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NEWS ARCHIVE: January | February | March | April

24 May

1998...Grimsby 1 Northampton 0
Same day, same place, same dressing room, same referee and same scoreline - except this year the 1-0 was in favour of Alan Buckley's Grimsby Town.
Around 41,000 Cobblers fans packed into Wembley Stadium praying for a yesteryear repeat but, in an entertaining game, they were sunk by the Mariners.
A Colin Hill slip (but was he fouled?) in the 18th minute let in Kevin Donovan and he made no mistake from close range.
And that was that, goalkeeper Andy Woodman literally realising his dream by saving a penalty at Wembley.
The Cobblers narrowly missed out on a place in the second tier of English football for the first time since the late 1960s and were determined not to let their disappointment overshadow the 1998/99 season.
Sadly it didn't quite work out like that and the Wembley association, for the time being at least, was over.


13 May

1998...Northampton 3 Bristol Rovers 0
The best night ever at Sixfields and an occasion which has not been bettered to this day, and one which may not be bettered for some consderable time!
Ian Holloway's Bristol Rovers were battered into submission, folding under a relentless onslaught from the Cobblers and a wall from sound from the home fans in the stadium.
It was a victory of belief over doubt as Carl Heggs reduced the arrears in the first half and, just after the hour mark, defender Ian Clarkson inexplicably turned up in the Rovers penalty area to level the tie.
It was left to rock steady skipper Ray Warburton to edge the affair Northampton's way with a third goal in the 77th minute which took the Cobblers to Wembley for the second year in a row.


10 May

1998...Bristol Rovers 3 Northampton 1
The first leg of the play-offs at the Memorial Ground and a tough encounter with a talented Bristol Rovers side.
Rovers swept the Cobblers aside in the early stages and took a three-goal lead early in the second half with the normally resolute Town rearguard at sixes and sevens.
But big John Gayle pulled one back in the closing stages to give the Cobblers a valuable lifeline going into the second leg at Sixfields three days later.
No matter, the Rovers tannoy announcer clearly felt a date with Wembley had already been booked by the home side.
But it was only half time. And what was to follow remains the stuff of Sixfields legend....


3 May 2008

League One
NORTHAMPTON 2 TRANMERE 1
Goalscorers: Adebayo Akinfenwa, Poul Hubertz
MOM: Giles Coke
Comment: An entertaining finale with goals for the two big men, a fitting and quirky farewell from Hubertz and a lot of edge in the final minutes!


2 May

1998...York 0 Northampton 0
More than 3,000 fans outnumbered the home faithful at Bootham Crescent as the Cobblers dogged out a goalless draw to reach the play-offs for the second year running


26 April 2008

League One
PORT VALE 2 NORTHAMPTON 2
Goalscorers: Ryan Gilligan, Andy Holt
MOM: Jason Crowe
Comment: The two players celebrating new contracts netted within a couple of minutes in the first half at Vale Park but the home side fought back strongly to snatch a point


25 April

1998...Northampton 1 Fulham 0
A second-half goal from man-of-the-moment Dean Peer gave the Cobblers a priceless 1-0 win over star-studded Fulham - 70 points and fifht place in the table


19 April 2008

League One
NORTHAMPTON 2 OLDHAM 0
Goalscorers: Giles Coke, Ryan Gilligan
MOM: Andy Holt
Comment: Ex-Oldham man Andy Holt set up both goals in an undistinguished game on a breezy and cool afternoon. the result enabling Town to leap-frog the Latics into tenth place


18 April

1998...Plymouth 1 Northampton 3
Town's play-off revival started in earnest at Home Park where Chris Freestone netted a hat-trick to shatter the Pilgrims but the match is best remembered by a stupendous mazy run from dazzling Dean Peer. Ten out of ten!


13 April

1998...Northampton 2 Preston 2
A bad-tempered Easter Monday fixture at Sixfields saw two more home points dropped and the Cobblers slip down to eighth - Ian Sampson and David Seal the late goalscorers


12 April 2008

League One
SOUTHEND 1 NORTHAMPTON 1
Goalscorer: Colin Larkin
MOM: Colin Larkin
Comment: A superb first-half performance from the Cobblers at Roots Hall brought a deserved interval lead but the Shrimpers fought back strongly after the break. A fair result


11 April

1998...Chesterfield 2 Northampton 1
The weekend of the great Easter flood in Northampton, the side journeyed to Saltergate on Easter Saturday and a first-ever league goal from Ian Clarkson was not enough to stave off defeat - a drop to seventh and the play-off bid looked ropey


