Just back after a marathon 20 mile journey home, and what an absolutely herculean effort from the boys tonight. Could not have asked for any more.
Northampton were a very physical, very ugly but pretty effective side. We were under the cosh for the first 25/30 minutes or so, with the Cobblers looking like scoring every time they came forward. It wasn't pretty - they bombed long throws and deep, high balls into the box at every opportunity - but they were threatening. Only a little luck and some wasteful finishing kept the score at 0-0. Platt looked very dangerous, and Angus really struggled if I'm honest. He consistently ended up on the wrong side of him and couldn't compete physically.
We looked dangerous on the counter, though, and strung a few nice moves together, and we grew in confidence as the half went on. Benyon's good work down the left and subsequent cross was very nearly turned in by Jarvis at the back post, and Jarvis followed that up shortly afterwards with a brilliant 20 yard run and fizzing shot which went narrowly wide.
Bayo was brought on at half time, which for me actually weakened the Cobblers. They were pretty poor in the second half and I think we actually had the better of the chances, with a couple of strong penalty shouts which I'd like to see again. Bayo did actually have the ball in the back of the net not long after, having been allowed a free header, but it was ruled out for offside. At the other end, more good work from Benyon and a teasing cross found Bodin at the far post, who headed just wide with the goal gaping.
A late goal seemed inevitable, and so it came in the 85th minute when Nicho was turned and beaten for pace (no surprise there), and the cross was headed in by the otherwise very poor O'Donovan. It was harsh, but certainly didn't dampen the spirit of the side, as we fashioned out a few more excellent chances. Rene fired across the goal and just wide of the far post, before Benyon put one straight at the keeper when clean through. Labadie then had a header off the line, before his shot from the edge of the area was cheekily deflected in by Rene. Unfortunately the flag was up.
So, rather annoyingly, we came away with nothing when we deserved at least a point. Northampton had more possession, and shots I'd imagine, but I still think we actually had the clearer chances. Important that we don't lose momentum now, and put it right on Monday. Play like that, and we'll win. Looking forward to being at Plainmoor for that one.
RATINGS:
Poke - 8 - made some crucial saves. No chance for the goal.
Oastler - 6 - solid. Did nothing wrong.
Angus - 5 - Very shaky. Struggled to compete physically, and consistently caught out by the high ball.
Saah - 7 - Solid. Kept Bayo quiet when he came on.
Nicho - 6 - Didn't have much to do, but crucially caught short for their goal. Cruise back on Monday please.
Chapell - 6 - Quiet. Tidy in possession but didn't see much of it.
Manse - 6 - Poor distribution but leadership was back to the old Manse. Looks up for the battle.
Labadie - 7 - First time I've seen him, and really impressed. Quality on the ball, and always does the right thing.
Jarvis - 8 - Best I've seen him play. Took the game to Northampton, and posed a real threat. Excellent.
Benyon - 9 - My MOTM. Never stopped running, constant menace, competed in the air, and a real threat.
Howe - 6 - Very subdued. Marked out of the game.
REF - Crap. Inconsistent, missed a few clear pens and could easily have sent off the Cobblers play for a really late challenge on Benyon but bottled it.
