The Cobblers recorded another emphatic win in their race to avoid relegation. Paul McGregor was missing from the starting line up following his injury at Reading last Monday. Marco Gabbiadini returned to the forward line in a game that saw Sam Parkin, Chris Marsh and Wycombe's Steve Brown all lined up against their old clubs.
Town started with intent but looked very nervous in the opening minutes. The visitors created the first opening on nine minutes, Andy Rammell headed wide at the far post. Town played nice football but couldn't make the final ball count, before the visitors took the lead on 17 minutes. Gavin Holligan took advantage of a slip by Daryl Burgess, before coolly shooting past Keith Welch into the far corner.
The Cobblers looked to get straight back into the game, John Frain's free kick was just too high from 25 yards on 22 minutes and Jamie Forrester's shot lacked power two minutes later. Town were restricted to long range shots before half time, James Hunt's 25 yard effort went just wide of the post, before keeper Taylor raced out of his area to head clear of the onrushing Sam Parkin just before half time. On 45 minutes Steve Brown caught John Frain on the edge of the Cobblers penalty area, Brown was booked for the late challange and Frain didn't return for the second half.
Chris Carruthers slotted into the left back position as the second half began and the home side looked for a way back. Roy Hunter started to cause problems with his long throws, almost catching out defender Andy Thompson, but Taylor saved well. On 52 minutes he created the equaliser, Ian Sampson flicked on and Jamie Forrester's diving header crashed back off the crossbar. Chris Hargreaves was on hand to head in the rebound from close range. It was a scrappy goal but it lifted the players and supporters into life.
Minutes later Hargreaves broke clear of the Wycombe defence, as he lifted the ball over Taylor, the Wycombe keeper clattered him to the ground. Taylor was booked surprisingly, as he was the last man. Hargreaves curled in the resulting free kick and Taylor saved well, palming the ball aroung the post for a corner.
In the 62nd minute Gabbiadini was an inch away from connecting with Jamie Forresters' cross, but three minutes later Town had the lead. Hunter's long throw was cleared back to him by a defender. He returned the cross which was met by a bullet header from Hargreaves that nestled in the corner of the net. This, his third goal in a claret shirt, sent the home supporters and players wild. Kevan Broadhurst refused to join in the celebrations, reminding his players to focus on the task in hand.
On 72 minutes, Carruthers intercepted a pass in his own half before picking out Forrester on the left wing. The Cobblers leading scorer was bundled over in the penalty area but the referee waved play on much to the annoyance of the home crowd.
The frustration was short lived though, with 12 minutes to go it was three! Daryl Burgess flicked on James Hunt's cross and Jamie Forrester steered the ball home from close range to give the Cobblers some breathing space.
There was one more treat in store for the home crowd though, with six minutes left on the clock, Chris Carruthers picked up the ball on the left wing. His cross/shot curled past Taylor into the net from 20 yards. It was a fitting end to a great performance from the youngster.
Town played out the final minutes dominating possession and bagged another vital three points. Should Bury fail to win next weekend, The Cobblers will be all but safe and can look forward to Division Two football next season.
Editor's View
This was another massive win for Town. The second half was an awesome performance and once we equalised I felt that we were going to win the game. Chris Carruthers was magnificent, he is definitely a player for the future and one that the Cobblers will want to hold onto. He was hungry and committed for the 45 minutes and helped to change the game. His goal was well deserved and he'll tell everyone that he meant it. It certainly looked spectacular!
Cobblers Man of the Match
Chris Hargreaves - Coverered every area of the pitch and was more than 100% committed. His two goals were well deserved!
Ref Watch
Mr Tomlin controlled the game very well and made very few mistakes
Town started with intent but looked very nervous in the opening minutes. The visitors created the first opening on nine minutes, Andy Rammell headed wide at the far post. Town played nice football but couldn't make the final ball count, before the visitors took the lead on 17 minutes. Gavin Holligan took advantage of a slip by Daryl Burgess, before coolly shooting past Keith Welch into the far corner.
The Cobblers looked to get straight back into the game, John Frain's free kick was just too high from 25 yards on 22 minutes and Jamie Forrester's shot lacked power two minutes later. Town were restricted to long range shots before half time, James Hunt's 25 yard effort went just wide of the post, before keeper Taylor raced out of his area to head clear of the onrushing Sam Parkin just before half time. On 45 minutes Steve Brown caught John Frain on the edge of the Cobblers penalty area, Brown was booked for the late challange and Frain didn't return for the second half.
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Chris Carruthers slotted into the left back position as the second half began and the home side looked for a way back. Roy Hunter started to cause problems with his long throws, almost catching out defender Andy Thompson, but Taylor saved well. On 52 minutes he created the equaliser, Ian Sampson flicked on and Jamie Forrester's diving header crashed back off the crossbar. Chris Hargreaves was on hand to head in the rebound from close range. It was a scrappy goal but it lifted the players and supporters into life.
Minutes later Hargreaves broke clear of the Wycombe defence, as he lifted the ball over Taylor, the Wycombe keeper clattered him to the ground. Taylor was booked surprisingly, as he was the last man. Hargreaves curled in the resulting free kick and Taylor saved well, palming the ball aroung the post for a corner.
In the 62nd minute Gabbiadini was an inch away from connecting with Jamie Forresters' cross, but three minutes later Town had the lead. Hunter's long throw was cleared back to him by a defender. He returned the cross which was met by a bullet header from Hargreaves that nestled in the corner of the net. This, his third goal in a claret shirt, sent the home supporters and players wild. Kevan Broadhurst refused to join in the celebrations, reminding his players to focus on the task in hand.
On 72 minutes, Carruthers intercepted a pass in his own half before picking out Forrester on the left wing. The Cobblers leading scorer was bundled over in the penalty area but the referee waved play on much to the annoyance of the home crowd.
The frustration was short lived though, with 12 minutes to go it was three! Daryl Burgess flicked on James Hunt's cross and Jamie Forrester steered the ball home from close range to give the Cobblers some breathing space.
There was one more treat in store for the home crowd though, with six minutes left on the clock, Chris Carruthers picked up the ball on the left wing. His cross/shot curled past Taylor into the net from 20 yards. It was a fitting end to a great performance from the youngster.
Town played out the final minutes dominating possession and bagged another vital three points. Should Bury fail to win next weekend, The Cobblers will be all but safe and can look forward to Division Two football next season.
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Editor's View
This was another massive win for Town. The second half was an awesome performance and once we equalised I felt that we were going to win the game. Chris Carruthers was magnificent, he is definitely a player for the future and one that the Cobblers will want to hold onto. He was hungry and committed for the 45 minutes and helped to change the game. His goal was well deserved and he'll tell everyone that he meant it. It certainly looked spectacular!
Cobblers Man of the Match
Chris Hargreaves - Coverered every area of the pitch and was more than 100% committed. His two goals were well deserved!
Ref Watch
Mr Tomlin controlled the game very well and made very few mistakes