Northampton Town 1-2 Leiecester City

The odds were stacked against the Cobblers going into this game with Leicester City well clear at the top of League One so the early news that Adebayo Akinfenwa had to be pulled out of the game through injury wasn’t the nicest of ways to start the afternoon. Colin Larkin came in to replace the big man up front but that piece of injury news wouldn’t have done much for the Cobblers fans’ hopes.

There was to be an early sight of promise for those home fans as we threatened what would have been a shock in terms of league placing between the two sides. After two goal line clearances, the ball was somehow bundled into the Leicester net to give us a scrambled lead. Whether it was Jason Crowe or Leon Constantine who got the final touch was debatable but no-one in a claret shirt would have bothered as they took the lead.

But it was a familiar face that levelled the scores soon after following more controversial refereeing decisions going against the Cobblers. This time it was Mike Dean, a Premier League standard referee, who gave a strange decision against us to put the game level again. Matt Fryatt appeared to go down under the challenge of Mark Hughes on the edge of the area but Dean pointed to the spot and former Cobblers man Steve Howard who stepped up and slotted home the penalty for 1-1.

After the goal, there were numerous Leicester supporters celebrating in the home ends and they were ejected after making themselves known in and around the Town fans. Those fans left in blue in the right end were almost celebrating again moments later as Liam Davis had to clear a Howard effort off the line. Matt Fryatt went close again before the break but the Cobblers went in level at half-time.

The visitors took more control after the break despite a short period of pressure from the Cobblers early in the half. Fryatt was again looking dangerous in the early stages of the half and shot right into the side netting before Jason Crowe presented the Foxes striker with a golden chance by miscuing a back header but Chris Dunn made a good save to keep the visitors out.

But Leicester’s possession did pay off with around fifteen minutes to go as a cross in from the right hand side was swept in by Lloyd Dyer to give his side the lead and the Cobblers with a mountain to climb. In a frustrating end to the game, we couldn’t find a way through and despite a late chance for Billy Clarke it was the travelling support who went home happy with another win on the way to what will surely be an immediate return to the Championship.

Vote for your Goal of the Year!

The Football League is teaming up with Soccer AM to give viewers the chance to vote for their choice of the best Football League goal of 2008.

The scorer of the winning goal will be presented with the Mitre Goal of the Year Award at the 2009 Football League Awards.

Soccer AM will be revealing the contenders on the show this Saturday, and asking viewers to vote for their favourite goal. Viewers who vote will also have the chance to win a pair of tickets to the ceremony, taking place at the prestigious Grosvenor House on Park Lane on Sunday 29th March 2009. Awards will be presented to winners across 20 categories.


To find out more about The Football League Awards please visit www.footballleagueawards.com.

Leicester City (H) Preview

Next up for The Cobblers is the visit of League One’s top club Leicester City. Nigel Pearson has led his side to ten points clear at the summit of the league and Stuart Gray’s side will be in for a tough test at Sixfields.

Team News

The Cobblers are waiting on the fitness of Adebayo Akinfenwa, Giles Coke and Jason Crowe ahead of the game but defender Paul Rodgers definitely misses out after being sent off at Colchester on Tuesday night.

Defender Wayne Brown could be handed his Leicester debut after signing on loan from Hull City until the end of the season. The Foxes have doubts, though, over former Cobblers striker Steve Howard and defender Bruno Berner.


Form

Leicester were held to a goalless draw by Brighton on Tuesday night but still sit ten points clear of MK Dons at the top of the table. Last weekend saw them come from behind to beat Huddersfield Town at the Walkers Stadium.

The Cobblers were beaten on Tuesday night at Colchester after Adebayo Akinfenwa had given us the lead. Paul Rodgers was sent off just before the break and the home side turned the game around after half-time.


Recent Meetings

25/10/08: LEICESTER 0-0 COBBLERS

Earlier this season the two sides played out a goalless draw in our first ever visit to the Walkers Stadium. Adebayo Akinfenwa limped off mid-way through the second half and didn’t return to action until Boxing Day.


