It's Matchday 15 in sky bet league two and the Cobblers Travel to moss rose to face Macclesfield town who are sat bottom of the league table. This is the clubs 37 meeting. Here is all the info you need on today’s game.
21st Feb 2012 at Sixfields Stadium and the Cobblers won 3-2 with goals from Michael Jacobs, Luke Guttridge and Adebayo Akinfenwa. The attendance of the game was 4,529 and the game was in League Two.
SEBASTIAN STOCKBRIDGE Gareth Mellor and Kevin Morris Fourth Official: Gary Hilton
The Last time Sebastian Stockbridge referred a Cobblers game was August 18th 2018 at Sixfields Stadium V Cambridge United and the Cobblers drew 2-2.
*An F.A. Cup match that went to penalties between Macclesfield and Forest Green Rovers in November 2001 saw a record 24 spot kicks, Macclesfield won 11-10.
*In February 1886 Macclesfield beat Chester St. Mary’s 15-0 in the Cheshire cup.
*Macclesfield Goalkeeper Ryan Price was rushed from the hospital where he saw his first child born in February 1998 to the match v Leyton Orient and helped his side to 1-0 victory.
*In November 1954 Macclesfield were to play Stalybridge Celtic under floodlights at Ashton United . Fog descended and the game did not end until 10.30 p.m. Macclesfield won 2-00.
Who am i?
I Played under three different managers at Sixfields
I was player of the year at Northampton, Halifax & Port Vale
I became Schoolboy Co-Ordinater at Scunthorpe in 2011
I later moved to Birmingham as academy coach I 2015
I scored nearly 50 goals from midfield
Who am i?
(Answer at the bottom of page)
WHAT IS MOSS ROSE LIKE?
On one side is the Bristol Street Motors Stand. This stand is covered and has a raised seating area, which means that spectators have to ascend a small staircase to enter it. It has windshields to either side and runs for about a third of the length of the pitch, straddling the half way line. This type of stand is a classic design, once common across the country, but many have since disappeared with re-development. Although it is old looking it was in fact opened in 1968. It is though unusual to see such a stand that doesn't have any supporting pillars running across the front of it. It has portions of terracing to each side and at its front. The team dugouts are also located on this side.
On the other side is the covered, single tiered McIlroy Stand, which was opened in March 2001. This smart looking all seated stand with a hospitality area to its rear, has a capacity of 1,150 seats. It is named after former Macclesfield Town and Manchester United player Sammy McIlroy The Star Lane End is a relatively new covered stand, that is a strange mix of seating and terracing. Strange and unusual in having a terrace area behind the seating area, which contains 486 seats. Apparently seating was added to the terrace in this way, so that the Club could fulfil the then Football League's rules concerning the number of seats that a Club ground needed to be admitted into the Football League. Opposite is the open John Askey Terrace (named after a former player and manager), which is given to away supporters. In one corner of the ground there is a basic looking electric scoreboard which sits on top of the Police Control Box, next to the Bristol Street Motors Stand. The ground also has a set of unusual looking floodlights.
WHAT IS IT LIKE FOR VISITING SUPPORTERS?
Away fans are primarily located in the open John Askey Terrace, where up to 1,500 fans can be accommodated. Additionally, 403 seats are made available in the Henshaw's Stand, which sits at one side of the pitch. The seating may well be a better bet, as this stand is covered and the facilities new. Entrance to both areas is by ticket only, cash is not accepted at the turnstiles.
On my last visit, I opted for an away supporters seat in the McIlroy Stand. Oddly you gain access to this relatively new stand by going through a rather old looking turnstile. However, once inside you should be impressed with the excellent facilities on offer. From your seat, you can also enjoy the views of the rolling countryside stretching away behind the Main Stand. The view of the playing action and the atmosphere within the ground are both pretty good, with some enjoyable banter between the two sets of supporters. Food inside not only includes the usual fayre of Burgers and Hot Dogs (£3), but also a selection of Pies and Pasties, from local baker Brassingtons, including Meat & Potato (£2.90), Steak & Kidney (£2.70), Cheese & Onion Pasty (£2.70) and Sausage Rolls (£2). Macclesfield is generally a good ground to visit and an enjoyable day out as well, being hassle free and friendly on both my visits.
Please note that for certain games, only the seating area will be made available to away fans. The Club are partly making this decision on the projected number of travelling fans and whether the visiting club has only seats available (and no terracing) at their own ground.
WHERE TO DRINK?
The Moss Rose ground is located on the outskirts of Macclesfield and therefore there is not a tremendous choice of pubs or even a handy chippy. Adam Hodson a visiting Stockport County fan informs me; 'At the stadium itself, there is the Keith Alexander Bar which admits both home and away supporters. It is located in the Henshaw's Stand next door to the Sammy Macllroy suite Apart from alcoholic drinks, hot food is on offer too'. Jonathan Woodard a visiting Brentford fan adds; 'The bar is free to get in and prices are reasonable and perhaps best of all you get a great view of the pitch so you can watch the teams warming up an hour before the game!'
The closest pub is the Golden Lion, which is just under a ten minute walk from the away turnstiles. I found the pub warm and friendly and I my last visit there was a 50-50 mix of home and away supporters. It serves real ale and on matchdays they offer Pie & Chips, plus a pint for £5, which can't be bad! The pub also offers free parking for coaches and minibuses if arranged in advance (Tel: 01625 423763). To find the Golden Lion, simply head down Moss Lane, which goes behind the away terrace, and then turn left at the corner of the ground and walk down behind the new stand. Keep straight on this road and you will come to the pub on the left.
Ahead of Tuesday night's game, Jamie Duncan looks at players who have played for both the Cobblers and Macclesfield Town.
PAUL TURNBULL Paul Turnbull signed for Northampton Town in 2011 after the Cobblers agreed a fee with Stockport County. He made 14 appearances for the Cobblers in a spell that lasted two years. After being released by Northampton, Macclesfield snapped him up, where he spent the next 3 years making 94 appearances and scoring 11 goals.
BEN SEDGEMORE Ben Sedgemore was a midfielder who made his professional debut for Northampton Town, he played just once for the Cobblers back in 1994 whilst on loan from Birmingham City. In 1998 Macclesfield signed Sedgemore from Mansfield Town and he made 100 appearances during a 3 year stay whilst finding the back of the net on 6 occasions.
SHWAN JALAL Goalkeeper Shwan Jalal was signed by Chris Wilder in the 2014-2015 season, the keeper went on to make four appearances for the Cobblers before signing for Macclesfield Town for the 2015-16 season where he made 37 appearances. He then joined Wrexham for a year before returning to Moss Rose the following season where he made another 41 appearances.
ADAM YATES Adam Yates is a right back who joined the Cobblers on loan in the historic 2015-16 season. He played just the one game as cover for Brendan Moloney who was injured and Josh Lelan who was suspended. He joined Macclesfield Town last season and made 7 appearances as Macclesfield won the National League title. He retired at the end of last season.
PAUL HARSLEY Paul Harsley was a midfielder who joined Northampton Town in 2002 from the recently relegated Halifax Town. He was a mainstay in the side during his first season, winning the player of the season award, but left in February 2004 after making 59 appearances and scoring 2 goals. After the Cobblers he moved to Macclesfield Town where he stayed for the next two years making 107 appearances and scoring 11 goals.
This season, UK and Ireland-based supporters will be able to watch Northampton Town's midweek league fixtures and Checkatrade Trophy ties online for just £10, including Tuesday night's game at Macclesfield Town. Visit ntfc.co.uk for more info.
QUIZ ANSWER - PAUL HARSLEY
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