Sammo: Legend departs but leaves lasting memories

So Ian Sampson has departed Sixfields after a season of more ups and downs than even we as Town fans are used to. A run of five straight draws that ended with last night’s defeat at home to Burton Albion brought about the end of the road for a man who has made Sixfields his working home for the last 17 years.

The shock on this Wednesday afternoon is that a man has been discarded for a league position that is safe enough but apparently not good enough for the future thinking of the board. In under a year, Sammo has gone from signing a new deal following an excellent second half of last season to being shown the door and we can only now pay tribute to a man who has been Mr NTFC for as long as I’ve known.

In his playing days, Sammo never put a foot wrong to my knowledge. A centre back with not a great deal of pace, he made his short comings up in passion and pride in wearing the claret shirt. At London Road, Peterborough in the year 2000, Sammo’s finest hour came when he struck the winner in a 2-1 derby win that will live with us forever. A few years later and he was pulling on the shirt he loved for the final time in that incredible Playoff Semi Final at Field Mill, his 499th appearance for the club.

Going straight into the club’s coaching set up was a logical step and the defender soon became the youth team coach, reserve team manager, assistant manager and then first team manager. It makes it an even more painful departure to chronicle an unmatched loyalty to one team that in this day and age is not something you generally find.

As to this season, it was fitting that Sammo got one final night of emotion and celebration, at Anfield where he led his troops to a remarkable victory on penalties. That night alone will mean his stint as manager will stand out to fans of the future.

For the rest of the season, well it can be argued that some players have let their boss down in certain things, some decisions have gone against him but that’s for another debate. For now, we can only celebrate an iconic figure of Northampton Town Football Club.

A last niggle is that he never got to say goodbye to his fans and the ones that stuck by him, saw his passion for the club and loved him to bits, particularly through the nineties and the revival of the club from nothing through to two Wembley show pieces.

In terms of a manager, I can’t even begin to think who’s going to come in to replace him but believe me, there’s some hefty, hefty boots to fill.

Sammo sacked...a legacy ends!

Ian Sampson has today been sacked by Northampton Town Football Club...it's a sad day whatever you think of our form and I need some time to collect my thoughts on a legend departing Sixfields.

All I can say for now is thank you Sammo and that there's a whole lot more to follow.

Albion stun Town at Sixfields

Northampton Town 2-3 Burton Albion
League Two
Tuesday, March 1st 2011

Well the sequence of draws is over. But it wasn’t a glorious triumph that ended the run, nor a moment of huge relief but a disappointing defeat to a struggling Burton Albion side that meant the club record for draws was only equalled and not over taken. The result means that the previous run of tied games looks even worse and there’s now a fight on hand for the players to show their worth ahead of the summer and the manager to turn things around before the boo boys start swooping once more.

Burton, who scored three times in ten minutes last season to beat us by the same score line at the Pirelli Stadium, must have sensed a repeat as they stormed into a three goal lead in the first half. The early signs weren’t good with a poor back pass from Dean Beckwith selling Chris Dunn short and Dunn stopping a certain goal.

But the deserved goal that gave the visitors the lead did arrive a few minutes later when good work from Jacques Magoma on the left hand side set up the chance for Andy Corbett to knock the ball home from close range. The Cobblers were simply not in the game and Leon McKenzie’s effort soon after the goal was as close as we would come until Albion stretched their lead to 3-0 through a superb effort from John McGrath and a disaster for Dunn on his 100th appearance for the club. Dunn caught a cross but tumbled into his own net and that summed up the first half.

John Johnson did pull one back before the break but there was still evidently so much work to do. Andy Holt, a stalwart and someone you have to feel sorry for at the moment, hit the woodwork before making it 3-2 on the hour with a header from a Michael Jacobs free kick.

Jacobs had an equaliser ruled out for an apparent push on the defender when turning him but you got the feeling that we would get back into it. McKay hit the post with an agonising header in the late flurry of chances for the Cobblers but after Holt shot wide it was all over and the chance of an almighty fight back was over.

It was the first half showing that killed this one for us and contrary to previous games in which we’ve let leads go it was a few goals against that got us going and creating chances and that needs to be addressed. If we don’t kick on until behind and can’t hold on to leads then we’ll be in big trouble. There’s still time to go either way in this table and the effects of being dragged into the wrong end of the League Two table need to be instilled into the players.

Shrewsbury at home and Chesterfield away are next…daunting prospects at the best of times but it would be just like us to go and win both of those!


Elsewhere in League Two...

Chesterfield went nine points clear of Wycombe at the top of League Two by beating them 4-1 last night. Wanderers still have a game in hand but it’s still looking like the safe money being with the Spireites in the race for the title and promotion. In the other big game at the top, Bury came away from Shrewsbury with all three points in a 3-0 victory that takes them up to third place.

