Guinan goal pushes Lincoln aside

Northampton Town 1-0 Lincoln City
League Two
Saturday, October 17th 2009


Two managers new to life in a top job, two former players from completely opposite sides of the ladder of success, two rookies at taking a managerial position at this level. Ian Sampson took on Chris Sutton and came out on top in a tight game typical of the old battles between these two teams. The two men leading their sides to battle couldn’t have had any more of a different upbringing in the game with Sutton playing at the highest level and Sammo plugging away with loyal graft in the bottom two leagues of English football. But it was Sammo to come out of the game with all three points on a scrappy afternoon at Sixfields.

Lincoln were always tough opponents in days gone by and the trend didn’t change on Saturday afternoon. The Imps were always in and around the Cobblers’ faces in League Two, denying us on several occasions with their bustling ways. Time, it seems, hasn’t changed things. It’s credit to Sammo that he led us to this victory, gained with a bundle of a goal from Steve Guinan.

Guinan was an automatic choice up front in the absence of injury victim Courtney Herbert and Billy McKay also began the game with Bayo still in use as an impact substitute. That title certainly ringed true, for until the big man’s half time introduction the game was flat with Lincoln battling away and causing us few chances to attack.

The Imps, in fact, had the better of the actual chances with a Stefan Oakes free kick sailing just wide and Sergio Torres breaking through the Town defence to test Chris Dunn, who was equal to the shot and the sides went in level at half-time.

Bayo was brought on and immediately had an impact, setting up Luke Guttridge who fired in the first real shot of the game for his side that Rob Burch had to be alert to. Akinfenwa then headed wide from a trademark long throw from Andy Holt but we did find the breakthrough as we stepped things up, the clock running past the seventy minute mark.

A free kick from Guttridge was nodded back by Holt and Guinan eventually scrambled the ball home from close range to score the only goal of the game. Lincoln’s only contribution to the rest of the game was adding to their growing number of bookings, a total of six by the end of the game that earned the club a fine.

Pretty it was not, exciting it most definitely was not but three points it was and a clean sheet to go with it makes the previous two draws against Bradford and Bury look a lot better now. We’re slowly starting to move up the table and are unbeaten in five games in all competitions. There will be plenty of games like this one to come and the fact that we managed to grab the three points here could be vital come the final knockings.

League Two will be frustrating at times but it’s games like these that will be the backbone of any possibly push for the top half and the playoffs and with two tough away trips coming up at improving Morecambe and Torquay (who shared a 2-2 draw this weekend) we can be happy with the weekend’s work.

Lincoln City (H) Preview

The Cobblers host Chris Sutton’s Lincoln City at Sixfields tomorrow afternoon with the Imps back on form following the appointment of the former Norwich City and Blackburn Rovers star. Sutton has helped City to back to back wins in the last two outings and leads his side to Sixfields full of confidence. The Cobblers have reason to be upbeat themselves having secured fight backs in the last two games, coming from two down against Bradford and Bury to earn draws.


Team News

Dean Beckwith should come back into contention for the Cobblers and Liam Davis is the only other long term injury, with the midfielder due back in a couple of weeks. Ryan Gilligan returns to the squad after serving a one match ban for the bury game last weekend.

Lincoln are boosted by the return of Robert Kovacs and Cian Houghton to their side. Both were missing through suspension and international duty respectively last weekend and come back into the squad. The Imps are without Paul Connor and Paul Green who are still a few weeks away from a return to the first team.


Last Time Out...Cobblers 1-1 Lincoln (26/11/05)

The Cobblers salvaged a point in the last meeting between the teams at Sixfields with a last gasp goal from Josh Low. Gary Birch had given the visitors an early lead but Low swooped to equalise in stoppage time for earn us a share of the spoils.

Cobblers: Harper ,Bojic ,Chambers ,Doig ,Crowe ,Low ,Taylor ,Jess (Mendes ,56 ) ,Martin Smith ,Kirk ,McGleish (Hunt ,85)

Lincoln: Marriott ,McAuley ,Morgan (Bloomer ,71 ) ,McCombe ,Brown ,Kerr ,Keates ,Mayo ,Asamoah ,Birch (Foster ,89 ) ,Logan


Head to Head...Cobblers v Imps...

Games Played: 48

Cobblers Wins: 12

Draws: 23

Lincoln Wins: 13

Would the real Bayo please stand up?

Is it me or is Bayo still a little bit unhappy? The interview after the Bury game sees him a but less Bayo like to me...he seems TOO laid back and care free. Last season for the most part he seemed over the moon whenever he scored and was a prety happy fella but after Saturday's draw he seemed a little less himself.

Gone was the glint in the eye, the thrill of scoring, in its place a mere shrug of the shoulders attitude and you have to wonder if he'll ever be the same player for us again and whether he still wants to be here.

I do wonder whether he'll still be here come January and whether he actually still wants to be here despite the change in manager. If Sammo can get the big man back on his side and firing the way he used to, get the real Bayo back, then it'll be like a new signing without having to wait until the transfer window.

Battling Cobblers come back again

Bury 2-2 Northampton Town
League Two
Saturday, October 20th 2009

The Cobblers completed their third comeback of the week to secure a hard fought draw at Bury this afternoon. Following the recovery against Bradford from two goals down last weekend and the 2-1 reversal against Bournemouth in the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy on Tuesday we once again came back from a two goal deficit at Gigg Lane.

It was once again Courtney Herbert who took the game by the scruff of the neck to turn it around with the first strike of the comeback trail but even before that he was causing his usual problems. In the thirteenth minute the 20-year-old took the ball down and shot just wide of the post to signal his intent.

But it was Bury that had the best of the first half and deservedly took the lead and it was a Cobblers corner that led to it. The home side cleared their lines and David Worrall broke to have a shot blocked by John Curtis before tucking home the rebound past Chris Dunn.

It was to get worse just a couple of minutes later as we were suddenly 2-0 down as Ryan Lowe latched onto a hoof up field to lob the ball home and we were once again facing an uphill struggle, this time away from home though.