Head to Head…Cobblers v Foxes…


Games Played: 6


Cobblers Wins: 0


Draws: 3


Leicester Wins: 3

Coke could miss Foxes clash

Midfielder Giles Coke could miss out on the Cobblers' game with top club Leicester City on Saturday after he picked up a hip injury. Adebayo Akinfenwa was brought off at half-tie during Tuesday night's 2-1 defeat at Colchester whilst Jason Crowe has an Achilles problem.

Cobblers boss Stuart Gray will leave a decision on both until the last minute and said, "The team is very stop-start at the moment, last weekend against Crewe we had probably one of the strongest benches we've had in a while but this Saturday it probably won't be as strong again."

Paul Rodgers will sit out of the Foxes clash after he picked up a red card for two bookings at Colchester but will serve just a one game ban.

Colchester United 2-1 Northampton Town

After the sudden impact of Saturday’s hammering of Crewe, there was no better a way to kick off Tuesday night’s game at Colchester than to come out just as we had finished. Unfortunately by the end of the evening, it was Stuart Gray’s side who were this time on the end of a red card and a game that turned completely on its head following a successful first 45 minutes.

The game had started well enough with an unchanged Cobblers starting line-up settling well and Danny Jackman testing the waters with an early free kick, looking to add to his impressive tally this season. Billy Clarke was lively in the early going as well and seemed to be tripped in the area by a home defender but referee Mr Williamson waved away the protests.

But it was the Cobblers who took the initiative when Adebayo Akinfenwa, strangely playing second fiddle on Saturday, who stepped up and reminded Cobblers fans why he too can be a lethal as new boy Clarke. Abdul Osman turned the ball into Bayo’s path and the big man made no mistake by hammering the ball into the roof of the net to give us the lead.

A solitary Paul Reid effort that hit the side netting was all the home side could muster in the first half and it took a sending off to turn the game in their favour deep into stoppage time. Paul Rodgers, in only his second game for the club since joining from Arsenal, picked up a second yellow card after bringing down Marc Tierney and the second half looked set to be a long one.

The front two were brought off by Stuart Gray at the break with Bayo and Clarke being replaced by Andy Holt and Jason Crowe in a tactical reshuffle that saw Leon Constantine move up on his own up front.

It was always going to be a struggle and it was a double strike in quick succession that ultimately decided the game. Mark Yeates drew Colchester level on 57 minutes following a quickly taken short corner and then just a minute later it was 2-1 and all our hopes were beginning to slide away after Kem Izzet hit the bar and Scott Vernon hit home the rebound.

Giles Coke went close to salvaging something for the ten men before substitute Holt had a shot tipped wide of the post by U’s keeper Jimmy Walker in the closing stages. With the Cobblers trying to get forward, Colchester nearly broke with a third goal but Jamie Guy shot wide. It didn’t matter though and the Cobblers were beaten in their first ever visit to the Weston Homes Community Stadium.

We’re back on home soil this weekend with the visit of top club Leicester City who lead League One by ten points in what should be a massive test for Stuart Gray’s men. For now we reflect on another game that could so easily have fallen in our favour but for the red card that undoubtedly turned the tide in Colchester’s favour.

Colchester United (A) Preview...

The Cobblers travel to Colchester this evening full of confidence after Saturday's 5-1 hammering of Crewe at Sixfields. The hosts are coming into the game after gaining a good point at Bristol Rovers at the weekend and have won their last two home games.

Team News

Colchester are sweating on the fitness of Stephen Gillespie who has picked up a calf injury whilst Johnnie Jackson could miss out with a chest problem. Lewis Gobern could make his first start since joining the club on loan from Wolves whilst fellow new face Simon Hackney, a big money signing from Carlisle this week could also play a part in the game.

Jason Crowe returns for the Cobblers after completing his two game suspension following his red card against Huddersfield Town a couple of weeks ago. Hat-trick hero Billy Clarke and fellow loanee Paul Rodgers are both expected to start again.

Form

Colchester were held to a goalless draw at Bristol Rovers at the weekend but are unbeaten in four games going into tonight's game. Their last home game saw the U's see off Cheltenham Town in a comfortable 3-1 victory.

The Cobblers are bouncing after an important 5-1 win over Crewe at the weekend, over first win of 2009. Danny Jackman and Liam Davis both found the net but Billy Clarke stole the show with a debut hat-trick rounded off by a penalty late in the game.