Rotherham have dropped out of the top three after a draw at Torquay whilst Gillingham hold on to seventh after drawing at Aldershot. That’s because Oxford were beaten by Lincoln who had two own goals to thank for their victory.

Meanwhile, Cheltenham were victorious over Stockport who remain rooted to the bottom of the table and won’t be helped by Burton’s win at Sixfields.

Cobblers keep on drawing with more action tonight...

So another day, another draw at Southend with again a lead being pegged back. John Johnson rifled us in front at Roots Hall before Barry Corr gave the travelling fans that oh so familiar feeling of going home with a point. Not that it's a bad thing to draw down there but with a club record looming should we tie tonight's game with Burton Albion at Sixfields it really is getting to be too much!

Albion visit having slipped into the drop zone following a home defeat to Rotherham at the weekend and will also be desperate for the win. Calvin Zola, a transfer window target for the Cobblers, won't be involved due to a hamstring injury but Scott Malone returns.

Chris Dunn will play his 100th game for the club tonight but Liam Davis misses out with an achilles problem that looks set to keep him out of Saturday's game as well. Dean Beckwith and Josh Walker are both doubtful which could mean Paul Rodgers comes back into the thinking should Johnson need to slot in at centre back.

Apologies for the lack of updates this week...it's been a mad one! Full service to resume from tomorrow though, and let's hope I'm reflecting on a win and not a new club record!

ps...for my debut post on excellent Football League Blog the Two Unfortunates recalling the 1997 playoff winning side, see here:

http://bit.ly/ftUVJj

Club record close as Town go to the Sea side!

Southend United v NorthamptoN Town
League Two
Saturday, February 26th 2011

It’s a rather dubious club record that the Cobblers could match tomorrow. Should the game at Southend end with a sixth consecutive draw we will level the number gained in the 1983/94 season. As I said earlier in the week, a point at Southend wouldn’t usually be considered a poor result particularly with them on such good form but something needs to click into place to get us those much wanted three.

Leon McKenzie is again a doubt after missing out on the Tuesday night draw at Hereford while Shaun Harrad sits out the second of a three game ban that also means he misses the game against former club Burton Albion on Tuesday night. Abdul Osman does return after his three game suspension and should go straight back into the side and Francis Laurent could face the side he left in the summer.

Southend skipper Craig Easton has said this week that his side’s season really starts with Saturday’s game against the Cobblers. The hosts moved up to ninth, just one point off the playoffs, on Tuesday night with a home win over Barnet and will be favourites to extend their recent good run.

Lee Sawyer returned to action for the Shrimpers on Tuesday night after a year out of action. Rebuilding his fitness playing part time for Woking, Sawyer is now back in Football League action and should keep his place for the Cobblers’ visit. Miguel Comminges was another to make his first appearance of the season in the same game but his place in the side could come under pressure from fit again youngster Kane Ferdinand.

So will one point turn into three…or zero?! You never can tell these days but we should just keep the faith and hopefully with the pressure more on Southend we can get something from a very tough game indeed.


Around League Two this weekend...

Bradford manager Peter Taylor will leave the club following his side’s home game against fellow strugglers Stockport County on Saturday. The former Leicester boss has seen his side slump to 21st in the league and it was revealed yesterday that his reign will end after tomorrow’s game. County can close the gap on the Bantams from six to three points with a win at Valley Parade.

Barnet are also looking to escape the bottom two having played plenty more games than their rivals and they host Lincoln City at Underhill. There are implications at both ends of the table as Burton welcome Rotherham and leaders Chesterfield host Morecambe. Wycombe, who went back up to second on Tuesday night, go to Macclesfield and third placed Shrewsbury are at home to seventh placed Gillingham. The Gills are four points behind their hosts and will see this as an ideal chance to close that gap.

Elsewhere, Bury face Crewe at Gigg Lane whilst Port Vale are at Aldershot and Oxford, with now just goal difference separating them from the playoffs, take on Hereford at the Kassam. Meanwhile, two sides just above the Cobblers, Stevenage and Cheltenham, go head to head at Broadhall Way and Accrington Stanley are at home to Torquay.

Should they stay or should they go?

There’s a chance that by the start of next season, Cobblers fans will be watching an entirely new side with no less than eleven players out on contract in the summer. Sammo has indicated that most will be playing for their futures at the club over the next few weeks so who should we offer new deals to and who are surplus to requirements? Unfortunately looking at the list shows that most are big players and with the likes of Josh Walker and Ben Tozer ending their loan spells come May it’ll be a nervy time to be a Town fan!

