Time to get serious about relegation battle

The next six days in the season of Northampton Town Football Club are the biggest of the season, perhaps the biggest in many a year. The fact that we don’t play a Tuesday night fixture heightens the importance. There’s no cramped period between games, a full week to plan for one massive game and a proper week long build up for Gary Johnson to get his men in the correct mind frame and to wipe away any doubt.

Anyone thinking that this season is a write off is sadly wrong. No, we won’t make the playoffs but what we are involved in is a relegation battle, make no bones about it. Johnson has said that this fact “won’t be swept under the carpet” and that’s an understatement. It’s not something that we can laugh off as something that will never happen with the players we have, it’s not something we’re too big for, it’s a genuine threat that could ruin us.

With the wages surely high for even this division for the likes of Shaun Harrad and Johnson himself, relegation would be an utter disaster and something that the players need to wake up to, particularly with so many of them out of contract in the summer.

Assuming that both Hereford and Burton make good use of their games in hand, that leaves us looking in even more trouble. This weekend, Barnet host Morecambe and something has to give there but you wouldn’t put it past home advantage working for Barnet in that one, especially against relegation rivals. We then still have to go to Burton, Stockport and Morecambe scrambling for the points needed to survive.

What the Cobblers need to do is ensure they prepare, mentally and physically, for their own game at Valley Parade on Saturday. A day out of team bonding or something similar wouldn’t go amiss in my opinion to get them away from the daily grind, not as a reward but as an exercise in rebuilding the spirit that saw us beat Liverpool a few days before our last meeting with the Bantams.

Whatever happens this week it will go a long way to deciding how far towards the edge of our seats we are come the final day of the season at Morecambe. I’d take mid table obscurity over this any day!

League Two Round Up...Saturday March 12th...

The result of the day today has to be Torquay’s as they battered ten man Shrewsbury 5-0 at Plainmoor. The Gulls were already in front when Shrewsbury’s Jermaine Grandison was given his marching orders. To make matters worse for them, Jake Robinson, on loan from Shrewsbury, scored twice against his parent club!

Leaders Chesterfield were beaten at Crewe as Clayton Donaldson scored his twentieth goal of the season but the faltering of most of the sides below them meant that they had a bit of a let off when they checked the rest of the results. Rotherham and Bury played out a goalless draw at the Don Valley and coupled with Shrewsbury’s loss and a home defeat for third place Wycombe at home to Stevenage it meant the Spireites kept their ten point lead.

The only side in the top seven to win were Gillingham who notched a 3-1 victory over Accrington with Andy Barcham netting twice and Cody McDonald once to send the Gills into sixth. They go above Port Vale who lost out at home to Oxford, a win that lifts the U’s to within five points of Vale.

Steve Tilson haunted his old side Southend with his new boys Lincoln - the Imps coming out on top at Sincil Bank. Ashley Grimes kept up his fine form to score twice in that one to deny Southend and seriously dent their playoff hopes.

Stockport and Burton played out a 0-0 draw in the big game at the bottom of the table. It could have been so much better for the Hatters had Matt Paterson found the net and not the cross bar in an agonising effort in the second half but County remain four points away from their opponents.

Barnet were the big winners at the bottom as they came from a goal down to win 2-1 at Hereford thanks to a brace from Izale McLeod. Morecambe are another side to be dragged back into the relegation battle following their defeat at home to Bradford. James Hanson’s goal was enough to earn his side a second win on the bounce and send them further clear of trouble. Meanwhile, Aldershot won at Cheltenham to ease their own worries.

Desperate times...

Northampton Town 0-1 Macclesfield Town
League Two
Saturday, March 12th 2011

It’s getting desperate now. When Macclesfield Town complete a double over you then there’s nothing you can say to defend your league position. The heady days of six draws in a row seem years ago now and the game that was meant to be the one where a week’s training and analysis from Gary Johnson would all come together following two more difficult games turned out the complete opposite this afternoon.