The half time team talk had to match the one from the last couple of games and the players’ character shone through once again in the second half. The game could well have been tucked away early on though as Chris McCready had to clear off the line.
But then it was time for another fight back. Herbert sprang into life and took the ball past three or four men before finishing well past Wayne Brown in the Bury goal. Suddenly we were right back in it and a substitution turned the game again. Adebayo Akinfenwa had been brought on before Herbert’s goal in the place of Steve Guinan and it was the big man that equalised with fifteen minutes left.

Akinfenwa got himself on the end of a Luke Guttridge cross and his header eluded Brown and flew in off the far post. Unlike last weekend, there was still time to even win it!

Bury had a couple of good chances to take the lead again but Chriss Dunn made a good double save before Akinfenwa headed over the bar from a corner in the last action of the game.

It was another show of real character from the Cobblers and a decent away point at the end of it. The league table isn’t exactly being eaten into but the next three games are critical with Lincoln, Morcambe and Torquay up next.

MK Dons trip in JPT

The Cobblers will take on MK Dons in the Third Round of the Johnstone's Paint Trophy after the draw was made this morning on Soccer AM. Ian Sampson's team will travel to Stadium: MK for the tie, to be played in week commencing November 9th.

Last season, we fell to a double defeat to the Dons, losing home and away by a single goal, the second of which was the first nail in our relegation coffin. With a place in the area semi-final up for grabs, this game should provide a bit more interest for the competition.

Bury (A) Preview...

Sammo takes charge of his first league game in full charge of the Cobblers tomorrow as we make the tough trip to Bury. After two good fight backs in the space of a week, the new boss will be hoping to record his first league win on the road at Gigg Lane and start to finally move up the League Two ladder.


Team News

Bury are without Andy Bishop who will be out for around two months with a number of problems. Danny Carlton is another long term absentee whilst Andy Morrell is also missing. Richie Baker limped out of the Shakers’ game against Tranmere Rovers on Tuesday night and is doubtful for the Cobblers’ visit.

Ryan Gilligan sits out of the game as he serves a one match ban having picked up a fifth booking of the season in the Bournemouth game on Tuesday night. But Andy Holt, Luke Guttridge, Adebayo Akinfenwa and John Curtis have all trained this week and could play some part in the game.



Last Time Out…Bury 0-2 Northampton Town …League Two…28/01/06…

The Cobblers won at Gigg Lane in the side’s last meeting as we moved towards promotion in 2006. An own goal from Andy Parrish gave Colin Calderwood’s side the lead before Andy Kirk sealed it in the second half.

Bury: Anthony Williams ,Scott ,Fitzgerald ,Challinor ,Parrish ,Jarman (sent off 45),Flitcroft (Barry-Murphy ,89 ) ,Mattis ,Buchanan ,Smart (Marrison ,64 ) ,Tipton

Northampton: Harper ,Chambers ,Dyche ,Doig ,Low (Johnson ,78 ) ,Taylor ,Martin Smith (Bojic ,78 ) ,Hunt (Rowson ,69 ) ,Crowe ,McGleish ,Kirk



Head to Head…Shakers v Cobblers…

Games Played: 51

Cobblers Wins: 21

Draws: 11

Bury Wins: 19


Saturday’s other League Two games…

Accrington Stanley v Cheltenham
Aldershot v Morecambe
Bournemouth v Chesterfield
Bradford v Crewe
Bury v Northampton
Dag & Red v Darlington
Grimsby v Burton Albion
Macclesfield v Lincoln City
Rochdale v Barnet
Rotherham v Hereford
Shrewsbury v Port Vale

Crosby appointed Assistant Manager

Sammo has moved quickly after being appointed Cobblers boss on Monday by naming Malcolm Crosby as his assistant. Crosy came in to help Sammo during his spell in caretaker charge and was confirmed as Assistant Manager this afternoon ahead of Saturday's trip to Bury.

Meanwhile, Jim Barron has left the club after three years at the club.

Dramatic finish sends Cobblers through in JPT

Northampton Town 2-1 AFC Bournemouth
Johnstone's Paint Trophy, Southern Area Second Round
Tuesday, October 6th 2009

If Saturday’s last minute equaliser against Bradford was dramatic, then last night’s Johnstone’s Paint Trophy Second Round game was an epic finish as the Cobblers progressed through to the Southern Area Quarter Finals with a last gasp penalty from Ryan Gilligan to give Sammo an ideal start in his first game in full charge of the club.

With both sides struggling with injuries, there was no chance of “reserve” teams being put out for this one and Sammo had already reiterated his desire to go as far as possible in the competition with a place in the Wembley final at stake. Michael Jacobs started for the first time in the absence of John Curtis while Alex Dyer came into midfield following his heroics on Saturday.

Jacobs set up the first real chance of the game, an inviting cross that just missed its targets of Ben Marshall and Steve Guinan. Guinan had a couple of decent efforts after that, having a shot blocked before shooting wide but it was the Cherries that took the lead just after the half hour mark as Danny Hollands smashed the ball home after a knock down.

It stayed that way until half-time and we would need some more of the same fighting qualities shown on Saturday if we were to get back into the tie. Billy McKay replaced Gary Mulligan at the break and the Cobblers started brightly with Gilligan’s volley well saved by visiting keeper Dan Thomas.

The breakthrough came on 66 minutes and Steve Guinan was the man to get the crucial equaliser. Guinan scored in the First Round at Wycombe and headed home a free kick from Gilligan to put us right back in the game. This competition is not know for its dramatic endings so no-one in the ground could predict a manic last few minutes.
With just three minutes to go, Bournemouth won a penalty for a hand ball on Chris McCready but Lee Bradbury’s spot kick was saved by Chris Dunn. It looked like penalties would decide it after that and they did but fortunately for us just one was needed.

Substitute Courtney Herbert was felled in the area and Gilligan stepped up to slot home the winning goal in the 93rd minute and we were through to the next round and the last eight of the Southern Section. It’s not often we get past one round of the JPT, let alone two so this was a very good start for Sammo and the tide is slowly but surely starting to turn.

Our possible opponents, with the draw coming up on Saturday morning on Soccer AM are: Charlton, Swindon, Norwich, Hereford, Leyton Orient, MK Dons and Southampton so still a tough road ahead but either way this was another step in very much the right direction.