Here’s my views on the guys out of contract:

Chris Dunn...tough one fro Dunny. He’s not entirely consistent but can pull off some moments of quality on his day. Having come through the youth system behind Mark Bunn he’s not hit the same levels but has kept us in one or two games. Is that enough though? Personally I think it could be time to look into other options and for a keeper wanting first team football it could mean the end of the road and a fresh challenge. VERDICT: Let go

Abdul Osman...we’ve all seen how much we miss Osman in the last couple of games so he’s one we need to tie down. Sammo will be desperate to keep his spine in tact and Osman is a key part of that. VERDICT: Keep

Liam Davis...Davis has been attracting scouts from sides at a higher level but hasn’t seemed to get a really good run in the side for various reasons this term. Given a full pre-season and a good formation that we stick to though and he can still have a major role to play. Verdict: Keep

Craig Hinton...out on loan at the moment with his highlight for the Cobblers this season being his fantastic camera and interview skills on the Liverpool “Behind the Scenes” videos that appeared on the official website post match! Seems a good character for the dressing room but is that enough with wages needing to be freed up? Sorry Craig! Verdict: Get rid

Billy McKay...Another tough one. Billy gives everything to his game and doesn’t get the plaudits a lot of the time. I still feel he has a lot to give to us and not just as a substitute to Leon and Harrad for his menacing of defenders and decent goal scoring touch. Verdict: Keep

Leon McKenzie...The goal ratio speaks for itself and we have to just hope that Leon is settled and wants to stick around. A promising partnership with Shaun Harrad is already forming and when both fit and one their form could be one of the best partnerships in the league. Verdict: Keep

Kevin Thornton...Ah, the enigma that is! In and out of the side this season and a real luxury when he’s on his game. Thornton was tipped to be the star of the season but injuries have been cruel to the former Coventry man. Still, Sammo seems to have turned him around and there’s no doubt that we need to keep hold. Verdict: Keep

Marcus Hall...Brought in as a quick fire replacement for Peter Gilbert, Hall has been as consistent as his predecessor at left back. Should stay, and I don’t see any reason why he won’t. Verdict: Keep

Francis Laurent...I’ve not actually seen Laurent play yet but he’s another who appears to need his fitness back before he can get going. Hence the problem with mid-season deals like this one where the player isn’t 100% and always playing catch up. It would only be down to the players’ attitude to his return to form that would be needed to get Sammo on board for a longer deal. Verdict: A tentative Keep

Paul Rodgers...With John Johnson coming in it’s been tough for Rodgers to break into the first team squad but he’s certainly a player that can be useful in many positions so for that reason alone we should hold on to him. Verdict: Keep

Dean Beckwith...Not the quickest of defenders and one prone to the odd error but he’s formed a good partnership with Ben Tozer. Assuming Tozer doesn’t come back we will need Beckwith in tact for continuity. Verdict: Keep

So basically I’m keeping nine out of eleven based on where we are at the moment and assuming that there’s not going to be a miraculous playoff chasing end to the season. Let me know your thoughts either way! Continuity is needed as mentioned but attitudes, discipline and the like are also required so that we can show the undoubted quality that this side has.

The beauty of mediocrity

Hereford 1-1 Northampton Town
League Two
Tuesday, February 23rd 2011

Ok so it’s five draws in a row now, five points from a possibly fifteen and another instance where we have thrown away a lead. Sammo called it a must win game, as did many of the Town supporters headed for Edgar Street last night. The cause wasn’t helped by Ben Tozer joining Leon McKenzie, Abdul Osman and Shaun Harrad on the “unavailable” list and a spine of a side that desperately needed three points was gone before we’d even kicked a ball. Add to that Josh Walker going off during the game and it was a decent enough showing on the face of it to earn our latest single point.


That’s the first of many positives that we have to look at to save ourselves from going clinically insane at the amount of times we help out those still doing the ppools. Andy Holt was again emplotyed in a more advanced role and he nodded us in front a couple of minutes after half time before the inevitable equaliser. The home side can justify a point after having a goal disallowed and after Chris Dunn had pulled off a fine double save earlier in the contest. Wade Fairhurst nodded them level and the Cobblers went home with a draw once again.

Extending this run to six wouldn’t be greatly received but any other time in the season a draw at Southend, our next fixture on Saturday, would be a decent result! It’s the fine line in football at times like this where one pass, mistimed tackle or moment of genius can turn one point into that sought after three and patience is very much needed. Earlier in the season when we lost five in a row we would have been chomping at the bit for five points so now we need to hope that another little run is started where the corner is turned.

It’s a frustratingly slow time for the club and the fans but sensibility is required. Unfortunately it’s not looking like anything will come from this season but when you look down at Stockport and Barnet you have to understand that these draws are keeping us away from danger of not only relegation but an absolute disaster. It’s a testing time, but cliché it might be, it could be a whole lot worse.


Elsewhere in League Two last night...

