All you need to know ahead of today's visit to Forest Green Rovers ...
Happy New Year. The Cobblers travel to Forest Green Rovers this New Years Day as the Cobblers look to extend their unbeaten run in Sky Bet League Two for their first game of 2019.
Forest Green Rovers have made an impressive start to their season, they currently occupy ninth place in the Sky Bet League Two table – one point off a play-off position.
Hailing from the small Gloucestershire town of Nailsworth, its population of just under 6,000 makes it the smallest ever settlement to host an EFL club and, earlier this year, Rovers became the world’s first UN certified carbon-neutral football club thanks to its eco-friendly philosophy. The club are entering their second season in the EFL having avoided relegation last season under the stewardship of the experienced Mark Cooper. Rovers kicked off their 2018/19 campaign in emphatic fashion as they ran out 4-1 winners over Grimsby Town.
Following that win, came draws against Oldham, Bury, Stevenage and Swindon respectively before they overcame Notts County 3-1 at the beginning of September.
Northampton Town
The Cobblers recorded their fourth successive draw with MK Dons on their final home game of 2018. Referee Graham Scott, pointed to the spot on 18 minutes Aneke stepped up to take the penalty himself, Cornell saved and then Alex Gilbey scored the rebound. At 69 minutes MK Dons doubled their lead by McGrandles. Andy Williams with a bullet header from a Bridge corner to set up a grandstand finale. Junior Morias with a delightful lob over Nicholls to make it 2-2.
FOREST GREEN ROVERS
Cheltenham hit back from 2-0 down to rescue a 2-2 draw in the Gloucestershire derby against promotion-chasing Forest Green.
KEVIN JOHNSON
- He has been in charge of 27 games this season giving a total of 77 yellow cards and 3 red cards.
- Mr Johnsons last Cobblers game was on the 9th October 2018 in the Checkatrade Trophy when the Cobblers beat Oxford 2-1 thanks to goals from Kevin van Veen (55) Aaron Pierre (65). Mr Johnson also sent off John Joe O'Toole in the 90th minute.
Assistant Referees: Christopher Wade and Paul Lister
Fourth Official : Marvyn Amphlett
Northampton wins: 2 Northampton wins at Sixfields: 1
Northampton wins at The New Lawn: 1 Biggest Northampton win: 3-0, 6 Nov 2010 (The New Lawn)
Draws: 0
Forest Green Rovers wins: 0
The Last time we met Forest Green Rovers was on 13th October 2018 in Sky Bet League Two and the Cobblers won 2-1 thanks to goals from Aaron Pierre and Andy Williams. For match report and Highlights click here.
Northampton ensured there would be no FA Cup upset as they swept aside Forest Green Rovers to reach the second round.
John Johnson's spectacular 25-yard volley put the Cobblers ahead and Steve Guinan rounded keeper James Bittner to make it 2-0 before the break.
Rovers were handed a lifeline when Reece Styche was brought down in the box by Ben Tozer, but Chris Dunn made a fine save from Styche's spot kick.
Sub Michael Jacobs then latched on to Craig Armstrong's pass to seal the win with 15 minutes left to play.
“I know there is more to come from these players, I see it in training but I need to see it more on matchday,” said Keith Curle.
“In terms of the team’s development and progression we are still very much on page one.
“We need to be braver on the ball and our game understanding still needs to improve.
“We will progress but to do that the basics and the fundamentals need to be in place to give you that foundation."
“We’ve got to go for it and try and win games, like we have done in the last few weeks,” said manager Mark Cooper.
“We’ve got two centre-forwards who are wanting to score goals and we’re going to add to that.
“It was a disappointing day when we faced them last because we lost our unbeaten record but it is just another game and it’s three points and we’re going to go full tilt to get them.
“Keith has gone in there in a difficult situation and has had to get some results, which he has done.
“They’ve drawn a lot of games, not lost many, but it’s about us and we want to play really well.”
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