You have to credit the visitors in all this as well though. They came, saw and conquered Sixfields and could well have had more to show then their 1-0 win that propels them above the Cobblers and puts us into a relegation battle. That’s the reality now as Barnet’s win suddenly means we’re just six points above the drop zone with some tough games to come, not least at a resurgent Bradford next weekend.

With Dean Beckwith out injured, Marcus Hall was strangely given the centre back slot above the more suited Ben Tozer who Johnson really does not seem to like! Ryan Gilligan also returned after his loan spell at Torquay ended and the midfielder replaced Kevin Thornton with Andy Holt back to his strikers’ role.

The game was actionless until the half hour mark when Michael Jacobs almost gave the Cobblers the lead but his shot was turned away by the impressive and in form Macc keeper Jose Veiga. Veiga kept his side in the game on Tuesday night, not least by saving a penalty, against Crewe and his stature seems to be growing by the game.

It would be another clean sheet here as the Cobblers grew ever more frustrated with Shaun Harrad also firing wide in the first half. But the killer blow and a further knock to our fragile confidence came just after half time when Colin Daniel hit a sweet volley past Chris Dunn. It could have been worse had it not been for the Town keeper after a mix up in the defence that led to Sam Wedgebury going through one on one but Dunn kept it out, perhaps justifying his starting place ahead of his new competition from Steve Collis on the bench.

Guillem Bauza came off the bench for his debut but he couldn’t provide the spark needed and we fell to a fourth straight defeat and a league position that’s becoming ever worrying by the week. While teams like Macclesfield, Bradford, Lincoln and Aldershot are getting better we’re getting considerably shaky and when you consider that we’ve played the same number of games as Barnet and face Bradford and Torquay in the next two games then you start to worry.

Gary Johnson arrived planning for next season already and maybe thought he would have time to fully assess his players. But now we are well and truly in a dog fight and if he doesn’t find out anything about his men now then he perhaps never will.

Bauza checks in!

Guillem Bauza has impressed Gary Johnson enough on trial and has, this afternoon, signed a month to month deal with the Cobblers. That means the former Espanyol, Swansea and Hereford striker goes straight into the squad for tomorrow’s game with Macclesfield Town and boosts the attacking options with Leon McKenzie and Billy McKay ruled out along with long term absentee Tadhg Purcell.

The 26 year old began his career with home town club Mallorca but played just one game in which he partnered Samuel Eto’o up front. Bauza went on to play for Espanyol whilst also making it into the Spain Under 16s side that won the European Championships, forming a partnership with Fernando Torres!

Roberto Martinez brought him over to England for his Swansea side in 2007 and scored twice at the end of the season to defeat Gillingham and send the Swans up to the Championship. But in 2010, he was released and spent some time at Charlton on trial before signing for Hereford United. Cobblers fans will remember him from “that” 4-3 defeat at Sixfields as he played a starring role in the Bulls’ recovery from 3-0 down.

So he knows his way around Sixfields and if our new striker can perform as well tomorrow then we’ll be very close to that illusive win!

Beware the "winnable" tag!

Northampton Town v Macclesfield Town
League Two
Saturday, March 12th 2011

With two tough games out of the way it’s back to the ‘winnable’ category this weekend when Macclesfield Town arrive at Sixfields. This is one that we really do need to come away from with all three points and Gary Johnson will be desperate to kick start his reign at the club with a positive result against a side struggling despite a good win on Tuesday night.

Johnson is likely to still be without Leon McKenzie so Kevin Thornton should keep his place while he will wait on news on Dean Beckwith before lining up his defence. Either way, though, it appears that he’s targeting a full time role for John Johnson in the centre of the back four so Nana Ofori-Twumasi and Jamie Reckord could be handed home debuts.

Macclesfield have fined every one of the playing and management staff involved in the mass brawl in stoppage time of the home game with Wycombe Wanderers recently and the FA have now fined both sides £9,000. The two players sent off in that scrap, Emile Sinclair and Ricky Sappleton, sit out of the trip to Sixfields in the final game of their suspensions.