Deane Smalley was the match winner for leaders Chesterfield at Bradford and the Spireites extended their lead at the top to nine points. Wycombe moved back to second after thumping Burton Albion 4-1 but Port Vale were halted after a surprise home defeat to Stevenage, who are now back in the top half of the table.

Cheltenham came from two goals down to draw with Torquay at Whaddon Road after Wes Thomas scrambled home a late equaliser. Meanwhile, Southend go above Torquay after their victory over Barnet. Defeat for them leaves them bottom having bow played the same amount of games as Stockport. Burton are a point above the drop zone but still have six games in hand whilst Bradford are five points better off with one game in hand.

Macclesfield moved above Morecambe by beating them 2-0 with former Cobbler Chris McCrady netting an own goal but the game of the night came at Accrington where Stanley beat Crewe 3-2 thanks to a winner fifteen minutes from time Sean McConville.

Cobblers enter “Must Win” territory at Hereford

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



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


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


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


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


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




Elsewhere in League Two this evening...

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


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

Spireites stretch lead...Macc hammer County...Shock win for Stanley...

Chesterfield extended their lead at the top of League Two to eight points on Saturday with a first win in six games at in form Lincoln. Craig Davis netted the first before a late header from Dean Holden wrapped up the points. Their lead was opened up because of the postponement of the big game of the day at the Don Valley with Rotherham and Shrewsbury having to rearrange due to a waterlogged pitch. They remain in third and second respectively though because of Wycombe’s surprise defeat at home to Accrington Stanley. That was the Chairboys’ third loss in a row and the chasing pack had the chance to close in.

Gillingham and Bury are both amongst that pack but they could only get a point apiece in a 1-1 draw at The Priestfield. Ryan Lowe equalised for The Shakers after Curtis Weston had opened the scoring. Port Vale saw off Bradford on Friday night and moved up to sixth thanks to two goals from on loan Rotherham striker and life long Vale fan Tom Pope.

Oxford are on the brinks of the playoffs now after an impressive 3-0 win at Morecambe with Asa Hall scoring twice. The U’s are now only goal difference away from the top seven as they look for successive promotions. Two form sides, Torquay and Southend, drew at Plainmoor and are both four points from the playoffs themselves.

Crewe slip to eleventh following a home defeat to Stevenage Borough with a Scott Laird goal enough at Gresty Road.

At the bottom, Barnet grabbed a late, late goal to deny Cheltenham victory at Whaddon Road. Wes Thomas looked to have give the Town side a first win at home since December but Joe Devera earned a point in stoppage time. Stockport took the lead at home to neighbours Macclesfield but then collapsed to a 4-1 defeat with Hamza BenCherif rounding off a dismal day for County. Hereford and Burton, both still in trouble, played out a goalless draw with both sides reduced to ten men – Russell Penn and Jonas Kovacs given their marching orders.

Harrad off as Cobblers draw again

Northampton Town 1-1 Aldershot
League Two
Saturday, February 19th 2011

I’m getting a bit sick of Aldershot. Last season we were denied by two goals in the last few minutes at their place and then Kevin Thornton was sent off in a 3-0 defeat at Sixfields. Then, back in early September it was a stoppage time equaliser that denied us at the EBB Stadium. We needed some reprieve yesterday but again the Shots would deny us in the later stages of the game once more. To go along with that, Shaun Harrad faces a ban after being sent off for an off the ball incident. The bid to end four straight draws won’t get any easier without the star transfer window signing.

With the Cobblers throwing away a lead three times on Tuesday night against Morecambe it was nerves to blame according to Sammo as we once again contrived to turn three points into one.

Nathaniel Wedderburn came in for Liam Davis in the Cobblers’ only change from Tuesday with a sturdier midfield the order of the day. With a heavy pitch, it was tough going and it was no surprise that the opening goal was a good old goalmouth scramble that Ben Tozer managed to take a hold of and fire us into the lead on eighteen minutes.

Wade Small should have levelled for the Shots a few minutes later but Chris Dunn made a good save with Small one on one with the Cobblers stopper. A tame effort from range from Michael Jacobs and a header wide from Leon McKenzie were all we could conjure up before the break but there was indeed plenty of nerves after the fight backs from Morecambe in midweek.

We would again have our fears realised in the second half with Danny Hylton firing a warning shot in the early stages and Alex Rodman denied by Tozer. But there was an equaliser with around twelve minutes to play when Peter Vincenti found space at the back post and fired past Dunn.

Harrad’s incident came off the ball and off the camera but there doesn’t seem a lot of defence for the Cobblers striker. Despite the sending off, we could well have won it late on when good work from Billy McKay found substitute Andy Holt on the left and his delivery, flicked on by McKay, created a chance for Josh Walker but his shot was saved by Jamie Young.