Recent Meetings

29/11/08: COBBLERS 1-2 COLCHESTER

Back in November at Sixfields, Clive Platt and former Cobbler Paul Reid score twice in quick succession to give Colchester a 2-0 half-time lead. Danny Jackman strikes with a deflected free kick in the second half but we can't find a way back into the game.

23/11/05: COLCHESTER 3-2 COBBLERS (LDV Vans Trophy 2nd Round)

Andy Kirk gives the Cobblers a first half lead but George Elokobi equalizes just before the hour mark. Pedj Bojic's goal looks to have sealed progression in the trophy but a last minute strike from Richard Garcia takes the tie to extra time. Neil Danns scores in the 101st minute to win the game in extra time.

20/01/04: COBBLERS 2-3 COLCHESTER (LDV Vans Trophy Area Semi Final)

Richard Walker puts the Cobblers 2-0 up at Sixfields but after Ian Sampson's sending off, Scott McGleish scores a hat-trick to give the visitors the win and a place in the area final in extra time.

04/03/03: COLCHESTER 2-0 COBBLERS

Gareth Williams and Scott McGleish give the U's a comfortable win at their old Layer Road ground.

17/09/02: COBBLERS 4-1 COLCHESTER

Marco Gabbiadini scores a hat-trick for the Cobblers as they brush aside Colchester in a rare win in the relegation season of 02/03. Armand One gets the other goal of the Cobblers four while an Ian Sampson own goal is the visitor's only reply.

Head to Head...U's v Cobblers...

Games Played: 67

Colchester Wins: 26

Draws:14

Cobblers Wins: 27

Hat-trick hero Clarke sets new Town records

Billy Clarke took little time to introduce himself to the Cobblers’ faithful on Saturday with a historic hat-trick that set records aplenty. The striker, who has already scored four in one game this season at Macclesfield whilst on loan to Darlington, shot his way into Cobblers folklore with both the quickest debut goal in Town history and the first hat-trick for a debutant since Cliff Holton in 1961.

In fact, no Cobblers player at all had hit a hat-trick for nearly five years, the last being Marc Richard’s four goal effort at, ironically, Macclesfield, that held the position of the last Town hat-trick.

Rico could even have had five that day with one disallowed but for years we waited for someone else to step up to the plate and score three in one game. Bayo has come close, indeed on the opening day of this season he unselfishly set up Leon Constantine when he could easily have sealed his hat-trick. But we only seem to realize how long it’s been since a hat-trick when it actually happens again and it’s incredible to think of the length of time that’s passed since Rico’s goal fest at Moss Rose.

Since then we’ve been involved in two playoff campaigns, one promotion and a couple of solid seasons in League One so surely you would expect someone to have hit three at once in that successful time for the club.

Big Bayo has arguably been the closest to getting the next hat-trick with the aforementioned Cheltenham game along with the Carling Cup tie at Bolton so nearly bringing him his moment of glory. His sheer presence and power will more than likely soon pay dividends to a golden game for himself.

But for now it’s his new strike partner that holds the glory and it’s an intriguing partnership that Bayo and Billy now have in place, for a month at least! We can only hope that Clarke continue to shine alongside Bayo and does enough to earn a longer loan deal at Sixfields which would surely take us to within the realms of League One safety once again.

Northampton Town 5-1 Crewe Alexandra

Billy Clarke could not have introduced himself to the Cobblers fans in a better way than he did in yesterday’s hammering of Crewe Alexandra at Sixfields. Clarke signed on loan from Ipswich Town this week and wasted no time in getting in the Town fans’ good books by striking a hat-trick on his debut to become the first Cobblers debutant since 1961 to achieve such a fate on his debut.

Fellow loan signing Paul Rodgers also started the game in defence whilst Liam Davis and Danny Jackman returned to the starting line-up. But it was Clarke who stole this particular show and he was off the mark as early as the second minute to put himself firmly in the record books with the quickest debut goal in Cobblers history. Clarke went through one on one with the Crewe keeper Stuart Tomlinson and although his initial shot was blocked he made no mistake with the rebound after a defender cleared straight into his path.