The Silkmen were victorious in midweek with a 1-0 win over Crewe at Moss Rose and Ross Draper, having been promoted from midfielder to striker, nicked the winner. Draper could well be back in the front line tomorrow afternoon. Goalkeeper Jose Veiga, a Cape Verde international, is one to watch after pulling off a string of fine saves on Tuesday including one penalty save to help his side to victory.

We need to be vigilant against any signs of over confidence in this one…the name of Macclesfield Town isn’t as threatening as a Shrewsbury or a Chesterfield but the need for a good performance and a good result are massive in order to bring more life back into the club. Both sides will be gunning for the win for slightly differing reasons tomorrow - Macc need it to climb further away from a relegation dog fight whilst the Cobblers need it to ensure we’re not dragged deep back into that very dog fight ourselves!

In League Two this weekend...

Chesterfield attempt to continue their inevitable promotion assault when they visit Crewe – there’s goals in both those teams so it could be the game of the weekend in this division! Bury are keeping up the pace on the leaders but travel to fifth placed Rotherham who are five points behind them in the race for the top three. Third placed Wycombe are at home to Stevenage looking to extend their four point lead on fourth place.

Shrewsbury occupy that spot at the moment and go to playoff chasing Torquay in what looks like a tasty affair on the Devon coast. The Gulls have dragged themselves back into the playoff race in recent weeks and can close in on Gillingham who face improving Accrington. There’s another playoff vs challenger match at Vale Park with Port Vale hosting Oxford.

Meanwhile, down at the bottom, Stockport face a crunch game that could make or break their eventual survival hopes at home to Burton “games in hand” Albion. Win and they’ll give themselves an outside chance but lose and you would have to say it was all over for County. Barnet are in a similar boat and they are at Hereford, a side who were in just as much trouble a couple of months ago.

Bradford look to continue where they left off after Tuesday night’s win over Rotherham when they face Morecambe at the Globe Arena while Cheltenham welcome Aldershot to Whaddon Road. And Steve Tilson comes up against his old club as Lincoln take on Southend.

Bauza in after Slowe's departure?

In all seriousness, Slowe’s departure from Sixfields could be the catalyst for the freeing of wages and another new face in before the weekend game with Macclesfield Town.

Guillam Bauza is training with the club and is a free agent so could be brought in should he impress Gary Johnson enough in training over the next couple of days. Bauza scored twice in twelve games in a short spell wit Hereford United earlier this season and could fit the bill as a short term solution to the striker problem. The other two trialists being looked at are both from Birmingham City and would be looked at as short term loan deals.

Shocking news as Town favourite departs...

Massive, ground breaking news this afternoon that Alistair Slowe has been released by the Cobblers after an incredible career that spanned zero games in seven bench warming, boot cleaning, onlooking months!

Slowe arrived from Cyprus and went on to star in classic bench appearances such as the Liverpool away game in which he actually found the net in the warm up with an empty net.

It's going to be interesting to see how the Cobblers cope with this loss and Gary Johnson's first wielding of the axe.

Johnson with one loan rabbit left to pull out of the hat

There’s only one more chance, under the short term loan ruling, for Gary Johnson to pull off a final signing before the deadline ends. With three loans sealed last week it leaves the new Town boss with just one final option and a difficult decision to make as to whether he brings in a defender or someone further up the park.

A lot may rest on the fitness of Leon McKenzie. With Billy McKay out for a few weeks, McKenzie will be needed but his stop start season has continued in the last week with the former Peterborough man missing the last couple of games with a knee problem. Should Johnson feel that he’ll be ok for the remainder of the season then the defence will be again looked at.

Ben Tozer was dropped on Tuesday night and there was an indication that moving John Johnson to centre back may become more permanent. Dean Beckwith was taken off at half-time at the B2Net Stadium and the Cobblers boss could be tempted by another defensive signing.

Either way, there could well be a fourth new face for the home fans to take in at the weekend game with Macclesfield Town.

