footballing Gods have their way, and Cobblers law of the Town coming good against bigger clubs, it could yet be the most unlikely of big nights.
We all know that Gillingham, having not won in 33 away games, will take home the points at Sixfields on Saturday, but let's enjoy tonight and go for it.
Up The Cobblers!
Danny
Friday, October 22, 2010
Move complete!
Well it's been a tough week but it's been good, in a way, to be distracted from the doom and gloom at Sixfields by moving house and starting our new life in Radstock, just outside of Bath. The move was stressful as ever but boxes are slowly starting to clear and we're on the way to making it a home in time for the little un's arrival!
The Cobblers travel to Oxford this weekend and we certainly need a lift like we've not needed one for a very long time. Since the Liverpool and Bradford wins, it's been four straight defeats and the seach for a leader on the pitch has frustrated Sammo and Malc this week. Ben Tozer has returned to Newcastle with a three match ban under his arm and with Dean Beckwith also suspended Marcus Hall looks likely to get the nod in central defence at The Kassam.
We're clinging on for dear life at the moment at the foot of League Two so as one move nears its completion I'm praying that the next move sees the Cobblers climbing the table in time for Tuesday night's cup tie at Ipswich!
Back offline for a bit now but will be back sporadically until the start of November when internet is fitted to our new place!
The Cobblers travel to Oxford this weekend and we certainly need a lift like we've not needed one for a very long time. Since the Liverpool and Bradford wins, it's been four straight defeats and the seach for a leader on the pitch has frustrated Sammo and Malc this week. Ben Tozer has returned to Newcastle with a three match ban under his arm and with Dean Beckwith also suspended Marcus Hall looks likely to get the nod in central defence at The Kassam.
We're clinging on for dear life at the moment at the foot of League Two so as one move nears its completion I'm praying that the next move sees the Cobblers climbing the table in time for Tuesday night's cup tie at Ipswich!
Back offline for a bit now but will be back sporadically until the start of November when internet is fitted to our new place!
Monday, October 18, 2010
Back Soon!
Just a quick note to say that we're on the move, from Southampton to Bath this time, to kick off a new life and prepare for the birth of our daughter (one month to go!) so there's going to be a bit of time where I don't post for a week or so while internet is sorted at our new place.
Hopefully I'll be back soon with some better news from the Cobblers...let's try not to think too much about the weekend defeat to Hereford which was nothing short of a disaster to let a three goal lead slip against the bottom side!
Anyway, hopefully won't be too long before my ramblings are back up on here so see you again soon!
Up The Cobblers!
Danny
Hopefully I'll be back soon with some better news from the Cobblers...let's try not to think too much about the weekend defeat to Hereford which was nothing short of a disaster to let a three goal lead slip against the bottom side!
Anyway, hopefully won't be too long before my ramblings are back up on here so see you again soon!
Up The Cobblers!
Danny
Thursday, October 14, 2010
Pitman still in charge for Bulls' visit
Jamie Pitman will remain in his role as Hereford United caretaker manager for the weekend clash with the Cobblers with the former Bulls midfielder impressing so far. United held top club Port Vale with only ten men last weekend and Pitman is keen to keep going in his new role, having stepped up from Physio to take the helm.
Having appeared over 150 times for the club, Pitman could well be an outsider to take full time control with the Cobblers' own Steve Guinan apparently in line for a player-coach position. The likes of Les Parry and Nigel Adkins have all stepped out of physio positions to do well in management so there's certainly no reason why Pitman shouldn't be handed a chance.
Let's just hope that he doesn't further stake his claim this weekend!
Cobblers youngster signs for Chelsea!
Chelsea have splashed out on a surprise new signing this afternoon – The Cobblers’ eleven year old striker Michael Gyasi! Gyasi has been in the centre of excellence for the last three years and has progressed enough for the Premier League champions to sign him for an undisclosed fee.
Hats off to all involved for this one with the money being planned for improvements to the youth development programme with the club. One to watch for sure!
Hats off to all involved for this one with the money being planned for improvements to the youth development programme with the club. One to watch for sure!
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Keep Sammo and Keep The Faith!
Message boards have, predictably, began the what seems to have become annual questioning of the manager and whether Sammo's time is running out.
I know the results aren't what we all expected but quite honestly it's too early to be talking of Sammo going. I'm not fortunate enough to have been at too many games this season so I can't perhaps comment as well as some on what's happening on the pitch.
But the way I see it there's a lot more to it then bad results. Torquay and Macclesfield aside, there's been plenty of deciding factors that have gone against us...
Accrington/Bury draws...on the face of it a game we could have won (Accrington) and a fine draw at one of the toughest places to go in the league (Bury).