5 April 2008

League One
NORTHAMPTON 2 LUTON 1
Goalscorers: Poul Hubertz (pen), Alex Dyer
MOM: Mark Bunn
Comment: The Hatters are all but relegated but put up a gutsy show at Sixfields, with Mark Bunn pulling off a string of fine saves to give the Cobblers three fortunate points


4 April

1998...Northampton 0 Burnley 1
A jolt to the Cobblers' promotion hopes at Sixfields as the Clarets sneak victory in front of a near full house and Carl Heggs gets his marching orders


29 March 2008

League One
CHELTENHAM 1 NORTHAMPTON 1
Goalscorer: Poul Hubertz
MOM: Giles Coke
Comment: A strong second-half performance earned a handy point at Whaddon Road but the play-off hopes were finally laid to rest


28 March

1998...Watford 1 Northampton 1
A cracking match at Vicarage Road with Dean Peer levelling for the Cobblers in the second half against the promotion-chasing Hornets in front of more than 4,000 visiting supporters


24 March 2008

League One
CARLISLE 2 NORTHAMPTON 0
MOM: Giles Coke
Comment: The tough Easter programme ended in defeat at Brunton Park, a result which realistically means the play-offs dream is over with six matches left on the card. Good going though lads!


21 March 2008

League One
NORTHAMPTON 1 NOTTINGHAM FOREST 2
Goalscorer: Poul Hubertz
MOM: Mark Little
Comment: A chance to leap frog into the play off positions but defeat to Colin Calderwood's Forest on a wintry Good Friday night at Sixfields. An excellent overhead kick equaliser from Poul Hubertz and a controversial second half penalty winner for the visitors. I never did like that Rob Styles!


21 March

1998...Brentford 0 Northampton 0
A useful point at Griffin Park in an unremarkable game, which resulted in a drop down the table to fifth place


15 March 2008

League One
NORTHAMPTON 4 SWANSEA 2
Goalscorers: Poul Hubertz (2, 1 pen), own goal, Danny Jackman
MOM: Danny Jackman
Comment: A fantastic team performance against the runaway league leaders who were blitzed in the opening quarter of the match. Redressed the balance for the nightmare at the Liberty Stadium


14 March

1998...Northampton 2 Blackpool 0
A goal in each from Chris Freestone and Carl Heggs consolidated fourth place for the Cobblers, who moved onto 61 points from 38 matches.


12 March 2008

League One
BRISTOL ROVERS 1 NORTHAMPTON 1
Goalscorer: Poul Hubertz
MOM: Ryan Gilligan
Comment: Town fought back to earn a creditable point against FA Cup heroes Bristol Rovers at the Memorial Ground


8 March 2008

League One
WALSALL 0 NORTHAMPTON 2
Goalscorer: Adebayo Akinfenwa (2)
MOM: Adebayo Akinfenwa
Comment: High-flying Saddlers had no answer to the power of Adebayo Akinfenwa whose two neat goals secured an impressive and deserved win at the Bescot Stadium

7 March

1998...Bristol Rovers 0 Northampton 2
A much-needed response at the Memorial Ground with goals from Chris Freestone and Jason Dozzell, from the penalty spot. Ian Atkins at his most scary!


3 March

1998...Northampton 0 Wrexham 1
After the fine win against Grimsby, the side came down with a bump as Ian Atkins' bogey side Wrexham inflicted a home defeat on the Cobblers


1 March 2008

League One
NORTHAMPTON 0 CREWE 0
MOM: Danny Jackman
Comment: Town dominated but could not find a breakthrough against a resiliant Crewe outfit. A mid-table finish beckons...


28 February

1998...Northampton 2 Grimsby 1
These two sides would get to know each more intimately three months down the line but this was a fantastic win for the Cobblers, David Seal scoring from the penalty spot and the unlikely name of Nigel Gleghorn on the scoresheet to win it! Back up to third!


24 February

1998...Gillingham 1 Northampton 0
A penalty from Guy Butters in the second half set back the Cobblers cause at the Priestfield and the side dropped two places to fifth


22 February 2008

League One
HARTLEPOOL 0 NORTHAMPTON 1
Scorer: Giles Coke
MOM: Ryan Gilligan
Comment: A goal near the end from the emerging Giles Coke sealed three super points at Victoria Park. But don't start bigging up the play-offs just yet!