The visitors’ cause didn’t get any easier when Julien Baudet was sent off for bringing down Giles Coke when the midfielder was clean through on goal and that was just the start of Crewe’s demise. From the resulting free kick, Danny Jackman curled the ball home to give us a two goal cushion to go alongside the man advantage.

The visitors were back into the game for a decent period though as out of nowhere a cross came in and Colin Daniel made Sixfields a very nervous place by beating Chris Dunn to the ball to make it 2-1. The action didn’t stop and Adebayo Akinfenwa hit the bar with just under ten minutes of the half to go as his header crashed against the woodwork.

The start of the second half saw the Cobblers regain control and make the extra man count in devastating fashion. After Coke had shot over, Akinfenwa was in the right place to head the ball back to Clarke who nodded home his second of the game to give us some breathing space.

It was 4-1 in quick time after the third goal as Stuart Gray’s men stormed into a three goal advantage. Liam Davis picked up the ball on the edge of the area and fired home past Tomlinson to wrap up a game that still had half an hour to play.

It was now a matter of how many for the Cobblers and Clarke made it a dream debut when he converted a spot kick after Crewe goal scorer Colin Daniel fouled him in the area. Clarke had to wrestle the ball away from usual penalty taker Akinfenwa but he managed to persuade the big man to let him round off his hat-trick and sent the keeper the wrong way to finish off a comfortable win for the Cobblers.

We now prepare for Colchester United away on Tuesday night full of new confidence with a strike force in place, for a month at least, that can take us away from any relegation fears.

Crewe Alexandra (H) Preview...

The Cobblers welcome bottom club Crewe Alexandra to Sixfields this Saturday, desperate for a win to ease fears of slipping towards the bottom four. But the visitors will also be scrapping for points under new boss Gudjon Thordarson.

Team News

The Cobblers will include new loan signings Billy Clarke and Paul Rodgers in their squad for the visit of the Railwaymen. Striker Clarke signed a one month deal from Ipswich this week whilst Rodgers joined on a similar deal on Thursday. Danny Jackman could return after recovering from a knee ligament injury but Luke Guttridge is still missing. Jason Crowe will miss the game as he serves the final game of his suspension.

Crewe are without big defender Dennis Lawrence who misses the game with an Achilles injury whilst James Bailey is doubtful with a groin strain picked up in training. Ben Rix left the club after terminating his contract by mutual consent this week.

Form

The Cobblers were beaten 2-0 at Hartlepool United last Friday night as a patched up side couldn't cope with Joel Porter who netted both the goals to send us falling down the League One table by a couple of places.

New Crewe boss Gudjon Thordarson picked up his first win in charge of the club last weekend with a good 3-2 victory over Scunthorpe United. The game looked set to end in a draw late on but Daniel O' Donnell popped up with an injury time winner to seal the points for Crewe.

Recent Meetings

04/10/08: CREWE 1-3 COBBLERS

Danny Jackman puts the Cobblers in front on the stroke of half time but Tom Pope equalises ten minutes into the second half. Adebayo Akinfenwa slotted home a penalty to tip the game back in our favour and Abdul Osman sealed the win with twenty minutes to go.

01/03/08: COBBLERS 0-0 CREWE

The Cobblers fail to make ground on the playoffs in a frustrating goalless draw at Sixfields in March. Despite creating several chances we can't quite make them count and Crewe take home a share of the spoils.

17/11/08: CREWE 1-0 COBBLERS

Ryan Lowe's goal on the hour settles a poor game in November of last year to make it three straight league defeats for Stuart Gray's side.

03/02/07: COBBLERS 1-2 CREWE

Two goals from Luke Varney either side of a Brad Johnson reply for the Cobblers meant that Crewe took all three points from Sixfields.

05/08/06: CREWE 2-2 COBBLERS

On the opening day of the 06/07 season, Ryan Lowe put Crewe in front before Scott McGleish equalised. David Vaughan's goal on twenty minutes put the home side ahead once more but Andy Kirk made sure we went home with a point on our return to League One.

01/02/03: CREWE 3-3 COBBLERS

In a six-goal thriller, Steve Jones put Crewe in front before James Vaughan put them two up. Marco Gabbiadini pulled one back for the Cobblers from the spot and Richard Hope levelled the scores on the hour. Jones struck again with twenty minutes to go but Derek Asamoah salvaged a point.