AFC Bournemouth (H) JPT Second Round Preview...

Ian Sampson takes charge of his first game in full charge of the Cobblers this evening as we look to progress in the Johnstone's Paint Trophy. There's a Southern Area Quarter Final place up for grabs and interest should increase in the competition should we see off the Cherries at Sixfields.

Team News
Sammo looks likely to be without strikers Adebayo Akinfenwa and Courtney Herbet for the game with Luke Guttridge and Dean Beckwith also struggling. Andy Holt and John Curtis are rated at 50/50 so Seb Harris could play for the first time.

Bournemouth are also struggling with injuries with Sammy Igoe missing with a knee injury and Ryan Garry out of the squad having being diagnosed with swine flu. The Cherries are also without Jeff Goulding and Marvin Bentley.


Last Time Out…Northampton 2-0 AFC Bournemouth…League Two...22/08/09...

In Bournemouth’s first league defeat of the season and the Cobblers’ first victory, Adebayo Akinfenwa gave us a sixth minute lead before Ben Marshall’s late strike sealed the points at Sixfields.


Head to Head…Cobblers v Cherries…

Games Played: 98

Cobblers Wins: 36

Draws: 24

Cherries Wins: 38


Tonight’s other JPT Second Round ties…

Accrington Stanley v Shrewsbury
Bradford v Notts County
Bury v Tranmere,
Carlisle v Macclesfield
Charlton v Barnet
Chesterfield v Huddersfield
Exeter v Swindon
Gillingham v Norwich
Hartlepool v Grimsby
Hereford v Aldershot
Leeds United v Darlington
Leyton Orient v Brighton
MK Dons v Southend
Port Vale v Stockport
Southampton v Torquay

Ian Sampson's Barmy Army!

Cobblers’ legend Ian Sampson has landed the managers’ job on a full time basis as he was officially named boss of Northampton Town this afternoon. Sammo has been steadily improving the side over the last few weeks and the fight, determination and heart of the group can not be questioned any more after the last couple of performances.

The former Town defender made 449 appearances for the club, agonisingly falling short of what could have been a dream farewell in the playoff final in game 450 when we were beaten at Mansfield Town in the dramatic semi final shoot out of 2004. Sammo had partnered Ray Warburton in a solid defence as the Cobblers reached Wembley in 1997 and 1998 and was within touching distance of the Championship before Grimsby Town ruined our day on that second appearance under the twin towers.

He’s now been given the job on a full time basis until the end of the season where it will more than likely be reviewed based on the previous months.

Youth comes good again as Dyer stars

Youth is most certainly the buzz word at Sixfields this week and Alex Dyer was the latest young gun to fire the Cobblers in Saturday’s 2-2 draw with Bradford City. After Courtney Herbert had introduced himself onto the League Two stage on Tuesday night, it was the turn of Dyer to repay the faith installed in him by Ian Sampson to lift his team back from the brink of defeat.

Dyer was introduced with around twenty minutes to play and with the Cobblers two goals down and looking down and out against the Bantams. But the player who had been blooded by Sammo in the youth and reserve teams in years gone by injected energy and flair into proceedings to hit the first goal of the comeback.

The Cobblers, of course, recovered fully to claim the point and Dyer should now earn a starting place in Tuesday night’s Johnstone’s Paint Trophy Second Round tie with Bournemouth. With the early season full of doom and gloom, we’re starting to finally find some good news with the young Cobblers players stepping up to the plate and giving the long suffering claret faithful something to sing about.

Cobblers fight back to earn draw

Northampton Town 2-2 Bradford City
League Two
Saturday, October 3rd 2009

After the 3-1 midweek success over Rotherham came a fight back full of character and heart, traits always present from Sammo the player and now seemingly installed in Sammo the manager. The top job crept closer to the former defender’s grasp but it could have so easily slipped from his grasp as Bradford let slip a two goal lead to allow us back in late on.

It was a stirring recovery from the Cobblers, one that we certainly wouldn’t have seen a few months ago, with John Johnson heading home an equaliser in the last minute to send us home happy with a good week at the office.

Sammo was without Adebayo Akinfenwa and Dean Beckwith so young Courtney Herbert started once more after shaking off a rib injury. Chris McCready slotted in at the back in Beckwith’s absence. Bradford’s vocal travelling support were in full voice from the off, a proud Yorkshire fallen giant still standing as they look for promotion this season.

But it was the Cobblers who made the more impressive start. A battling and gallant opening saw us pick apart the visitors with short passes in the absence of Bayo and it worked wonders despite the end product not always being there. Luke Guttridge had a chance at the back post with a header that a fit and willing Akinfenwa would surely have put away whilst Herbert was causing problems with his pace once more and came close to making it two in a week.

You felt that we needed to score during the opening twenty minutes while we were on top but when that didn’t materialise the game took a worrying turn in the opposite direction as Bradford came more and more into the game as the half went on. In the end, we were happy with the half-time whistle and a chance to regroup.

The break didn’t stop the Bantams’ pressure though and they came out of the blocks flying in the second half, leading to a deflected goal five minutes in. Simon Ramsden’s shot cruelly struck a Town boot and the ball looped over the unfortunate Chris Dunn to send the hoards of Bantams into hysteria. Shell shocked by the goal, the Cobblers were wounded and Bradford struck again just four minutes later as Michael Boulding beat the offside trap to fire home what looked to be the sealer.

It was frustrating stuff with all the hard work of the early exchanges turned to dust in a matter of moments and it looked as if there would be no saviour. Cue the unlikely hero, Alex Dyer, a 70th minute substitute for John Curtis. Dyer grabbed hold of the game and immediately looked as if he could produce something.

That, he most certainly did but even his 77th minute well placed volley of a goal that looped in didn’t seem to be enough to salvage anything with desperate long balls late on and a flurry of corners and free kicks coming to nothing in the high winds of Sixfields. But then, late, late in the day it was John Johnson’s moment to savour.

The on loan Middlesbrough mad stooped to nod home a free kick and grab a delightful point from what looked like a certain defeat. The Bantam army fell silent for the first time and it could even have been more. It would have been greedy to hope for Ryan Gilligan’s low drive into the box in stoppage time to hit someone and go in but at the same time it was a relief to hear the final whistle with Bradford threatening to counter attack with pace.

