Cobblers Look Forward To Stoke Clash

Although Hunt's return is news welcomed by manager Kevan Broadhurst, the Cobblers boss is without Keith Welch (suspended following his red card against Oldham), Richard Hope (hamstring) Duncan Spedding (knee), Chris Marsh (hamstring and Chris Carruthers (knee).

James Hunt celebrates scoring at QPR

Town are in for a tough time against the league leaders, who were narrowly beaten by Everton in the FA Cup last week. Town will be looking for revenge of the 2-0 defeat at The Britannia Stadium in August. Stoke have also sold their allocation of 1500 tickets for the clash of top versus bottom, so Cobblers fans will have to be in good voice.

With off the field events dominating this week, hopefully the spirits of Cobblers players and fans will react more positive to this belated first fixture of 2002.