Cobblers enter “Must Win” territory at Hereford

Northampton Town v Hereford United
League Two
Tuesday, February 22nd 2011



It’s getting to the stage where we need three points rather than one and victory at Edgar Street this evening is required not only to get away from a run of four straight draws but to boost a confidence that’s slowly dripping away from the Cobblers players.


After four leads were squandered in the past seven days we need to go into tonight with the aim of blowing away a team that came back from, not one, but three goals down to beat us at Sixfields earlier this season. That day will still be right in the back of the Cobblers’ players minds on the coach and that needs to be the motivation.


We’ll, of course, be missing Shaun Harrad through suspension whilst Abdul Osman sits out the final game of this three game ban. Leon McKenize is only rated at 50/50 so Sammo has hinted at a more advanced role for one of Andy Holt, Francis Laurent or Kevin Thornton to play behind Billy McKay.


Hereford have been on fire since Jamie Pitman took charge and that win at Sixfields was just the start as the Bulls pulled themselves away from the bottom two. They’ve lost just once in their ten league games in 2011 to ease relegation worries. A goalless draw at home to Burton at the weekend kept them above the Brewers and they’ll be full of confidence going into this one.


They are also hit with a suspension for an influential player with captain Jonas Kovacs seeing red at the weekend so he will miss out this evening. Harry Pell will face a late fitness test after a slight knock in the same game but other than that Pitman has a full squad to choose from.




Elsewhere in League Two this evening...

With two of the top three not in action it’s a big chance for Wycombe to get back on track in their game in hand. They host Burton Albion who are still lingering around the bottom of the table following their multiple postponements and cup run. Port Vale can strengthen their position with victory over Stevenage at Vale Park while Torquay, four points of the top seven, go to Cheltenham, still smarting from the last minute equaliser from Barnet on Saturday.


Chesterfield went eight points clear at the weekend and travel to Bradford hoping to gain extra momentum in their promotion bid. At the other end, Maccelsfield and Morecambe are both in dire need of the points when they meet at Moss Rose. Barnet can come off the bottom if they win at Southend and Accrington host Crewe after their fine win at Wycombe on Saturday.