So a point it was and a very entertaining one at that, with a frantic finish more suited to a match late in the season with points being scrambled for but this point could yet be part of a turn around that lands Ian Sampson with the position he desires.

Onwards to another Tuesday night outing, this time it’s the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy Second Round as we welcome league leaders Bournemouth to Sixfields.

Bradford City (H) Preview

Bradford City visit Sixfields tomorrow with the Cobblers looking for back to back wins to boost Sammo’s chances of getting the top job full time. The 3-1 win over Rotherham on Tuesday night saw relief all round but another big test is just around the corner as the Bantams come to town.

Team News

Adebayo Akinfenwa and Dean Beckwith are both doubts for the Cobblers with Liam Davis the only long term absentee. Bayo is struggling with a knee injury that’s limited him to small appearances in the last couple of games. Beckwith, meanwhile, has a groin problem and Ian Sampson will wait until the final minutes before a decision on him is made.

Bradford come into the game on the back of a goalless draw at Morecambe on Tuesday night but are without the suspended Gareth Evans so Michael Boulding should come in to replace him.

Last Meeting…Bradford City 1-2 Northampton Town (17/03/07)

With both sides struggling at the foot of League One in the last meeting between the two sides, Billy Paynter handed City the lead just after the hour mark. But two minutes later, Bradley Johnson fired the Cobblers level before Kenny Deuchar hit an 87th minute winner to steer us further away from the bottom four.

Head to Head…Cobblers v Bantams…

Games Played: 18

Cobblers Wins: 5

Draws: 2

Bradford Wins: 11

Herbert emerges from the depths of Long Buckby...

It was a dream home debut that helped earn Ian Sampson his first win in temporary charge of the Cobblers. The emergence of 20-year-old Courtney Herbert after signing from Long Buckby sparked us into life at Sixfields and may yet be the key moment in Sammo’s fledging post playing Cobblers career.

Herbert came off the bench in tough circumstances at Shrewsbury with the side already beaten and the game all but over. But Herbert’s pace and unpredictability earned him a wildcard start in Tuesday’s game with Rotherham to dramatic effect, with a well taken goal off the underside of the cross bar and his celebrations reflected the emotions of a week in which Herbert went from the Unibond league to local hero in a matter of days.

An rib injury called a halt to Herbert’s night on Tuesday but scans have revealed that nothing is broken so the youngster could be back in contention to play some part against Bradford tomorrow afternoon...could he put Sammo even further into favour with the Cardozas come decision time on the new boss?

Relief all round as Cobblers WIN!

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!

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

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?

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.

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.

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!

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!

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...

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!

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

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...

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.

JPT signals end of window...but who will be left?

Tuesday night's Johnstone's Paint Trophy First Round tie at Wycombe Wanderers comes just one hour after the transfer window slams shut for four months. So who will be left to take on the Chairboys? Adebayo Akinfenwa has been involved in many a transfer window speculation but it seems late in the day now for the big man to move, particularly with main suitors Swansea making a double signing on Friday night.

There doesn't seem to be a lot more threatening to happen in the players out column with most of the saleable assets already gone. The money received from Danny Jackman gives Stuart Gray some money but more than likely it will mean simply more to splash out on wages rather than a transfer fee, with Luke Boden already brought in for midfield cover and thrown straight into the action at Burton.

We should avoid falling into the trap of last season's loan dealings and Stuart Gray seems to recognise the need for more permanant signings. I can't see an awful lot happening before Tuesday's 6pm deadline with Gary Mulligan returning and Abdul Osman back from injury so don't be surprised if Sixfields is a quiet place in the next couple of days.

Here's hoping that there's no more holes in the starting line-up for the Wycombe game on Tuesday.

Nightmare start hands defeat to Town

Burton Albion 3-2 Northampton Town
Saturday, August 29th 2009
League Two

A tight knit defence, the key to the positive side of the season so far for the Cobblers, was smashed aside in a little over ten minutes this afternoon as the travelling support had a real shock at the Pirelli Stadium, Burton. That defence, who had previously conceded just one goal in the league this season were torn apart by three inside the opening exchanges and despite a late fight back by Stuart Gray’s men the damage had been done and we slipped to defeat number two of this campaign.

Adebayo Akinfenwa was pronounced injured before the game and played no part. If he’s as ‘injured’ as Danny Jackman was a couple of weeks then we should be concerned of a looming move away from Sixfields but the big man is only 50/50 before every game so hopefully we won’t need to read any more into that. Steve Guinan partnered Billy McKay up front for this one with new boy Luke Boden anchoring the midfield and Seb Harris making the squad for the first time.

Ben Marshall almost got us off to the best possible start when he drove wide within the opening minute and how different the game could have been had that flown in. As it was, Burton stunned Town with a three minute goal salvo within ten minutes of kick off.

First, Chris Dunn’s error in delaying a kick out and being closed down by Shaun Harrod led to the Albion forward slotting home the opening goal. Michael Simpson scrambled home the second on just seven minutes and then rifled the ball in off the underside of the cross bar for the third in a disastrous start for Gray’s men.

We couldn’t get into the game after that until five minutes before the break when Steve Guinan could have made it 3-1 when sent clean through on goal but Burton keeper Artur Krysiak kept it out and ensured his side went in three goals to the good at half time.

Gray quickly changed things with Abdul Osman, returning from injury, and Gary Mulligan, making his debut, replacing Paul Rodgers and Craig Hinton. Billy McKay and Guinan went close in the early stages of the second half with Town looking for a similar recovery to last season’s remarkable 4-4 draw at Scunthorpe where we were 4-1 down before salvaging a draw.

But despite having a good go at getting it back for a draw we couldn’t find our way all the way back from the jaws of defeat. Guinan got one back after Boden initial effort had been blocked before a lifeline was handed to the Cobblers with a penalty nine minutes from time after a foul on Mulligan. Ryan Gilligan stepped up in Bayo’s place and made it 3-2 but that was the last of our efforts and Burton took home all the points.