Wycombe/Aldershot...Drawing against one of the better sides in the league and then letting in a 96th minute equaliser against another doesn't constitute failure in my eyes.
Southend...a terrific come from behind win.
Shrews...defeat that we must surely be able to take at a promotion favourite?
Bradford...Big win after the biggest night in our history a few days previous.
Chesterfield...All over them and then hit with two quick goal.
Chelts...On top until the sending off then still in the game with ten men, plus a late goal ruled out.
I know it sounds like excuses but for me we're not actually too far from being a top half club. What we also need to realise is that we're NOT a promotion contender this season, as hard as it is to say. Sammo did immensely well last season but lost his biggest asset and had to rebuild again and change the way we play. That take a lot longer than 11 league games and if we start chopping and changing then we'll be in even more trouble and have to start again.
I have enough faith in Mr Cardoza that he is backing Sammo and won't take silly measures. We can't, unfortunately, have instant success and jump up the leagues just like that. We must remember that there are teams with better players, more experience managers etc etc that are ahead of us at the moment. With a bit of support for the manager and the team and the club we love as a whole we can sit the storm out, be proud and grateful that we have a well run club in the league and start building towards the ultimate goal of promotion...eventually!
Keep Sammo and for our own sanity, Keep the faith!
Saturday, October 09, 2010
Cobblers lose again on controverisal afternoon
Cheltenham Town 1-0 Northampton Town
League Two
Saturday, October 9th 2010
Controversial moments, a red card, a disallowed goal and a 1-0 defeat. Not what the doctor ordered at Whaddon Road this afternoon as the Cobblers fell to a third straight defeat that leaves us staring at the league table through our fingers this evening.
Dean Beckwith’s return to the squad didn’t last long at all and an already jumbled up starting eleven was even more pottered with when the former Hereford man was sent off on twenty two minutes. Beckwith apparently stamped on Shaun Jeffers in a scramble with the Cobblers defender saying afterwards that he simply couldn’t get out of the way. This was after a strong start from Sammo’s men, a start that had Kevin Thornton cursing his luck with a shot that flew just wide and a free kick that was saved by Scott Brown after hitting Billy McKay.
The game was turned on its head following the sending off though and the home side came to life. Jeff Goulding forced Chris Dunn into a good save before the break. But Goulding would be involved in the winner with his through ball converted by Brian Smikle on the hour mark. It would be a long way back from here and, indeed, we couldn’t fight back despite more controversy.
With three minutes to go, Leon McKenzie headed home but the flag was up and the goal disallowed despite the Town striker appearing a yard or so onside and Cheltenham escaped with the victory.
The fact that this defeat means that we’re hovering just one place above the drop zone is a massive worry ahead of bottom club Hereford’s visit next weekend. We can have all the controversy we want but the simple fact is that we’re not winning football games and the longer this streak goes on the more concerning we’ll all be about being involved in a relegation dog fight rather than pursuing matters at the other end of the table.
League Two
Saturday, October 9th 2010
Controversial moments, a red card, a disallowed goal and a 1-0 defeat. Not what the doctor ordered at Whaddon Road this afternoon as the Cobblers fell to a third straight defeat that leaves us staring at the league table through our fingers this evening.
Dean Beckwith’s return to the squad didn’t last long at all and an already jumbled up starting eleven was even more pottered with when the former Hereford man was sent off on twenty two minutes. Beckwith apparently stamped on Shaun Jeffers in a scramble with the Cobblers defender saying afterwards that he simply couldn’t get out of the way. This was after a strong start from Sammo’s men, a start that had Kevin Thornton cursing his luck with a shot that flew just wide and a free kick that was saved by Scott Brown after hitting Billy McKay.
The game was turned on its head following the sending off though and the home side came to life. Jeff Goulding forced Chris Dunn into a good save before the break. But Goulding would be involved in the winner with his through ball converted by Brian Smikle on the hour mark. It would be a long way back from here and, indeed, we couldn’t fight back despite more controversy.
With three minutes to go, Leon McKenzie headed home but the flag was up and the goal disallowed despite the Town striker appearing a yard or so onside and Cheltenham escaped with the victory.
The fact that this defeat means that we’re hovering just one place above the drop zone is a massive worry ahead of bottom club Hereford’s visit next weekend. We can have all the controversy we want but the simple fact is that we’re not winning football games and the longer this streak goes on the more concerning we’ll all be about being involved in a relegation dog fight rather than pursuing matters at the other end of the table.
Time to get tough!