Wedderburn had to clear off the line at the other end in a frantic finish but for two draw specialists of recent weeks it was no real surprise that it ended 1-1. It’s on to Hereford on Tuesday night now and what’s looking like a must win game if we’re to get back on target. The top seven is looking further and further away by the game!

3 points the target as Shots come to town

Northampton Town v Aldershot
League Two
Saturday, February 19th 2011

The Cobblers aim to forget about one late equaliser and avenge another tomorrow afternoon as Aldershot are in town. Morecambe’s leveller with a couple of minutes to spare needs to be put on the back burner now whilst we’re still hoping for revenge for that stoppage time goal that earned the Shots a point in our game down at the EBB Stadium back in September.

Town will once again be without Abdul Osman and Kevin Thornton has said that he’s willing to play anywhere along the midfield line if it means getting a game – enthusiasm that’s very much needed at the moment. Apart from the Osman suspension there’s nothing new to report injury wise but Sammo has indicated that he may well have one or two changes in mind.

Aldershot are another team who need to turn draws into victories so will be just as desperate to claim all three points. Jack Rendall has suffered his second broken leg of the season and is out long term whilst Anthony Straker and Damian Spencer are both out on loan. Promising youngster Jermaine McGlashan is the only minor doubt other than that but he should at least make it onto the bench.

Plenty to focus on as we head into a vital few days once again and with consistency the key for both sides it could be another entertaining/nervy ninety minutes!

Also in League Two this weekend...

This evening, Port Vale look to get an early advantage over their playoff chasing rivals when they host Bradford at Vale Park. The Bantams recorded a first win in seven on Tuesday night by beating Wycombe and will be praying that this is the beginning of the corner being turned.

Third play Second in a crunch game on Saturday with Rotherham welcoming Shrewsbury to the Don Valley. The Shrews are just a point above the hosts going into the game and that should be a belter of a game. Top club Chesterfield will be looking for a first win in six games but it won’t be easy at Lincoln who are absolutely flying if you discount the home defeat to Shrewsbury a couple of weeks back.

Meanwhile, Wycombe can guarantee themselves a place back in the top three with all three points against Accrington at Adams Park and sixth plays fifth with Bury’s trip to Gillingham – both sides scrambling for points in the top seven.

Just as vital games at the bottom and Stockport can overtake opponents Macclesfield with victory over them at Edgeley Park. Barnet have slipped to the bottom of the table in recent weeks and go to Cheltenham hoping for a change of fortune. Burton still have plenty of games in hand but will still want to come away with something from Hereford whilst Morecambe, on the brink of the relegation scrap play Oxford, on the brink of the playoffs.

Crewe are still around the upper echelons of the league and will need to see off Stevenage if they’re to get back in the playoff mix. And Torquay, on the back of three straight league wins, host Southend who had a stunning 3-2 win over Wycombe in the week.

Midfield enforcer role needs some back up

It was clear that the Cobblers were missing their midfield rock on Tuesday night and the old saying of “you don’t know what you’ve got till it’s gone” came into play as we went for an attacking midfield foursome of Thornton, Jacobs, Walker and Davis. It was good to see super Kev back in the fold but the middle of the park was open, with a high scoring draw the result.

All four of the players selected are of the mindset of creating something from nothing, winning the game and heading for the opposition goal rather than their own. The suspension of Osman showed up a lack of depth in the position known as the “enforcer” role.

During the League One relegation campaign a couple of seasons back I was the first to say that Osman was below par, not showing any signs of caring about the plight but to his immense credit the former Gretna man has stepped up to the plate to become one of the biggest assets at the club. Those assets are now becoming clearer now he’s out of the side and Sammo now face a decision on how to approach Aldershot on Saturday, a team still gagging to impress new boss Dean Holdsworth.

It could mean bringing Nathaniel Wedderburn back in whilst you could put forward a case for Andy Holt as well for a crunch game in which we can’t really afford to drop points. Battle, rather than guile, could well be the order of the day…it might mean a scrappy 1-0 win but at this point we’re in real need of points on the board if the loftiest of ambitions are to come to fruition.

Another chance goes begging as goals fly again

Northampton Town 3-3 Morcambe
League Two
Tuesday, February 15th 2011

Sixfields is quickly becoming the place to be on Tuesday nights with another six goals flying in on the hallowed turf last night. Unfortunately this time the goals were equally shared and the performance was off form enough for Morecambe to grab a deserved point from a game that they could have nicked right at the death after coming from behind three times.

For them it was a fine point, an excellent night of entertainment and you can hardly begrudge the 39 loyal souls that populated the East stand in support of the visitors. The South Stand was closed in anticipation of a small away following but the ones who did turn up were treated to a fine performance from their side and will be wholly more appreciative of the point than the Cobblers fans who trudged home at the end of a poor evening for them.