After two wins in the last couple of games it was easy to think that the tide was turned but after a horror show of a first half and the transfer window looming large there is still a lot of unanswered questions as we leave the first month of the season behind. `

Back to the football after hectic week

As we prepare for today’s game at Burton Albion, our first ever visit to the Pirelli Stadium, Cobblers boss Stuart Gray must be anxious to finally play some football after an exhausting week of transfers, rumours and speculation as the deadline day for deals comes ever closer. With Danny Jackman departed, Stuart Gray has a bit to play with, whether it be loan signings or paying out for a transfer fee and he’s already brought in some midfield cover.

Loan number four of the season came in the form of Sheffield Wednesday man Luke Boden on an initial one month deal. Boden has been in and out of the first team for Wednesday in the last few seasons and is described as a “big, strong midfield player” by Gray. This may point to either Abdul Osman or Luke Guttridge’s injuries being worse than first thought and we’ll see how those two both recover. Guttridge is one man we’re still missing at the moment but the flair of Ben Marshall is seeing us through with that extra bit of attacking nouse.

Marshall is the shining star of the season so far and his performance against Bournemouth was typified by a run up the entire length of the pitch before setting up Billy McKay for a chance at goal. If we can keep hold of the Stoke man for the whole season it would represent a tremendous coup for the Town boss.

Bayo has also been in the spotlight with no comments from the club direct about a possible move back to Swansea City. The Swans have made two signings up front this week already including Lee Trundle returning home and that could well mean the Bayo rumour is over with them at least. Hopefully this doesn’t mean he’s wanting away as well!

As for Burton this afternoon it’s going to be a toughie despite our change in form with a whole host of experienced heads in their squad including former Cobblers men Guy Branston and Richard Walker. Despite it being so early in the season still it does represent a big game for the Cobblers with a real chance of claiming an early position in the higher echelons of the league table.

Monday’s transfer window will be as interesting as ever but for now let’s concentrate on three points this afternoon!

Jackman departure inevitable but still mystery surrounds the "injury"

And so Danny Jackman has left for higher ground in a move creating mystery, intrigue and an incredible injury recovery. Jackman appeared to have picked up an injury before the season started, strangely directly after a transfer request went in and was rejected a couple of days previous. Two weeks later and the double player of the year has left and the ‘injury’ is apparently healed as he played for Gillingham last night in their 3-1 defeat to Blackburn in the Carling Cup.

More than a few eyebrows have been raised, and rightly so. Jackman, once a fans’ favourite and someone that I wrote very favourably of in this very blog, has now left under a cloud. What grates the most is that he himself said that he’d stick around this season even if we did go down (a statement from before the Leeds game on the final day of 08/09).

It’s fair enough that Jackman wants to play at the higher level but did he not think that before the end of last season? Or was it all just a front, put on to look like the hero? Either way, Jackman is gone for what must be a fairly big sum (the undisclosed fee rears its ugly head again) and we must now move on with players who want to be at the club. A good result on Saturday and we’ll be flying and if the defence can continue to cope without his influence then we should be OK.

With under a week of the transfer window to go, time is running out to find a replacement so it could be a busy few days for Mr Gray.

Cherries picked off by improving Town

Northampton Town 2-0 AFC Bournemouth
League Two
Saturday, August 22nd 2009


Something strange has happened. Northampton Town have won two games in a row in what seems an unprecedented step. The win at Accrington on Tuesday night was good enough to salvage something from a stuttering start to the season but this win over a Bournemouth side who had previously won all three of their opening games was more impressive for the all round team performance that matched the result.

Naming an unchanged side, Stuart Gray knew that the pressure was still on him but the Cobblers boss didn’t have to wait long for the opening that eased the pressure on his side, looking for a home win to lift their spirits even more after Tuesday’s big win in midweek. Ben Marshall collected the ball from Steve Guinan on the right hand side and delivered a good cross that Bayo Akinfenwa had no trouble in converting from close range.

The Cherries were stunned into action, having conceded their first goal in the league this season and Mark Molesley forced a save out of Chris Dunn. The Cobblers were forced into a worrying double change with injuries continuing to mount as John Curtis and Akinfenwa replaced by Alex Dyer and Billy McKay.

Marshall shot over after a bursting run from midfield before Sammy Igoe tested Dunn again at the other end with a curling effort. In an increasingly entertaining first half, Brett Pitman hit the bar for the visitors before Steve Guinan shot wide after good build up play.

Going into the break two goals up gave the Cobblers a good base for the second 45 and Dean Beckwith came close to making it two following a free kick before Billy McKay also went close following yet another long run from Marshall, once again coming into his own on the League Two stage.

With ten minutes to go, McKay thought he had found the breakthrough of the second goal but his effort, a rebound after a Guinan shot, was ruled out for offside. But the Cobblers would get the second and seal an impressive win against a strong Bournemouth side as McKay forced a save out of the visiting keeper only for Marshall to seal a good performance by slotting home the rebound.

As the final whistle went, the Cobblers fans rose to appreciate a performance that was as improved as we could have hoped after the first three games of the season. An all round team effort to take into next week’s game at newly promoted Burton Albion and the fact that no side in League Two has won all four games can give us terrific hope that we can still make a good start to this campaign.

Relief all round for attacking trio

It was relieving not only to win on Tuesday but to have all three fit strikers scoring for the first time this season. With Gary Mulligan chomping at the bit to get back in action and to finally make his Cobblers debut, the pressure was on at Accrington for the other three forwards to break their season ducks.

Steve Guinan got the ball rolling with a superbly taken first, a curling effort into the top corner following neat build up through the middle of the park. Guinan picked his spot wonderfully and could easily have had a second goal later in the first half as he looped a volley onto the Stanley cross bar. Bayo was next to kick off his season’s tally when he was fouled and dusted himself off to slot home the spot kick. The fact that Bayo got a decision his way for once showed that not all referees are so quick to jump on the bandwagon of reprimanding the big man whenever he goes in for a 50/50 challenge. Picking up an injury late on, Bayo was replaced by Billy McKay who sealed the win with a third goal late one, drilling the ball home into the bottom corner of the net and the job was done.