Johnson set to meet Town fans

Gary Johnson will be meeting the Cobblers fans for the first time this evening (Thursday March 10th) as he speaks at his first Open Forum at Sixfields. In what is likely to be a popular evening for Town supporters as they prepare questions for the new boss, Johnson will be keen to discuss plans for the future as he tries to steer the club in the right direction.

Paul Tyrrell, bar manager of the Carlsberg Bar in the West Stand, will also be in attendance to discuss what improvements fans would like to see in this area. Andy Holt is also expected to be at the forum so a lively night expected!

The forum is free for all supporters (7:30pm for an 8pm start).

Sammo in for Mariners' post?

Sammo may be back in the game very quickly indeed as he has revealed that he has sent in his C.V. for the vacant managerial position at our old friends Grimsby Town. Despite it only being a week since his departure from Sixfields after 17 years, Sammo is keen to get right back into work and was in Cleethorpes at the weekend to “have a look” according to local press.

We of course wish Sammo all the best and hopefully he’ll be back in work as soon as possible and maybe we will one day see him back in his new job to get the farewell he richly deserves.

League Two midweek round up...gap opening at top and bottom...controversy at Valley Parade...

With Chesterfield defeating the Cobblers, it was vital for Bury to pick up all three points in their pursuit of the leaders and they did so with a narrow home victory over Morecambe thanks to a late goal from Lenell John-Lewis finally breaking down the Shrimps’ resistance. Wycombe opened a four point gap between themselves and fourth place with a single goal win against ten man Barnet at Underhill. Chris Westwood grabbed the winner there with a header from a Matt Bloomfield corner securing a massive win in the promotion race.

The win was made even better for them by Shrewsbury and Port Vale taking points off each other at the New Meadow. Marc Richards scored twice for Vale but goals from Lionel Ainsworth and James Collins were enough to earn Shrewsbury a draw in a result that is a whole lot better for the teams around them but neither Rotherham nor Gillingham could take full advantage.

Rotherham were beaten at Bradford in Peter Jackson’s first home game in charge for the Bantams as Tom Adeyami scored a controversial late winner. With the game poised at 1-1 going into stoppage time, Adeyami struck from distance and the ball seemed to hit the bar but the assistant referee awarded the goal, and ultimately the win, to City. Gillingham could only draw at Southend but keep a firm grip on the final playoff place thanks to that game finishing 2-2.

Of the chasing pack, Accrington Stanley made the biggest strides forward with a 3-0 home win over Stockport County. Phil Edwards scored two penalties for Stanley as they move to within seven points of the top seven with plenty of games in hand. County, along with Barnet, look very much doomed now.

That’s partly because both teams above them, Macclesfield Town and Burton Albion, got back to winning ways last night. Macc saw off Crewe thanks to Ross Draper’s goal after the midfielder was pushed up front for the evening. Burton eased their relegation worries with a home win against Lincoln City. Sam Winnall made the most of a mix up in the City defence to give his side the lead before Aaron Webster added a second and Winnall rounded off the win from the spot. Ashley Grimes’ late consolation for the Imps wasn’t enough and Burton are now four points above the drop zone with five games in hand!

Hereford’s own fears are long disappearing and they picked up another impressive three points at Stevenage – Joe Colbeck netting the winner there. And Aldershot ended their run of nine games without a win by beating Torquay with Luke Guttridge the match winner at the EBB Stadium.

Spireites too strong for Town

Chesterfield 2-1 Northampton Town
League Two
Tuesday, March 8th 2011

Gary Johnson joked on his appointment that today, March 9th, should have been the date he took over as Cobblers boss so as to avoid the perilous two opening games against high flying Shrewsbury and even higher flying Chesterfield. He may not actually be thinking it but you can see his point after a couple of defeats that are showing him that the task ahead is a tough one.

Johnson drafted in two of his new loan signings straight into the starting line-up at the B2Net Stadium with Nana Ofori-Twumasi in for Paul Rodgers and Jamie Reckord replacing Ben Tozer with John Johnson moving to centre back. Kevin Thornton returned in place of Billy McKay and played a more advanced role to try and support Shaun Harrad.