The fact that Morecambe recovered three times was frustrating enough but the dropping of points, so nearly all three after scorer of the third for them, Paul Mullin, missed a good chance at the end, is the overlying annoyance from the evening. If we’d have held on to a 3-2 lead handed to us by a Leon McKenzie penalty with twenty minutes to go and we would have been in the top half this morning. But Mullin’s equaliser following a game that swung both ways meant that the negatives were highlighted more than the fact that we found the net three times.

Before that late drama, there was seemingly a goal with each attack. An early headed finish from the returning John Johnson got the ball rolling before Kevan Hurst equalised via a couple of harsh deflections. Kevin Thornton, another back in the starting line-up, tapped in the third goal of the game after excellent work from McKenzie but Jimmy Spencer pegged us back once again for 2-2 to set up that finale.

Sammo called it “the worst we’ve played in months” and fans’ tweets, Facebook and forum messages seem to all agree this morning! It was clear that Abdul Osman was sorely missed with the presence of the midfielder leaving a real hole in midfield. It’s something we need to solve before Saturday’s visit of Aldershot – a team that certainly won’t give us any breathing space in there, particularly now they’re led by former Crazy Gang survivor Dean Holdsworth.

There follows another Tuesday night game, away this time at Hereford, and we need to look for at least 4 points from those two now. It feels like defeat writing like this but to many it’s as bad as. Shame to say it but we’ve once again let a chance go begging.

Elsewhere in League Two last night...

Southend and Wycombe played out an absolute belter at Roots Hall with the home side in a game that saw two penalties and five goals, two in the last couple of minutes. Craig Easton thought he had cost his side all three points when he conceded an 89th minute spot kick that Wycombe’s Scott Rendell converted, this after Blair Sturrock had missed one for the home side, but he then popped up to score the winner in stoppage time!

That meant Wycombe made no ground on Chesterfield who drew at fifth placed Bury with had Ryan Lowe to thank again for earning them a share of the spoils. Chesterfield’s Deane Smalley was later sent off in that one. Meanwhile, Rotherham beat Accrington Stanley 2-0 to move back into the top three at the expense of Wycombe.

Lincoln came from two goals down to draw 2-2 at Aldershot while Stevenage and Oxford drew 0-0 at Broadhall Way. Torquay moved back up to tenth in the table following a single goal victory over Burton Albion with the Gulls recording a third league win in a row thanks to Chris Robertson.

Osman ban stands for tonight

he red card shown to Abdul Osman on Saturday WILL stand and the midfielder will serve a three game ban starting with tonight’s game at home to Morecambe. Sammo had hoped that an appeal would be successful but this time the decision stands and we will be without Osman for the game tonight along with the visit of Aldershot on Saturday and the trip to Hereford next Tuesday night.

So a reshuffle needed tonight then and it’s likely to mean a place for Kevin Thornton in the first eleven with Michael Jacobs possibly slotting in the middle of the park. The presence of Osman will be sorely missed in the next few games though and we’ll certainly need to adapt the style a tad in midfield to accommodate his replacements. Jacobs and Thornton are more craft than muscle and it’ll be interesting to see if that means a slight adjustment to tactics for the coming fixtures.

Top half once again in sight as Morecambe visit...

Northampton Town v Morecambe
League Two
Tuesday, February 15th 2011

Another midweek feast tonight as Morecambe travel to Sixfields and the Cobblers aim to move further into the upper mid-table bracket. The Shrimps are without a win in six games heading into tonight and were beaten 2-0 at Lincoln at the weekend to leave them hovering just above the pack at the wrong end of the table.

A victory tonight would, in fact, take the Cobblers into the top half should Lincoln fail to pick up all three points in their game due to Cheltenham not being in action. The Robins have played two games more than Town so it’s a huge incentive for collecting three points.

Sammo is waiting on news from Abdul Osman’s appeal and that will affect the Cobblers boss’ thinking ahead of the game. Nathanial Wedderburn is doubtful after picking up a knock on Saturday but Kevin Thornton is back in contention along with Liam Davis so there’s plenty of options to go with should those two not make it. John Johnson is definitely out but he’s back in training so could return soon.

Morecambe re-signed striker Danny Carlton this week but the former Bury man won’t be available this evening. Chris Shuker will also be missing with a hamstring injury but Andy Holdsworth returns from an illness and should play some part. Laurence Wilson will also be back in the fold after missing Saturday’s game due to the birth of his baby.

So can we take that leap into the top half of League Two? I’ve asked that question endless times in the last few weeks and it’s a big chance again to do it this time. Psychologically we need to be up there if we’re to eye the playoffs because time is running out!

Elsewhere in League Two this evening...

The big game of the evening comes at Gigg Lane with Bury hosting leaders Chesterfield. The Spireites were beaten at Burton on Friday night but only Shrewsbury of the chasing pack took advantage so it was a slight reprieve. Even so, they will be desperate to recover from what is now a four game winless streak at one of their promotion rivals. Bury suffered a surprise defeat at Stockport so will also be wanting to return to the form that’s seen them hold down a place in the top seven in the last few weeks.