Whether it goes in from a stunning 40 yarder or off your backside I’m sure all strikers will agree that the first goal of the season is the one leaving you with most relief. Here’s to a few more as the months roll on!

Travelling support finally get some reward

The 3-0 win at Accrington Stanley on Tuesday night wasn’t just impressive for the result, a first win of the season for a relieved Stuart Gray, but for the volume of travelling support from the claret faithful. Not since the 3-1 success over Leyton Orient in April have we recorded an away win and for the Cobblers fans it was a just reward for a tough drive north.

Stanley fans themselves were said to impressed by the number of away fans on show on Tuesday night and this sort of commitment despite a less than impressive opening to the season must have provided a massive lift for the players as they ran out of the tunnel.

There could be an argument that many visited the Fraser Eagles Stadium because it was another of “the 92” to tick off their list but still, a Tuesday night in Accrington still doesn’t seem appealing even to the biggest of the stadium explorers. Much more is still to come this season with some tough away ties at equally unglamorous locations and the night at Accrington could be the start of a turn around in attitudes both on and off the pitch.

Stuart Gray won’t have won that many new fans just yet but a 3-0 away success is difficult to moan about, though some will still grumble about us sitting back for long periods at 2-0, but a few more results like this one will go a long way to sealing Gray’s future at the club. There’s a thought that Gray has ten games to get it right so work is still to be done without a doubt.

We just have to hope that we don’t need to send Gray on his way as a tough looking few weeks looms on the horizon.

Breath of life for Gray and Town

Accrington Stanley 0-3 Northampton Town
Tuesday, August 18th 2009

In what has seemed a hell of a long time coming, The Cobblers are finally off the mark in League Two, tonight scoring their first goals and securing a first win of the season that not only lifts the players but gives Stuart Gray a more than timely boost. Accrington Stanley away was surely not the fixture Gray would have wanted with his future becoming more uncertain as the games go on but his strikers finally found form and the fact that both Steve Guinan and Billy McKay both opened their Town accounts would have left the Cobblers boss a happy man.

We still had to work hard defensively for a lot of the game after a terrific start that saw Guinan bag his opening strike as a Town player after just three minutes with a lovely goal from twenty yards, curled into the top corner. After Bayo Akinfenwa had been hauled down on seventeen minutes, the big man picked himself up to slot home the second and we were up and running for the season.

Stanley had their chances and right at the start of the second half, Dean Winnard had their best chance, heading wide when well placed from a free kick. The Cobblers were holding firm though and the defence was only breached on a couple of occasions, once from a free kick that Chris Dunn did very well to tip away and again from another effort from Winnard.

But it was Gray’s men that would have the final say after Stanley had rattled the woodwork and substitute Billy McKay sealed a good night for our strikers by finishing well from twenty yards. There was still time for Steve Guinan to bring down James Ryan for a penalty to Accrington but Ryan got up and shot wide from the resulting kick, meaning that we had kept a clean sheet in difficult circumstances and scored three goals in what should be a morale boosting win.

Gray himself won’t be out of the woods just yet with a massive test at home to Bournemouth on Saturday looming large. The Cherries have stormed through the first three games, taking maximum points along the way and will be a big step up from this game tonight.

So panic buttons are on hold for now anyway...the roller coaster has well and truly begun and we’re only just over a week in. Hold on tight...

Single goal sends Town to defeat at Chesterfield

One goal was enough on Saturday for the Cobblers to fall to a first league defeat of the season as we continue to search for our first goal of the campaign.

A home side that were looking to bounce back from defeat last weekend were always going to be tricky opposition but the Cobblers will still be disappointed with a narrow loss. So many games were lost by the single goal last season and Stuart Gray will not be happy with the first of 2009/10.

Steve Guinan came into the side for Billy McKay and had the first shot on goal within the first minute, curling an effort wide. A couple of goalmouth efforts were blocked by the Spireites before they had a goal disallowed at the other end. Bookings for Abdul Osman, John Curtis and Guinan in quick succession angered the visiting support but worse was to follow as Chesterfield took the lead.

Former Cobblers target Jack Lester crossed the ball for Donal McDermott who finished well past Chris Dunn and it was advantage to our hosts.

Akinfenwa almost levelled a minute before half time and seconds later Ben Marshall shot just over the bar as the Cobblers ended the half well but couldn't get back into things.

The second half began with Town looking despertately to get back on level terms with plenty of possession but little in final quality. Ryan Gilligan came off the bench to replace defender Craig Hinton in an attacking move but Billy McKay didn't see any action until eight minutes to go, replacing Guinan.

By then, Marshall had hit the post with a curling effort and that would be the closest we would come in a frustrating game to signal ou first loss of the league season. Accrington Stanley away on Tuesday now presents the first big moment of the season despite it being just three games old.

Defeat there and we would really be considering this a shocker of a start but a win would start to turn the tide. Staurt Gray may be starting to feel a little uncomfortable again.

Wycombe away in JPT

The Cobblers have been handed a tough trip to newly promoted League One side Wycombe Wanderers in the first round of the Johnstone's Paint Trophy. The trip to Adams Park is set for the week commencing 31st August after the draw was made on Saturday morning.

Last season the Cobblers crashed out in the first round after a 1-0 defeat at Sixfields to Brighton and will be looking to go further this time around...

Saints dump Cobblers out of cup

Last season’s Carling Cup heroics against Bolton and Sunderland couldn’t be repeated this evening as the Cobblers put up a brave battle but lost out to Southampton at St Mary’s. Saints boasted new signing Rickie Lambert and the former Bristol Rovers man opened the scoring in the first half. A real battle after the break saw us come so close but we couldn’t quite break them down and a second goal killed us off.

On a bright evening on the south coast, we started with the same back four as Saturday but Romone Rose was handed a debut at right midfield, coming in for Alex Dyer with Ryan Gilligan pushed inside with Abdul Osman. Bayo was dropped to the bench with Steve Guinan and Billy McKay up front.

Saints began the brighter with a couple of Lambert free kicks flying over the bar. Warning shots they most certainly were and it wouldn’t be long before the inevitable goal came from the former Gas Head. Ben Marshall, impressive again on the left, cut inside to create the first of our chances but he was foiled by the excellent Kelvin Davies.