The early pressure was all with the home side and had Craig Davies not missed an open goal in the first five minutes then the eventual defeat could have been a hell of a lot worse. Chris Dunn dropped the ball into the path of Jack Lester who found Davies with a gaping net but the striker somehow contrived to miss.

The Cobblers were hanging on in the early exchanges and John Johnson had to clear the ball off the line after Dunn had blocked from Craig Davies and Derek Niven had followed up with a shot that looked destined to open the scoring.

But slowly we got back into the game and finished the half stronger, threatening to break the deadlock ourselves when Harrad had a shot deflected wide and Thornton also missed a chance right at the end of the half.

A reshuffle was enforced at the break as Dean Beckwith had to withdraw through injury. Ben Tozer replaced him and the words ringing in the players’ ears would have been to keep up the form that had given us real hope before the half-time whistle halted the resurgence. But it was the home side that took back control and with just over an hour played the deadlock was broken.

Lester burst through the Cobblers defence and forced Dunn into a good stop but Davies was making no mistake this time and rattled home the rebound. And it was near enough game over just a few minutes later with Danny Whittaker’s excellent work on the left finished off by Lester for 2-0.

Time wasn’t on the Cobblers’ side but there was one last gimmer of hope with around eight minutes to play. Andy Holt continued his excellent run of form in front of goal with a header from a Jacobs corner making it 2-1 and out of nowhere we had a chance of nicking a point.

Stoppage time drama followed…Johnson had a good chance with his own head to incredibly pull it level but could only direct the ball wide in the final chance. Too little too late then for Town and a third defeat in a week. This one is a little easier to take with Chesterfield storming through the final furlong towards promotion but still there’s room for big improvements.

Gary Johnson has indicated that there might yet be a fourth short term loan man brought in this week but only if there’s an option of a longer term deal afterwards. The home game with Macclesfield needs to yield a victory really and that’s the real test of the beginnings of Johnson’s reign.

Runaway leaders set to welcome Cobblers

Chesterfield v Northampton Town
League Two
Tuesday, March 8th 2011

Gary Johnson takes full charge for the first time this evening and there’s no tougher place for him to start than with an away game at runaway leaders Chesterfield at the B2 Net Stadium. Johnson’s team selection will be the first thing to analyse as things get under way and we’ll see if there’s any significant changes to his thoughts from the side that were beaten by Shrewsbury, one picked by Malcolm Crosby.

One man pretty certain of his place will be Michael Jacobs who scored those two stunning goals at the weekend as the Cobblers twice took the lead at Sixfields only to lose 3-2. Billy McKay dislocated his elbow on Saturday so could be missing for several weeks while Leon McKenzie still doesn’t appear to be ready to return from his knee injury. That could mean Andy Holt filling in up front again unless Johnson has any new ideas regarding the now thin attacking options.

The three new signings that arrived yesterday, Steve Collis, Jamie Reckord and Nana Ofori-Twumasi, should all be available to play

League leaders Chesterfield stretched their advantage to eleven points with a big win at Cheltenham on Saturday and Craig Davies is still firing the goals in for the Spireites to lift them close to promotion. The lead at this point in the season is surely unassailable and the jittery spell in January is now all forgotten as they look to take another giant leap towards League One tonight.

Jack Lester should return to the starting line-up for the home side with boss John Sheridan’s policy of playing him in every home game likely to come into effect once more. Meanwhile Ian Breckin, who has missed his side’s last two games, could return from illness.

So a big night for the new boss to get to grips with and though there’s no real pressure to get a result we all desperately want to see us get back on the winning road. If we can do it tonight it will be a signal of real intent.


Elsewhere in League Two this evening...