Head to Head...Cobblers v Railwaymen

Games Played: 59


Cobblers Wins: 23

Draws: 13

Crewe Wins: 22

No Saints return!

No Saints kicked off a brand new era last night as we finally returned to action for the first time since November. Pitch Invasion have taken over at our old stomping ground of Eastleigh FC and with new faces Adam and Dom starting we had a squad of six raring to go. Phil was missing through illness whilst Scott is still away with work.

In swirling winds and rain, we quickly got back into the tempo of old and Aaron netted from close range to give us the lead. It stayed at 1-0 until half time and a quick regroup was followed by Adam scoring a debut goal after rounding the keeper for 2-0. It could easily have been more with the post hit twice but it was our opposition that found the net next with a break away goal. But it was too late and soon after the whistle went and we were victorious in the first game back.

There is only one league at the moment and other leagues are set to be added but for now it’s great to be back in the white and red and here’s to a successful return season!

Cobblers snap up Arsenal defender

The Cobblers have signed young Arsenal defender Paul Rodgers on a one month loan deal. The 19-Year-old can play in either the centre of defence or at right back and has been a reular in the Arsenal youth and reserve team set ups in the last few years after coming through the ranks.

Rodgers made his first team debut recently, in Arsenal's Carling Cup Quarter Final exit at Burnley and is highly rated by Arsene Wenger. He will go straight into the squad for Saturday's home game with Crewe Alexandra alongside fellow new signing Billy Clarke who arrived from Ipswich this week.

Leon Scores!

Yes, it's true, Leon Constantine has found the net again...albeit in a reserve team outing at Ipswich Town but a goal nonetheless! Leon was set up by Colin Larkin for the goal that won the game against the Trotters (no, not Del Boy and Rodney) on Tuesday lunch time.

Another boost for Stuart Gray was that defender Chris Doig came through another ninety minutes unscathed. Doig played in the reserves last week before playing through the entire game in the first team's 2-0 defeat at Hartlepool United last Friday. And the Scot once again got through a game and will be available for Saturday's game with Crewe.

Cobblers sign striker Clarke

The Cobblers have this afternoon signed Ipswich Town striker Billy Clarke on a one month loan deal. Clarke, 21, has been on loan at Darlington for the first half of this season where he scored nine times in 21 appearances for The Quakers.

Signing his first professional deal in December 2004, Clarke has come through the ranks at Portman Road and made his debut the following year in a Championship game against Cardiff City. He has spent time on loan at Falkirk and Colchester and now joins the Cobblers until mid-February.

Clarke will be likely to make his debut in Saturday's home game with bottom club Crewe Alexandra.

Hartlepool United 2-0 Northampton Town

It was a flash point with around twenty minutes to go that summed up Friday night’s dismal defeat at Hartlepool as the Cobblers were overtaken by their evening opponents. For the couple of hundred hardy souls that braved the elements knowing that we had just a handful of options available on the team sheet, Ryan Gilligan’s reaction to being substituted echoed their own feelings.

By the time the midfielder was replaced in the middle of the park by young Joe Benjamin we were already near enough down and out and his reaction, apparently lashing out at a staff member, signalled all frustrations that are working their way around the club of late.

It was just five minutes when the wheels were beginning to be set in motion, to set the tone for a night to forget for Cobblers’ players, staff and fans. Michael MacKay took down a high ball and set up Joel Porter who finished well past Chris Dunn in the Town goal to give the home side the lead.

It could so easily have been two on twelve minutes had Dunn not pulled off a good save from the maker of the goal, MacKay who sent in a shot from distance. Although Dunn got a good hand to the ball, the referee pointed for just a goal kick.

It took until ten minute before the break for Stuart Gray’s men to make a real chance and the game had the feeling of one where we would need something soon if we were thinking of taking anything from it. Adebayo Akinfenwa shot just over the bar before Leon Constantine forced a save from Arran Lee-Barratt. The home side had the final shot of the half as Porter so nearly added to his tally when he hit the post.

It was soon after the restart that the Cobblers’ challenge grew as Porter did double his efforts for the night by storming through the Town half and finishing low past Dunn for 2-0.