Andy Holt had a free header on the twenty minute mark but he was made to pay for that miss as the home side took the lead ten minutes later. Lloyd James was given too much space on the right and his good cross was met by Lambert who stooped to header home low into Chris Dunn’s net. Saints came to life with that goal and we did well to hold out till half time with the score still at just 1-0.

A double change near the hour mark so nearly changed the game in our favour with Bayo on for McKay and John Curtis given a debut in the place of Romone Rose. The changes sparked a period of fifteen minutes where we really looked like we would get back into the game. Guinan had a shot deflected over and the atmosphere built in the Northam end where the 700 or so Cobblers fans had gathered.

Marshall shot wide before Bayo had a golden chance to level the scores, pouncing on a defensive error to bring the ball down and fire over the bar. That would be the last chance to get back on terms as Southampton scored the killer goal when Adam Lallana scrambled the ball home and from then on it was all but over.

Alex Dyer came off the bench to give a good account of himself and looked ten times the player Abdul Osman did in the middle of the park in a shocker for the former Gretna midfielder. A third goal for Southampton would have been harsh on us but Rasiak nearly got it before being denied by Dunn late on.

The game faded and the Cobblers crashed out of the Carling Cup at the first round stage. A good battle and this gives me a little more confidence after Saturday’s game against Macclesfield. Next up is a tricky away double at Chesterfield and Accrington Stanley. Welcome to League Two indeed...on this tale of quality and final touch, we have a fair way to go yet.

Now for the real tests...

A six year wait finally over

As the Cobblers prepare for tonight's League Cup First Round game at Southampton, I personally end a six year wait for a game between the sides at St Mary's. Moving to university in Southampton in 2003 there never seemed a chance that we would ever play across the road from my halls of residence with Saints in Europe having finished runners up in the FA Cup final the season before.

A glimmer of hope came in 04/05 when Town drew Southampton in both cups but frustratingly both games were at Sixfields! So this game tonight means a lot, to finally give me a chance to wander over to a game instead of sit on a train/replacement bus service/taxi/boat to get to a game.

It's also a return to the club for Stuart Gray of course and he'll be looking to put one over on a few friends. Injuries are mounting for Gray with Ryan Gilligan the latest doubt so Romone Rose could make his Cobblers debut.

With good ticket prices there should be a fair attendance in place tonight...let's hope I'm not regretting finally meeting Southampton away come 9:30 tonight!

Cobblers held on opening day

2009/10 started with as much distraction as there was ambition on this day one year ago. Back in August 2008, nothing could stop the Cobblers after a terrific ninth place finish in League One the season before. But twelve months and a relegation on, key players have left the club to leave us with an uncertain beginning to this season and Macclesfield Town were very much a “welcome back to League Two” opponent.
The rumours circulating before the first blow of the referee’s whistle in this campaign surrounded Danny Jackman, who this week handed in a transfer request that was rejected by David Cardoza.

The talk before the game were of Jackman’s “injury” that kept him out of the match at the last minute. Some said the double player of the year had signed for Notts County, some said a home return to Gillingham was his path but either way we would have to do without him for this game at the very least.

Elsewhere, Stuart Gray picked a strange line-up with John Curtis also missing and new centre back Craig Hinton started at right back instead whilst actual right back Paul Rodgers sat on the bench. Ryan Gilligan started on the right of a four man midfield with Alex Dyer getting his chance in the middle with Abdul Osman. On the left was Town’s best prospect throughout the match, the newly signed loan man Ben Marshall. Akinfenwa and Billy McKay led the line up front.

Bayo was in the mix from the off, receiving a ridiculous booking for nothing more than standing up a couple of times whilst the Macc defender couldn’t deal with him. Whether the yellow card had any effect on the rest of the game for the big man was debatable and he lashed a shot in from range soon after, signalling his frustration and intent.

A free kick was wasted, ironically in an ideal spot for a Jackman special, by Osman before the same man hoofed over the bar. But the visitors were the side that came closest to a breakthrough when they hit the bar late in the half, firing off a warning to Gray’s men, who responded well and had a header cleared off the line and generally looked a lot brighter after that.

Half time came too soon though and after the break we looked sluggish again, with Bayo coming closest for us with after winding up and powering a right footed shot at goal that the Silkman’s keeper did well to push away for a corner.
At the other end, hesitation between defenders and keeper Chris Dunn so nearly cost us even a point as John Roooney broke through and missed a golden chance when one on one with the Cobblers stopper. It was increasingly becoming more open a game as every one of our attacks left us open to the break away tactic from Macclesfield who so nearly caught us out once again towards the end with a left footed shot from Rooney flashing past Dunn’s near post.

There was no real late flurry despite a last ditch corner for us and we had to settle for a point in the opening game of this season. The Jackman saga took another turn when he made the raffle draw in the bar after the game, with questions being fired from all angles about his next career move. Jackman himself said he was indeed injured so time will tell whether his reassuring words are true.

As for Gray, he has a trip to his old friends at Southampton to prepare for on Tuesday night but certainly we need more organisation going into that one. The starting eleven were a scary shadow of our former selves but now that we’ve been dealt the cards we have it’s time to get everyone playing in their positions even if that does mean leaving out some of the new boys.

Romone Rose remained on the bench today with Paul Rodgers coming on in his place at right midfield at one point with Rose surely the better and more logical replacement. Meanwhile, Alex Dyer still looked raw and Holt didn’t look the most comfortable pushed a bit further back than usual.

So the analysing and critique begins but at least Tuesday night should provide a brief reflection on where we want to be and where we quite simply should still be as we take a trip to St Mary’s. Personally it’s one I’ve been waiting for for six years having lived in the area since moving to uni there in 2003 and it should be a fun night, even if we could struggle!
It’s good to be back, either way!

Here we go again...

And so we sit on the edge of another season and we’re back to the point where there’s nothing to worry about so let’s make the most of that while it lasts. Because once 3pm on Saturday comes around, nine months of worry, doubts, heartache, perhaps even joy and hope begins.