If the Cobblers can get anything at Chesterfield, Bury are lurking and in terrific form with Ryan Lowe looking for a tenth goal in successive games for the Shakers. They take on Morecambe who have picked up fine wins over Chesterfield and Southend in the last two games. Wycombe slipped to third at the weekend so will be looking for all three points at Barnet who are looking increasingly doomed despite a good draw at Rotherham last time out.

Rotherham need a response from that one but face a tough trip to Bradford who will be desperate to impress new boss Peter Jackson in his first home game in charge. Fifth plays sixth with Shrewsbury hosting Port Vale and Southend are at home to the team they’re chasing in the final playoff place, Gillingham.

Stockport, off the back of a good win over Oxford at the weekend, go to Accrington still hoping for a miracle escape despite having played a lot more games than most with Burton Albion looking to pull away again with a home game against Lincoln City. Macclesfield Town still need to win their games in hand to avoid being dragged into a relegation scrap and they welcome free scoring Crewe to Moss Rose in the hope of doing just that.

Elsewhere, Stevenage and Hereford both hope to bounce back from defeats on Saturday as they clash at Broadhall Way and Torquay travel to Aldershot with their eyes also firmly on the playoff places.

Triple loan signing ahead of Spireites trip

Nana Ofori-Twumasi did indeed sign yesterday but wasn’t the only one coming through the Sixfields doors as Gary Johnson got straight to work on bringing in his own players. Another one from Posh, keeper Steve Collis, has been signed on loan until the end of the season while promising Wolves left back Jamie Reckord also comes in.

Collis, formerly of Barnet, Nottingham Forest, Yeovil, Southend, Crewe and Bristol City and provides solid competition for Chris Dunn, something that he could definitely benefit from.

Reckord, who was close to a move to Championship high flyers Swansea City on deadline day, is someone that Johnson has been watching for a long time and is described as “very athletic, strong with power and pace,” by the new Town boss. If Reckord does well, it is thought that a season long deal next season could be in the pipeline.

So Gary Johnson wasting little time then in assessing the squad and with all three of his new men straight into the squad for tonight’s game there could be a real shake up as we prepare to take on the league leaders on their own patch.

Posh defender set for Town loan?

Ghanian born defender Nana Ofori-Twumasi could be on his way to crossing the divide from Posh to Cobblers if rumours are to be believed. The full back, who began his career in the Chelsea youth team and went on to captain them, looks like he could follow his old boss Gary Johnson to Sixfields, possibly in time for Tuesday night’s game at Chesterfield.

Ofori-Twumasi, 20, was on loan with Dagenham and Redbridge for a month in 2009 and joined Boro on a free transfer last summer. The defender, despite his roots, has represented England at Under 16, Under 17, Under 18 and Under 20 level.

He’s seen chances at London Road to be limited so far though and could well be the first new face of Johnson’s regime.

League Two round up: Spireites open eleven point gap...Bury go second as Lowe scores again...rare win for County...

Chesterfield are now eleven points clear at the top of League Two after a comfortable 3-0 away win at Cheltenham yesterday. Craig Davies scored twice to help the Spireites on their way with Kieron Djilali getting the other one. Wycombe came from a goal behind to lead 2-1 at home to Aldershot but succumbed to a John Halls equaliser as the Shots drew for a seventh time in eight games. That allowed Bury to go second with Ryan Lowe netting for the ninth game in a row in a 3-0 away win at Hereford.

Rotherham’s promotion hunt stuttered again with a 0-0 home draw with struggling Barnet. The Millers finished the game with ten men after Tom Newey shoved Izale McLeod with twenty minutes to play. Port Vale kept up the heat with a 2-1 home win over Macclesfield Town with Louis Dodds scoring what turned out to be the winner with a fine goal from distance and Bayo Akinfenwa scored to help Gillingham keep hold of seventh place in their 2-0 win against Bradford City.

Torquay moved into eighth after beating Stevenage Borough at Plainmoor with Danny Stevens and Jake Robinson getting the goals. The Gulls also had the luxury of missing a second half penalty with Chris Zebroski hitting the bar – Mark Roberts was sent off for the visitors for the challenge that led to the spot kick.