Alex Dyer came off the bench to replace Colin Larkin, who had started the game in midfield alongside Ryan Gilligan and Abdul Osman as the youngster once again made up a bench full of youthful faces.

Liam Dolman and Adebayo Akinfenwa both had efforts that were off target before Gilligan’s flash point as he was brought off the pitch with Benjamin replacing him. Hartlepool gave an introduction to their new loan signing Liam Henderson as he replaced goal scorer Porter.

Despite late substitute Liam Davis having a shot cleared off the line in the final knockings, it was all we could conjure up in a game that showed limitations in the current squad and frustration starting to kick in at the wrong time with a worrying amount of time left to play this season that could see the league position drop towards the deadly bottom four.

Bottom club Crewe come to Town next weekend, by which time the squad does need bolstering. Stuart Gray missed out on Luke Rodgers who seemed to take the money option by joining Yeovil Town on Friday night. But loan signings are the option with of course the right players being very difficult to find. Time is now to have patience with Stuart Gray. No-one has come in this week but would we prefer to be angry at that or have him sign a random player that’s nowhere near good enough in order to appease the restless?

Now we see what this afternoon’s results bring and hope that the league position doesn’t change too much with a full fixture list scheduled.

Hartlepool united (A) Preview...

The Cobblers head to Hartlepool tonight with a thin squad but looking to repeat a 1-0success at Victoria Park last season.

Team News

Hartlepool will hand a debut to new loan signing Liam Henderson who joined from Watford this week but Joel Porter could miss out after suffering an Achilles injury.

The Cobblers will be missing Jason Crowe who serves the first of a two game suspension whilst Danny Jackman could also miss out with a knee problem. Luke Guttridge also misses the game with a calf injury but Liam Davis returns from a ban and Chris Doig should feature after playing ninety minutes in the reserves this week.

Form

Hartlepool stunned Premier League Stoke a couple of weeks ago in the FA Cup but were beaten in their last league game at Oldham on Tuesday night, going down 2-1 at Boundary Park.

The Cobblers have been slowly picking up single points recently with the last two games ending in draws. Most recently, Adebayo Akinfenwa earned a point at Sixfields as his late goal was enough to get us a share of the spoils despite us having Jason Crowe sent off earlier in the game.

Past Meetings

10/10/08: COBBLERS 1-0 HARTLEPOOL

Loan striker Karl Hawley grabbed the only goal of the game earlier this season as the Cobblers won by the single goal at Sixfields.

22/02/08: HARTLEPOOL 0-1 COBBLERS

A late strike from Giles Coke sneaks under the body of Jan Budtz in the Pool goal as the Cobblers take all three points at Victoria Park.

04/03/00: HARTLEPOOL 2-1 COBBLERS

Paul Stephenson and Graeme Lee give Hartlepool the lead and a Carlo Corazzin strike isn't enough to give us anything from the game.

11/09/99: COBBLERS 2-1 HARTLEPOOL

Tommy Miller puts United in front in the first half but Steve Howard scores twice in the second half to turn the game in our favour.

25/01/97: COBBLERS 3-0 HARTLEPOOL

Neil Grayson scores a hat trick in four minutes either side of half time to ease the Cobblers to victory in the Wembley season of 1997.

29/10/96: HARTLEPOOL 0-2 COBBLERS

Neil Grayson scores in the first minute at Victoria Park before Sean Parrish adds a second in the 22nd minute to hand The Cobblers a good win away from home.

Head to Head...Cobblers v Pool...

Games Played: 58

Cobblers Wins: 24

Draws: 14

Hartlepool Wins: 20

NTFC Supporters Ltd stage public meeting

Northampton Guildhall was filled to capacity on Monday evening as hundreds of Cobblers fans met to discuss various issues, one of the main topics being redevelopment of Sixfields. The ruling party on Northampton Borough Council, the Liveral Democrats, did not send a representative to fill their place on the top table.

Various presentations and speeches were made to challenge the council and their objectives and questions that were not covered at the meeting will be passed on to Northampton Borough Council.

The meeting was a success with the Guildhall hosting one of the biggest public meetings in its history.