Cheltenham Town vs Northampton Town
League Two
Saturday, October 9th 2010
After a week’s rest for the first time in a while, it’s back t the action tomorrow with a tricky trip to Cheltenham Town. I was surprised to see, when checking out the head to heads this week, that the Cobblers are unbeaten in four games at Whaddon Road - a ground that started off as a real curse to any visiting Northampton sides.
The Robins are reasonably placed in League Two and recorded a fine win at Aldershot last weekend to leap into the top half of the table. Manager Mark Yates will be sweating on the fitness of Wes Thomas and JJ Melligan though with both set for late fitness tests.
Dean Beckwith returns to the Cobblers squad after shaking off his thigh injury but Courtney Herbert will be out for a couple of weeks having injured his calf this week. Sammo has said that the side need to get tougher after an aerial assault by Macclesfield sent us home pointless last week so we have to hope that we can add that strength to our passing game.
It’s big game territory already with a win taking us further from danger at the wrong end but defeat creating more than a few worried brows before the visit of bottom club Herford next Saturday.
League Two
Saturday, October 9th 2010
After a week’s rest for the first time in a while, it’s back t the action tomorrow with a tricky trip to Cheltenham Town. I was surprised to see, when checking out the head to heads this week, that the Cobblers are unbeaten in four games at Whaddon Road - a ground that started off as a real curse to any visiting Northampton sides.
The Robins are reasonably placed in League Two and recorded a fine win at Aldershot last weekend to leap into the top half of the table. Manager Mark Yates will be sweating on the fitness of Wes Thomas and JJ Melligan though with both set for late fitness tests.
Dean Beckwith returns to the Cobblers squad after shaking off his thigh injury but Courtney Herbert will be out for a couple of weeks having injured his calf this week. Sammo has said that the side need to get tougher after an aerial assault by Macclesfield sent us home pointless last week so we have to hope that we can add that strength to our passing game.
It’s big game territory already with a win taking us further from danger at the wrong end but defeat creating more than a few worried brows before the visit of bottom club Herford next Saturday.
Football League takes centre stage
With a weekend of international football taking place this weekend there’s a rare chance for Leagues One and Two to take centre stage on the home front. And whilst the money bags of the Premier League has been trotting away with only two major surprises – Liverpool’s demise and West Brom’s rise – going against the norm.
But if you’re an armchair fan with nothing to do this weekend but paint the shed or put up a shelf, head down to a local league team because it’s one of the only chances you’ll get to savour the wonders of the lower leagues.
In League One, Brighton and Hove Albion (who we have beaten this season of course!) are causing everyone to stand up and take note with their industrious performances under Gus Poyet and lead the division going into this weekend. Poyet’s men should be heralded not just for keeping the Posh off top spot but for doing so well ahead of the so called bigger clubs in the division. Charlton, Huddersfield, Southampton and Sheffield Wednesday who all languish in mid-table.
Fellow surprises come from Bournemouth who, despite losing 2-0 at St Mary’s last weekend, have stunned League One so far and are third whilst Rochdale, Exeter and Carlisle all punching above their weight.
League Two has had just as many twists in form with the plight of Peter Taylor’s Bradford a huge talking point with the Bantams second bottom. Simon Davey has been shown the door at Hereford with the club bottom of the pile – another pre-season favourite in the doldrums as we speak.
Accrington continue to surprise at the other end with only one defeat all season but Port Vale have set the league on fire and proven that they are more than just dark horses this season. Rico continues to knock in the goals for Vale to send them three points clear at the top.
So there’s plenty of entertainment to be had this weekend so get out of your chair and get down to your local football league club to bask in the glory of some of the most competitive leagues in the world!
Wednesday, October 06, 2010
A chance to take stock
With no midweek game this week, it’s a chance to have a breather at last! To say that we’re a little relieved to not be participate in the JPT tonight would usually be a negative comment but it’s nice to take stock tonight rather than worry about another game.
It’s been an odd start – 10 league games in and we’re showing no signs of a genuine promotion challenge from the Cobblers with the Carling Cup exploits hiding a bit of the stuttering start in League Two. Still early doors though and it’s certainly an unpredictable and entertaining league that we’re playing in. Two of this weekend’s games sum up the League Two season so far – Accrington 7-4 Gillingham and Chesterfield 5-5 Crewe were extraordinary games and it’s a shame that this division doesn’t get the coverage it deserves because it’s one of the most open leagues in the country at this point.
The Town players need this rest to regroup and really have a go at Cheltenham this weekend and will no doubt be fresher and have Sammo’s words ringing in their ears about matching their cup form to the league campaign. It’s crucial that we get at least a point from Whaddon Road or else we could get sucked into Bradford territory!
We need to toughen up, get playing our game again and remember that just one win can make all the difference in a league that’s anyone’s for the taking.