Elsewhere, the Shrimps defeated the Shrimpers as Morecambe ended Southend’s recent good run with a 2-1 win at the Globe Arena, only their fifth win at the new stadium. Two headers from corners, one from former Cobbler Chris McCready earned the points for Morecambe there.

Stockport picked up a rare win at the bottom of the table as they came from behind to beat Oxford United at Edgeley Park. Tom Craddock gave United the lead but Anthony Tonkins then saw red before Matt Paterson levelled the game and Greg Tansey came off the bench in stoppage time to score with one of his first touches.

Burton couldn’t follow up their Tuesday night win at Sixfields as they were beaten at Crewe 4-1 in a game that saw Clayton Donaldson score a hat-trick for the home side. Shaun Miller got the other one for Alex with Sam Winnall replying for Burton.

And Lincoln and Accrington played out the ultimate mid-table battle with a goalless draw at Sincil Bank.

As many questions as answers for new boss

Northampton Town 2-3 Shrewsbury Town
League Two
Saturday, March 5th 2011

Gary Johnson learned the best and worst from his new side yesterday as the Cobblers were unlucky to lose against impressive Shrewsbury Town. With the new era starting as the old one ended, with a 3-2 home defeat, it was still an improvement and gave Johnson plenty to think about.

One thing he will be delighted about will be that Michael Jacobs is tied down to a new contract. His two belters that twice gave the Cobblers the lead at Sixfields would have very much impressed the new boss who didn’t pick the team but did insist on being in the dug out despite only joining the club on Friday morning.

Jacob’s crackers weren’t enough though to see off a strong resistance from Shrewsbury who got back on track after a heavy home defeat to promotion rivals Bury on Tuesday night. Their goals weren’t exactly tap ins either as Sixfields was treated to their own mini goal of the month competition.

Shaun Harrad returned but Leon McKenzie was missing through injury as was Kevin Thornton with an illness. Marcus Hall missed out as well so Paul Rodgers filled in at left back. Jacobs was the one setting the pace though and a stunning strike on six minutes, blasted in off the under side of the bar from distance, set the tone for a frantic afternoon.

Shrewsbury were back on terms a couple of minutes later though just as the home fans were catching their breath with David Davis smashing the ball home from just inside the area – game on!

Chances at both ends followed with Harrad unlucky after being sent through with a shot blocked after he lifted the ball over visiting keeper Ben Smith and Jon Taylor testing Chris Dunn and Matt Harrold wasting the rebound for the Shrews.

It didn’t stop in the second half though and Jacobs would go on to net an even better second goal than his opener when he beat one man, dribbled past another and curled an absolute beauty into the top corner.

With our recent record of holding leads, though, it was no surprise that Shrewsbury would hit back. The speed of response was almost as quick as the first with James Collins’ shot beating Dunn all ends up for 2-2 and yet another terrific goal.

It was all set up for a frantic finale but it wasn’t to be for Johnson in his first game in charge. Taylor, having gone close earlier, made the most of hesitant defending from the Cobblers and fired the winner from the edge of the area. Nerves may have played a part but we just didn’t seem to want to clear the ball and paid the ultimate price.

So all three points were lost and Shrewsbury got their reward. They’ll certainly be up there come the end of the season and there’s no real shame in losing to them – as there won’t be should we come back from Chesterfield pointless on Tuesday night. The big test, and a game more likely for Johnson to be judged on, comes next Saturday at home to Macclesfield Town.

Big week in the reshuffling of the Cobblers then, with Johnson already implying that more players will be brought in on loan from his contact book. Defenders are surely on that list after another frustrating result but on the flip side he will have seen the potential of one or two of his most prized new assets.

Johnson on becoming Cobblers boss

Gary Johnson spoke for the first time this afternoon on becoming the new Cobblers boss, stating ambitions as a major reason for accepting the job. He said,

"This is the right club at the right time for me. I've taken clubs up at this level before and I am really looking forward to getting going.”