Doig set for playing return

Chris Doig is set to make his return to playing action this Tuesday when Ian Sampson's reserve team take on Colchester United at Sixfields. Doig has been missing since damaging his hamstring in the FA Cup First Round tie at Leeds in November.

But the defender is due to be in the squad that welcomes Colchester on Tuesday afternoon (2pm).

Jackman out for up to a month

Cobblers midfielder Danny Jackman is expected to be missing for the next few weeks after he suffered what is suspected to be medial ligament damage during Saturday's draw with Huddersfield Town.

Jackman is the second top scorer for the club this season after a succession of free kicks and well taken goals in the last couple of months saw him live up to last season's Player of the Year tag.

But he will be out of the next few games, starting with Friday nights' trip to Hartlepool United.

Northampton Town 1-1 Huddersfield Town

Boxing Day saw a 93rd minute free kick deny The Cobblers a point at Roots Hall as Southend snatched a barely deserved victory. Yesterday, it was the Cobblers who benefited from a late goal that earned a point following a controversial red card shown to Jason Crowe.

Crowe, one of the players who could be part of transfer speculation over the next few weeks could have deflected a lot of attention away from himself by the sending off that keeps him out for a couple of games immediately. But players are thin on the ground for Stuart Gray as it is, with Luke Guttridge and Danny Jackman both adding to the injury list yesterday.

It was a testament to the state of affairs at the club before the game yesterday with three four youngsters on the bench in Ron Robert Zeiler, Alex Dyer, Greg Taylor and Joe Benjamin, who secured a professional contract just a few days ago.

It was Crowe who had the first effort on goal following a start to the game that matched the freezing conditions that enveloped Sixfields. Crowe was put through one on one with goalkeeper Alex Smithies but the he managed to tip the ball around the post well to stop the opening.

At the other end it was former Everton striker Danny Cadamarteri that tested Chris Dunn in the visitors' first attack and he sent in an effort from distance that Dunn did well to parry.

Just a minute later, we were denied by a clear penalty shout that everyone in the ground must have seen except referee Mr Linington as a Terriers defender rose highest with his hand and appeared to punch the ball away following a corner but incredibly it went unnoticed by the officials.

Danny Jackman had to be replaced as he hobbled off shortly after that incident and Colin Larkin came off the bench in a reshuffle by Stuart Gray. Giles Coke ended the half by shooting over the bar.

After a first half that will be remembered for the penalty that never was, the Cobblers came out firing and Abdul Osman blasted a shot just over the bar from range before susbstitute Larkin tried to round the keeper but was blocked off by defenders before he could get a decent shot away.

More controversy followed as Huddersfield had the lead with one of their first attacks of the half. A free kick was given twenty five yards out in yet another poor decision from Mr Linington and Phil Jevon stepped up to curl the ball past Dunn to send the visitors into the lead.

Mr Linington did more to get in the home fans' bad books as he sent off Jason Crowe as he brought brought down Gary Roberts. Linington saw Crowe as the last man but covering defenders would certainly argue against that case but the end result was that the defender walked.

Joe Benjamin was brought off the bench to add some attacking flair as we looked to salvage a point with Ryan Gilligan replaced and we did have that salvation left in us.

With literally the final kick of the game and with no time left to play, the ball fell to Adebayo Akinfenwa who shot home from the edge of the area to earn a point and save our skins after a game full of poor refereeing decisions.

More bad news on the injury front followed with both Jackman and Luke Guttridge set to be out for a while so this is a big week for the Cobblers as we are desperately low on numbers. The loan market will surely come into play before Friday's trip to Hartlepool United but for now we will reflect on a point that keeps us in a safe mid table position.

Huddersfield Town (H) Preview

Huddersfield Town visit Sixfields on Saturday afternoon in good form under new boss Lee Clark.


Team News

The Cobblers will be without Chris Doig through a hamstring injury that has kept him out for over a month whilst Liam Davis will miss the game through suspension. Davis was due to serve the ban at Brighton last week but after the game was postponed he carries it over until this week. Scott McGleish and Andy Todd have returned to their parent clubs after loan spells so Liam Dolman could get a chance in defence.

Huddersfield boss Lee Clark has a near fully fit squad to choose from for the game with Andy Booth the only absentee with a long term back injury.