Since that fateful day at Elland Road in early May there’s been changes aplenty but whatever side starts and finishes this season it’s imperative that we get our ambition back, imperative that we get our Cobblers back.

The most noteable changes to the squad have come at the back, with Mark Hughes, Chris Doig and Jason Crowe all leaving this summer. This must be one major concern, with a defence that hardly knows each other set to start the season. Dean Beckwith and Craig Hinton must gel from the start to give Chris Dunn behind them a little bit of confidence. It’s still worth noting that Dunn is a rookie, thrown in at the deep end last season when Bunny left for Blackburn, and his vulnerability needs to be protected despite a vast improvement over the last few months of last season.

In midfield, Giles Coke decided to play a nasty game in giving his word that he would sign before flying off to Motherwell but this is a terrific chance for the likes of Alex Dyer to break into the side. Abdul Osman must hold the middle of the field together and he could be key in some of the more physical battles this division provides. Ryan Gilligan also gets a chance for now and his hard work could prove vital. Liam Davis’ injury looks to keep him out but Holty can step in if needed – he was one of the players that did actually battle in the run in last season and League Two needs that sort of mettle.

Up top we’ll turn to Bayo for the goals but thankfully we look to have finally found a nifty young whipper snapper in Billy McKay that could be the secret weapon to play off the big man. Last season we had Constantine which says it all, and we at least have goals in us with different types of forward – the hustling Bayo and Guinan, the pacy McKay and the workhorse Mulligan.

So all in all we’re looking pretty strong with the defence the main concern for me. If they can get together quickly and figure out an understanding then their records show that their talents can aid a promotion challenge.

It’s that illusive good start we crave so much and with Macclesfield coming to town we have a good chance of that. I can’t help think that there could be a sting in the tail as there so often is on opening day and I’d much rather be playing Notts County’s new era on day one than the Silkmen, who beat us 1-0 at Moss Rose on opening day 1999 – ten years and a day previous to this season’s big kick off. Hopefully no bad omens there but remember we were promoted that season in third place following a magnificent final day out at Plainmoor, Torquay.

Anything like a season to match that one will be terrific and if we can erase the still lingering heartache of Elland Road within the first couple of months of the 09/10 season then I’ll be delighted. The hurt is still there but the fans, players and staff now have to use that pain to push for a place back in League One.
Up The Cobblers!

Winger Rose joins on months' loan

QPR winger Romone Rose has signed for the Cobblers on a month long loan deal. The youngster impressed in the 3-1 friendly defeat to MK Dons last weekend and Stuart Gray moved quickly to sign him up for the next few weeks.

Rose, 19, started his career with the R's and helped their under 18s to the Youth Alliance title in 2007. A loan spell at AFC Wimbledon followed before he returned to Loftus Road to make his first team debut in May 2008 against West Bromwich Albion, coming off the bench. Rose went on to play for Histon on loan but then made three appearances for his parent club last season.

He will be immediately available for Saturday's League Two opener against Macclesfield Town.

Hearty gesture from Town players

The Cobblers players will donate their match fees for Saturday's game with Macclesfield Town to their eight charities. In a summer when huge transfer fees are being exchanged across Europe, it's refreshing to see a "small" club make what is likely a tiny gesture that will make a lot of difference.

Well done to all at the club!

Jackman transfer request turned down

Danny Jackman has had a transfer request turned down by Cobblers chairman David Cardoza. The Player of the Year for the past two seasons put in his request on Tuesday but Cardoza was quick to reject it but it does put a number of doubts in fans' minds ahead of the big kick off.

Giles Coke, Mark Hughes and now Jackman have all stated desires to leave with Coke and Hughes already gone this summer. Jackman said before the end of last season that should we be relegated, he would stay as he felt partly responsible so this is quite the shock to say the least!

What does this, in turn, say about the state of the dressing room? When you get a player like Jackman wanting out there must be some sort of problem and the worries have been set in motion.

Very much the last thing we need at this stage!

Squad begins to finalise as McCready and Harris sign

The Cobblers have finalised deals to keep Chris McCready and Sebastian Harris at Sixfields after successful trials with the club. McCready,27, joins after leaving Crewe Alexandra at the end of last season and will compete with Craig Hinton and Dean Beckwith for places at the heart of the Town defence.

Meanwhile, Harris, a young forward, has also caught the eye of Stuart Gray over the summer and joins at least until December with pace and energy the traits stated by the Cobblers boss as reasons to take a closer look at him.

With another couple of players expected through the door before Saturday's big opener against Macclesfield Town, Town fans could be looking at a very different side to the one that ended the Leeds game back in May.

Pre-season ends in Dons defeat

So that's all the build up complete as a final pre-season game ends in a defeat at MK Dons. Yesterday, it was Jemal Johnson acting as chief annoyance to The Cobblers' defence and his hat-trick ultimately won it for the Franchise. It was a game that seemed to personify the pre-season so far, a disappointment results wise but with Billy McKay again on the scoresheet, a ray of hope emerging that we could yet bounce back to League One at the first attempt.

Should Bayo and McKay hit it off and we can gel together quickly we should be up there. One sticking point may be a defence that has been rebuild following the departure of it's core in Mark Hughes and Chris Doig. Craig Hinton and Dean Beckwith both won promotion from this league before but they must fit together sooner rather than later.

In this entertaining friendly though, it was our "rivals" that took home the win thanks to Johnson's treble tpo show that Dons should once again be in the front runners in League One next season. As for The Cobblers, we've had a mixed bag of friendlies but were always beaten by the higher opposition.

That's all over now though and the countdown can begin to the 09/10 season...let the real football begin!

Davis out for two months

Injury number one of the new season and we're still a week away from Macclesfield. Liam Davis has suffered a fractured metatarsal (ah the memories of Rooney's world cup injury!) and will miss the first two months of the new season. Andy Holt stepped in on Tuesday when we were beaten by, er, Wednesday, and he should come into contention to hold onto the left midfield role for the opening League Two exchanges.

A Cobblers "sqaud" will travel to Long Buckby tomorrow night for the ultimate in pre-season trophy finals - The Maunsell Cup! Expect a couple of fringe players to get their opportunities for this one ahead of the final pre-season game at MK Dons on Saturday.