"It has been done very quickly but the chairman has pushed the boat out to get me in and I appreciate that. It isn't necessarily the league you are in, it’s the club you are at and this club matches my ambitions."

For the full interview, check out Cobblers World via the official website (currently running a 14 day free trial offer!)

Johnson named Town boss!

David Cardoza has got his man and Gary Johnson has been named the new Northampton Town manager. The former Yeovil, Bristol City and Peterborough man was quickly identified as the number one target and joins on a two and a half year contract.

Having taken Yeovil to two promotions from conference to League One and steered City back to the Championship as well as being the Latvian national manager for two years there’s a wealth of experience coming into the club and having suffered from a real down day with Sammo’s departure the other day this has really lifted the spirits.

We’re yet to learn whether Johnson will be in charge tomorrow or not but either way it’s a tough, tough start for him with Shrewsbury and Chesterfield waiting this week.

Gary Johnson...from Latvia to London Road...

1988: Appointed Reserve team manager at Cambridge United before going on to become assistant manager to John Beck in 1990.

1992: Becomes Cambridge first team manager.

1999: Named Latvian national team coach.

2001: Joins Yeovil Town as manager and wins the FA Trophy in first season.

2002: Helps the Glovers to promotion into the football league.

2004: Leads Yeovil to the League Two title in only second season in the league.

2005: Appointed Bristol City boss.

2007: Gains promotion from League One with City in a season that included an 18 match unbeaten run.

2008: Takes City all the way to the Championship Playoff Final where they are eventually beaten by Hull City.

2010: Departs Ashton gate and joins Peterborough United a few months later.

2011: Sacked by Posh in January.

New era begins as Shrews come to town

Northampton Town v Shrewsbury Town
League Two
Saturday, March 5th 2011

With the shock of Sammo’s departure behind us, the Cobblers take on League Two high flyers Shrewsbury Town with new boss Gary Johnson watching on. Will we see a dramatic change in fortunes as players look to impress the new man? Or will the Shrews prove too much for a group still feeling the reverberations from the events of this week?

The visitors will be well up for it as well after a heavy 3-0 defeat at home to Bury on Tuesday night that saw them overtaken by the Shakers. So both sides perhaps with a point to prove as we hit the final straight of the season.

The Cobblers will welcome back Shaun Harrad from a three game ban but Liam Davis is missing with an Achilles problem. Ryan Gilligan has returned from a loan spell at Torquay but is not eligible to play until next weekend.

Shrewsbury boss Graeme Turner has admitted that he would happily swap February's manager of the month award for three points tomorrow afternoon. He has Ian Sharps available again after a one match suspension but Sean McAllister is missing. Defender Jermaine Grandison is doubtful after collecting a knock in midweek.

So a new era begins at Sixfields tomorrow and the players will be desperate to end this winless run against one of the sides that we should be very envious of in terms of league position at the moment!


Elsewhere in League Two this weekend...

Chesterfield, who went nine points clear at the top on Tuesday night, travel to Cheltenham hoping to get their promotion band wagon rolling on. Wycombe, defeated by the Spireites on Tuesday, are at home to Aldershot and will be desperate to get back to winning ways. Bury are now in the top three and go to Hereford full of confidence after that midweek victory.

Meanwhile, Rotherham host Barnet with high value points for both sides at stake. Only goal difference separates the Millers from the top three while Barnet are two points from safety. Port Vale take on Macclesfield Town whilst Bradford begin life after Peter Taylor with a tough trip to one of his former sides, Gillingham.

The Shrimps and the Shrimpers collide at The Globe Arena with Morecambe and Southend doing battle and bottom club Stockport will be aiming to put a dent into both Oxford’s playoff hopes and the four point gap between themselves and safety.

Burton are at Crewe looking to build on the Tuesday night win that got Sammo the sack and the two sides just above the Cobblers, Lincoln and Accrington meet at Sincil Bank. And it’s eleventh v tenth as Torquay and Stevenage both try to keep up their playoff hopes.