Rotherham United 1 Northampton Town 2

Last updated : 13 January 2004 By Footymad Previewer

Northampton Town grabbed their chance of a money-spinning fourth round glamour tie against Manchester United with an impressive win over Rotherham United.

The Cobblers turned on the style as they handed Ronnie Moore's South Yorkshire outfit a footballing lesson that earned them a home clash with the Premiership champions.

They richly deserved their prize after bouncing back from a goal behind to overturn the result with goals from Richard Walker and Martin Smith.

Rotherham took the lead after 18 minutes against the run of play.

Chris Carruthers handled just outside the area and Paul Hurst whipped in a super curling left footer that rattled the bar before beating Lee Harper.

But Northampton fought back impressively and looked more likely as they carried the game to their First Division hosts.

Live-wire Derek Asamoah tormented the Rotherham defence after going close to taking the lead even before the Millers went ahead.

His antics continued after Northampton went behind but he blazed over a glorious opportunity from five yards out.

And when Walker drilled a volley goalwards but Mike Pollitt saved well.

However, after 36 minutes the visitors were level. Smith whipped in a tremendous cross and Walker produced a towering header to beat Pollitt.

Immediately after the restart Northampton could have been in front after Asamoah robbed Shaun Barker and pulled a clever ball into the area but this time Smith hoisted his effort over the top.

But after 54 minutes Smith was on target with a splendid free-kick that proved to be the winner.

Paul Warne fouled Des Lyttle outside the area and Smith curled his free-kick through a crowd of players to deceive the unsighted Pollitt.

Northampton could have extended their advantage but Lyttle missed a glorious chance before Walker hoisted his shot on the turn over the top.

Asamoah darted in once more but was blocked by Pollitt and Ian Sampson headed another chance over.

Asamoah provided a great ball from the left but Walker's shot from eight yards was too high.

In the dying seconds a scramble in the Northampton area almost gave Rotherham the equaliser but the ball was cleared off the line.