The Cobblers 4-1 Wrexham

Last updated : 16 March 2002 By
The Cobblers bounced back from two straight defeats to record an emphatic win against fellow strugglers Wrexham.

The game bust straight into life, Lee Trundle turning to shoot in the second minute but Keith Welch blocked with his legs. Two minutes later Sam Parkin headed just wide at the other end following Ian Sampson's knock back.

Sampson then headed just wide in the 11th minutes following Paul McGregor's cross before Jamie Forrester headed Chris Hargreaves' cross just over seconds later. McGregor then missed a chance of his own following a neat build up, James Hunts won the ball on the halfway, he played in Parkin who cut inside and crossed for McGregor, who's volley went over the top.

The visitors broke the deadlock in the 20th minute, Trundle turned 20 yards out a shot clinically into the bottom corner giving Welch no chance. This inspired Town into life again and Parkin headed just over from close range moments later, following a corner.
Paul McGregor
Man of the Match - Paul McGregor

The Cobblers were rewarded in the 42nd minute, Jamie Forrester threaded the ball thrrough to James Hunt, who colly slotted the ball past Marius Rovde from close range.

The second half started in a slower fashion the first, with both sides enjoying spells of swapping possession.  The first real chance came in the 72nd minute and was again created by McGregor. He picked out Parkin with a pinpoint cross, but the Cobblers striker's header was tipped over by Rovde from point blank range.

This chance spurred the Cobblers into life, Derek Asahmoah replaced Jamie Forrester in the 76th minute and his involvement was immediate. He took the ball past Pejic and was fouled on the edge of the penalty area, referee Mr Styes left play go on as McGregor broke into the box, but he was upended by Paul Barrett for a clear penalty.

With Forrester off the pitch, the responsibility laid with Roy Hunter who sent Rovde the wrong way to give Town the lead.

Minutes later frustration got the better of the visitors as they were reduced to ten men, Sharp was given his marching orders following a late x-rated kick on McGregor. In the 82nd minute Town all but wrapped up the points, Derek Asamoah skipped clear of the Wrexham defence and squared the ball to Parkin, who slotted home a deserved third from close range.
Roy Hunter - In the old green kit
Two Penalties - Roy Hunter

In the final minute, Parkin took the ball round keeper Rovde but his shot was blocked on the line by Joey Jones's hand. Mr Styles awarded a second penalty and showed Jones the red card. Roy Hunter rolled the ball in for his second and The Cobblers' 4th and equal their biggest win of the season.

Editor's View
A massive win and a relief following last weeks horror show at Bournemouth. It was an exciting game thoughout most parts, an inspiried substitution when Asamoah was introduced. Wrexham were a strong side but lost their disapline near the end, the first red card was completely needless. This moves us out of the relegation zone to the highest placement of the season so far - 19th. With six games left, we are in a great position to avoid the drop, but there is still a lot of hard work to be done. A brilliant atmosphere was created by both sets of fans.

Cobblers Man of the Match
Paul McGregor - Brilliant down the right hand side, a constant threat to the Wrexham defence.

Ref Watch
Mr Styles had a difficult job controlling this physical clash. Once he booked Lee Trundle at the end of the first half, he controlled the Wrexham striker who was out to wind up the Town defence. The two penalties were clearcut as were the red cards (without sounding too biased).