Form

The Cobblers are yet to play in 2009 after last week's postponement at Brighton but the final game of 2008 saw Bristol Rovers take home a point fro Sixfields in a goalless draw.

Huddersfield kicked off 2009 with a 1-1 draw with Oldham at the Glapharm Stadium. Michael Collins got the Terrier's goal after Mark Allott gave the visitors the lead.

Past Meetings

20/09/08: HUDDERSFIELD 3-2 COBBLERS

An early own goal puts the Cobblers in front but Andy Booth equalises before half time. Flynn scores twice in the second half to give the home side a comfortable lead and Liam Davis' late goal isn't enough to salvage us a point.

29/12/07: HUDDERSFIELD 1-2 COBBLERS

Andy Booth adds to his collection of goals against the Cobblers on the stroke of half time but we fight back in the second half as Poul Hubertz and Jason Crowe turn the game in our favour with Crowe's winner coming just five minutes from time.

22/09/07: COBBLERS 3-0 HUDDERSFIELD

Goals from Poul Hubertz, Andy Holt and Andy Kirk eased the Cobblers to victory at Sixfields earlier on this season.

27/04/07: COBBLERS 1-1 HUDDERSFIELD

Andy Holt puts the Cobblers in front on 63 minutes but David Mirfin equalises with fifteen minutes to go in Ian Taylor's final game in professional football.

16/12/06: HUDDERSFIELD 1-1 COBBLERS

Joe Burnell fires the Cobblers into the lead but Danny Schofield earns the home side a deserved point.

20/04/04: COBBLERS 0-1 HUDDERSFIELD

Andy Booth scores the only goal of the game as Huddersfield make a giant leap towards automatic promotion from League Two.

Head to Head...Cobblers v Terriers...

Games Played: 30

Huddersfield Wins: 13

Draws: 6

Cobblers Wins: 12

Huddersfield Preview: Gray without duo as Terriers visit Sixfields

Chris Doig and Liam Davis will both be missing from Stuart Gray's side this weekend as Huddersfield Town make the trip to Sixfields. Doig is still recovering from a hamstring injury that has kept him out for over a month whilst Davis will carry his suspension over to this game following the postponement at Brighton last weekend.

The frozen pitch at the Withdean means that the Terriers clash is the first game of 2009 for the Cobblers who will be looking to kick start the year after a Christmas period that saw just one point gained from two games.

The pitch at Sixfields has been protected from the frosty conditions this week as the club decided to postpone Tuesday's planned reserve team game.

Youngster Benjamin earns professional deal.

18-Year-old striker Joe Benjamin has signed his first professional deal with the Cobblers after an impressive season at yoth and reserve team level. Benjamin, released by West Ham United in his early playing career was spotted in London by Cobblers scouts who brought him to the club.

He has already played in a first team game for the club when he came off the bench against Millwall earlier this season. Benjamin has signed an 18 month deal.

Transfer Window signals end of loans

It's the start of a busy month for Stuart Gray as the transfer window opens once again. Two players who may not be playing another game in the claret shirt are Scott McGleish and Andy Todd who both ended their deals following the postponement at Brighton on Saturday.

McGleish has returned to Wycombe while Todd will be hoping that a change of manager at Derby will spark new hope for his Rams career. Ron-Robert Zeiler has stayed on for a further month whilst Kurt Robinson's deal is being discussed this week with Liam Davis set to sit out of the Huddersfield game through suspension.

With the return to fitness of Adebayo Akinfenwa we should be ok in the forward department but it looks set to be another big period for Gray as he tries to hold on to key players in the wake of the council's latest disappointing announcement regarding the stadium redevelopment.

Brighton and Hove Albion P-P Northampton Town

The Cobblers were dealt a new year blow as their game at Brighton was postponed due to a frozen pitch at the Withdean Stadium. Games across the country were called off and Brighton's pitch was also deemed unplayable by referee Mr Graham.

The pitch was inspected twice before Mr Graham finally called it off at around 1pm on Saturday afternoon and no new date has yet been arranged for the game to take place.

Supporters are advised that all tickets for the initial game will still be accepted on the day of the rearranged tie.