Wycombe lost at Bradford to slip to third and face another tricky away game tonight at Southend. Victory will lift the Chairboys back up there but Southend are fresh following the postponement of their weekend game at Accrington. Stanley are away to Rotherham this evening with the Millers another side of the promotion chasing pack to suffer defeat at the weekend at Oxford.

Burton stunned the footballing world by playing a game on Friday night and won it so they will hope to play again tonight at Torquay. The Brewers escaped the bottom two with that victory and left Barnet and Stockport both looking at desperate situations having played a few games more than their competitors in the race to beat the drop. One of those was Lincoln a few weeks ago but the Imps have powered their way up the league with Steve Tilson leading the charge. They attempt to keep up their fine run with a trip to Aldershot this evening. And there’s a battle of two playoff chasing clubs with Stevenage welcoming Oxford to Broadhall Way.

Osman red contested

The Cobblers will, for the second time this season, appeal against Abdul Osman's red card against Port Vale. The challenge on Doug Loft on Saturday led to Osman getting a second straight red against Vale but Town will appeal, as they did successfully back in November.

The club appear to have a decent point with the ball changing direction during the challenge indicating that Osman won the ball and we will learn of the results of the appeal on Tuesday afternoon before the evening's meeting with Morecambe at Sixfields.

Valiant effort from ten man Cobblers

Port Vale 1-1 Northampton Town
League Two
Saturday, February 12th 2011

There was a familiar feel to Saturday’s draw at Port Vale with the Cobblers grinding out an impressive point after Abdul Osman saw red contentiously. This result was just as impressive, then, as the one that almost mirrored it back in November. The only difference in the score line was that both sides found the net this time around and this one shades the November ’10 version for the fight back from a goal down and for a general performance that could easily have seen us collect all three points.

That was particularly after a first half in which the Cobblers dominated and with Leon McKenzie back in the starting line-up, the front line looked dangerous. Nothing against the unlucky and gutsy Billy McKay but when McKenzie and Harrad are together it looks like one of the most impressive front lines in the division.

It was Harrad making the early running and Vale keeper Chris Martin, keeping his place in front of Stuart Tomlinson, had to beat away his decent attempt in the first quarter. That was after Josh Walker had seen his long range effort tipped over in a good start for Sammo’s men.

The Cobblers had to battle hard though and at the other end a combination of Dean Beckwith and Chris Dunn denied Jay O’Shea just before half time.

The second half brought the drama though, with the home side recovering well from a subdued first 45 by their standards to take the lead. Paul Rodgers was a little unlucky to see his challenge on Tom Pope result in a spot kick and Justin Richards sent Dunn the wrong way to give Vale hope of closing in on the top three once again.

But McKenzie was on a mission and just a few minutes later we were level when Andy Holt and Marcus Hall combined with the latter providing an inviting cross for the Town striker to nod home and set up what should have been a competitive last half an hour.

Indeed it was the Cobblers who came closest soon after the equaliser with Harrad so unlucky not to notch his second goal for the club when he rattled the bar. But the tide was turned when Osman’s challenge on Doug Loft was deemed a sending off offence and Vale would once more have the chance to take us on with an extra man.

Josh Walker had to head the ball off the line before the end and we had to endure a fair bit of pressure but once again held out for a decent result in one of those games where you begin talks in the pub with “I would have taken a point before the game…”

So we still can’t break into the top half but it’s four games unbeaten and going into a couple of home games we’re in decent shape…now for the next step up!

Cobblers hit the road for toughie at Vale

Port Vale v Northampton Town
League Two
Saturday, February 12th 2011

With plenty of home games littering the early part of 2011, the Cobblers hit the road tomorrow in a tough outing at Port Vale. Last season saw us put in one of the performances of the season at Vale Park as Sammo’s men won 3-1 and this time out we’ll need to match that if we’re to get anything from a team whose fortunes have started to turn again in the last couple of games.

Struggling initially under new boss Jim Gannon, following Mickey Adams’ departure to Sheffield United, Vale have beaten Rotherham and drawn with Wycombe in the last two games and confidence is starting to pour back into the side ahead of the Cobblers’ visit.

Vale’s Chris Martin looks set to keep his place in goal despite the return of number one keeper Stuart Tomlinson from a hip injury. Martin, the first choice last season, has impressed in the last couple of games and should remain in his place tomorrow. Skipper Gareth Owen will definitely miss the game though and although his ankle injury doesn’t appear to be as bad as first suspected he will still be missing for at least a month.