It’s been an odd start – 10 league games in and we’re showing no signs of a genuine promotion challenge from the Cobblers with the Carling Cup exploits hiding a bit of the stuttering start in League Two. Still early doors though and it’s certainly an unpredictable and entertaining league that we’re playing in. Two of this weekend’s games sum up the League Two season so far – Accrington 7-4 Gillingham and Chesterfield 5-5 Crewe were extraordinary games and it’s a shame that this division doesn’t get the coverage it deserves because it’s one of the most open leagues in the country at this point.
The Town players need this rest to regroup and really have a go at Cheltenham this weekend and will no doubt be fresher and have Sammo’s words ringing in their ears about matching their cup form to the league campaign. It’s crucial that we get at least a point from Whaddon Road or else we could get sucked into Bradford territory!
We need to toughen up, get playing our game again and remember that just one win can make all the difference in a league that’s anyone’s for the taking.
Sunday, October 03, 2010
Down to earth at Moss Rose
Macclesfield Town 2-0 Northampton Town
League Two
Saturday, October 2nd 2010
If ever there was a setting to bring the Cobblers crashing back down to earth after the last couple of weeks then this was it. Moss Rose, usually a happy hunting ground for us, was this time the venue where we realised that we need to get tough again and realise we are in League Two.
The Chesterfield game on Tuesday night ended in defeat of course but a good display combined with a smash and grab victory for the Spireites still had us cursing our luck rather than taking notice of problems. Yesterday's defeat, however, handed to us by an ever improving Macclesfild side (this their third win in five games) will give Sammo his first few headaches of recent weeks.
In a dull game, we needed to step up to the less glamorous and comfortable arena but it was the hosts that settled and played their game to deservedly take home the win that helps them to leapfrog the Cobblers in the table.
It still seemed relatively out of the blue that the Silkmen took the lead when a controversial corner ended up, of course, with a goal when Hamza Bencherif finished well. The only reply from the Cobblers was a half chance that flashed wide from new loan signing Josh Parker who came in for Paul Rodgers on the right wing in Sammo's only change.
The second half started quietly but build into a better spell for us with Michael Jacobs having a few through balls blocked and Liam Davis shooting just over the bar. But it clearly wasn't to be a our day and a towering header from Maccs' Nat Brown finished us off and we were sent home to reassess our league form once more.
The major concern here is the question of whether the Cobblers can pick up their games at the so called "smaller" teams of League Two. The question will appear next week with a trip to Cheltenham Town. Another performance like this one and we'll be starting to look worrying at the wrong end of the table!
League Two
Saturday, October 2nd 2010
If ever there was a setting to bring the Cobblers crashing back down to earth after the last couple of weeks then this was it. Moss Rose, usually a happy hunting ground for us, was this time the venue where we realised that we need to get tough again and realise we are in League Two.
The Chesterfield game on Tuesday night ended in defeat of course but a good display combined with a smash and grab victory for the Spireites still had us cursing our luck rather than taking notice of problems. Yesterday's defeat, however, handed to us by an ever improving Macclesfild side (this their third win in five games) will give Sammo his first few headaches of recent weeks.
In a dull game, we needed to step up to the less glamorous and comfortable arena but it was the hosts that settled and played their game to deservedly take home the win that helps them to leapfrog the Cobblers in the table.
It still seemed relatively out of the blue that the Silkmen took the lead when a controversial corner ended up, of course, with a goal when Hamza Bencherif finished well. The only reply from the Cobblers was a half chance that flashed wide from new loan signing Josh Parker who came in for Paul Rodgers on the right wing in Sammo's only change.
The second half started quietly but build into a better spell for us with Michael Jacobs having a few through balls blocked and Liam Davis shooting just over the bar. But it clearly wasn't to be a our day and a towering header from Maccs' Nat Brown finished us off and we were sent home to reassess our league form once more.
The major concern here is the question of whether the Cobblers can pick up their games at the so called "smaller" teams of League Two. The question will appear next week with a trip to Cheltenham Town. Another performance like this one and we'll be starting to look worrying at the wrong end of the table!
Friday, October 01, 2010
QPR winger makes loan move
The Cobblers have added to the squad ahead of the trip to improving Macclesfield tomorrow afternoon with QPR winger Josh Parker joining on a month long loan deal, up to and including the game with Gillingham at the end of October. Versatility is again the key point from Sammo with Parker able to play on the right wing or at full back and it certainly looks like one to improve the squad.
The highly rate 19-year-old has played twice for Rangers already this season and Sammo will be delighted to capture him ahead of tomorrow's game which Parker will be eligible for.
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