John Johnson’s medial ligament injury could well keep him out of the game while Andy Holt is another major doubt. Leon McKenzie wasn’t fit enough to start against Barnet but could come back into the starting line-up whilst there was better news this week with both Liam Davis and Kevin Thornton returning to training. Both could play some part at Vale Park.

With the Cobblers hoping to chase down the playoff places, there’s no better team to beat than the one in seventh place going into the weekend…Vale, and the gap between us, are the targets on the claret radar…

Elsewhere in League Two this weekend...

League Leaders Chesterfield kick things off tonight as they visit a Burton Albion side who just want to play a game of football! Victory for the Brewers will take them out of the bottom two but their higher flying neighbours want to end a run of three draws in a row and extend their lead at the top before the rest of us get going on Saturday.

Any slip ups by the Spireites will give Wycombe the chance to close the gap when they visit Bradford and Shrewsbury, back in the top three after that thumping of Lincoln in midweek, will also be hoping to keep the pressure on as they host Stevenage. Shrews boss Graham Turner has insisted this week that his side can still go on to win the title.

Bury, who have hit seven goals in the last two games, visit rock bottom Stockport aiming for a fourth straight win. Fourth placed Rotherham face a trip to Oxford after slipping out of the top three in the week with defeat at Gillingham. The Gills go to Crewe on Saturday in a big game in terms of the playoff places.

Barnet need points quickly and host Torquay in an attempt to put more distance between themselves and the drop zone. The Gulls had a first win in five games on Tuesday night when they beat Stevenage and have turned their attention back to a playoff place after returning to the top half of the table. Lincoln will hope to be rid of any hangovers from the 5-1 defeat to Shrewsbury when they welcome Morecambe to Sincil Bank and Macclesfield visit Aldershot with the threat of relegation still well and truly hanging over the Silkmen’s heads.

Hereford are also looking to pull clear of the bottom two and travel to Cheltenham with the Robins coming in off the back of a decent draw at Morecambe. Meanwhile, Southend, whose winning run was ended last weekend, attempt to get back on track with an away game at Accrington.

Gilligan joins Gulls on month loan

With the loan window back open again, Ryan Gilligan has flown the Sixfields net this afternoon and joined League Two rivals Torquay United on a one month loan deal. Gilligan's place in the team is under threat with the arrival of Josh Walker and the return to fitness of Kevin Thornton and he's decided to make a loan move to get first team football.

Gilligan has made over 200 appearances for the club and joins the Devon club with a view to a longer deal until the end of the season.

Let Toon be a lesson!

Watching Match of the Day this past weekend I was astounded by the few Geordie folk that got up and left St James’ Park after just half an hour. Their team were 4-0 down to Arsenal but still I was totally surprised to see that some home fans felt enough was enough and headed for the pub to drown their sorrows in “Newcy Brown” or to sit in a darkened room watching re-runs from the 1996-97 season. Surely, if any team was going to come back it was Newcastle. Yet for a couple of “fans” the faith had long gone, along with the pony tailed wonder that is Andy Carroll, south.

It took me back many a year to when the Cobblers were 5-1 down at Bournemouth on a cold evening (I think it was a Friday night game) and having gone down to ten men we had totally collapsed on the south coast. Duncan Spedding had been give his marching orders, presumably for trying to tackle with his right foot rather than his overly favoured left, and the Cobblers fell to a shocking result.

The point is that I never once thought about following some of the Town fans, and there were more than a couple, back to the buses in protest. I honestly don’t see the reasoning of leaving a game before the end and even though nine times out of ten you will end up on the losing side, there’s a once in a blue moon chance that something like the extraordinary scenes at St James’ will happen.

It takes me also to a bizarre moment at Sixfields when the Cobblers were 3-0 down to high flying Carlisle with Michael Bridges running the show. They were top of the league and we were fighting for a playoff place so it was a big night but the sheer quality of the visitors was too much and streams of Town fans had had enough. That was, to me, even less acceptable to the guys at Bournemouth – here was a game that we were likely to be given a real going over in and 15 minutes from time we had a half full stadium. “Loyal Supporters” chanted the remaining couple of thousand, and that’s exactly what we were, and still are.

There was a great story on the radio, after the game at St James’, of a young lad whose Dad said, with the score of Newcastle 0-4 Arsenal, that he was so confident that Newcastle, would lose that his insistent son who was begging him to stay at the game would get £500 of his own money if they fought back. That’s his season ticket paid for next season and it’s well earned!

I do hope that the rumours were true of Toon stewards being told not to let anyone back in at the weekend – those that did get up and go will be deservedly sick for a long time that they missed a truly incredible and seminal 45 minutes in the history of the English Premier League. There’s plenty more of you around as well who have stood up in disgust at a performance and got up to go at two or three goals down…maybe this will be a learning curve to you all…stay loyal, stay in the ground and for the love of the game get behind your team!