21 February

1998...Millwall 0 Northampton 0
Dean Peer starred in midfield as a goalless draw at the New Den kept the Cobblers flying high in third place


16 February 2008

League One
NORTHAMPTON 4 GILLINGHAM 0
Scorers: Adebayo Akinfenwa (2), Jason Crowe, Giles Coke
MOM: Danny Jackman
Comment: Four goals within the space of 20 minutes, two from Akinfenwa who started a game for the first time, defeated a poor Gills outfit who could easily have been beaten by a greater margin


14 February

1998...Northampton 3 Southend 1
Rare goals from David Brightwell and John Frain - his first league goal since the play-off winner at Wembley - and one from Chris Freestone took the Cobblers up to third


12 February 2008

League One
YEOVIL 1 NORTHAMPTON 0
MOM: Danny Jackman
Comment: A goal right at the death brought the Cobblers six-game unbeaten run to an end at Huish Park


10 February

1998...Northampton 2 Wycombe 0
A penalty from David Seal and a goal from Chris Freestone ten minutes later lifted the Cobblers back into fourth place


9 February 2008

League One
NORTHAMPTON 1 LEEDS 1
Scorer: Adebayo Akinfenwa
MOM: Mark Little
Comment: A well-deserved point for the Cobblers with Adebayo Akinfenwa coming off the bench to equalise in the second half


7 February

1998...Wigan 1 Northampton 1
Look at Wigan now! Chris Freestone levelled for the Cobblers at Springfield Park but an anticpated big money move to Wimbledon for Roy Hunter foundered when he picked up a serious injury


2 February 2008

League One
SWINDON 1 NORTHAMPTON 1
Scorer: Adebayo Akinfenwa
MOM: Joe Burnell
Comment: A goal four minutes from time from debutant Adebayo Akinfenwa resulted in a deserved draw at the County Ground


31 January

1998...Northampton 0 Oldham 0
A second-successive goalless draw in the league stifled the feelgood factor of that point at Bristol City

29 January 2008

League One
NORTHAMPTON 1 BRIGHTON & HOVE ALBION 0
Scorer: Mark Hughes
MOM: Mark Bunn
Comment: Cobblers dug in for a third-successive victory against a spirited Seagulls side with Mark Hughes notching the winner just before half time


27 January

1998...Peterborough 2 Northampton 1
This was the 'real derby' according to Chris Turner but Ian Sampson's strike was not enough to prevent defeat in the Auto Windscreens Shield


25 January 2008

League One
NORTHAMPTON 2 LEYTON ORIENT 0
Scorers: Giles Coke, Poul Hubertz (pen)
MOM: Giles Coke
Comment: The penalty jinx is at an end as the Cobblers performed well to a man to seal a very good victory over the high-flying Londoners


24 January

1998...Bristol City 0 Northampton 0
The City slickers and their fans expected another three points but Andy Woodman's heroics earned the Cobblers a fine point at Ashton Gate


19 January 2008

League One
GILLINGHAM 0 NORTHAMPTON 1
Scorer: Daniel Jones
MOM: Mark Little
Comment: An early goal from Daniel Jones earned the Cobblers a valuable win on their travels at the Priestfield Stadium.


17 January

1998...Northampton 2 Carlisle 1
Goals from Carl Heggs and Jason Dozzell overturned the Cumbrians first-half lead and take the Cobblers to fourth place in the table


13 January

1998...Northampton 5 Torquay 1
A comprehensive home victory in the Auto Windscreens Shield brought two goals apiece for Chris Freestone and Carl Heggs and a rare offering from John Frain. Next up, Posh away!


12 January 2008

League One
NORTHAMPTON 1 HARTLEPOOL 1
Scorer: Liam Dolman
MOM: Danny Jackman
Comment: After taking the lead, the Cobblers eased off and gave their visitors belief. Although there were three new faces in the fold, this was a poor display


10 January

1998...Bournemouth 3 Northampton 0
After so many tight games during the campaign, the wheels fell off defensively in this hefty reverse on the south coast.


5 January 2008

League One
LEEDS 3 NORTHAMPTON 0
MOM: Dean Bowditch
Comment: Outclassed by Leeds who were allowed to bounce back after two defeats. The margin could have been greater with the Cobblers setting up defensively in a bid to stifle the promotion favourites


3 January

1998...Leicester 4 Northampton 0
High hopes for the Cobblers in the FA Cup third round tie at Filbert Street but Ian Clarkson was sent off for stamping and Martin O'Neill's side cruised through with two goals in each half - and not one foul recorded against the Foxes in the entire match!


1 January 2008

League One
NORTHAMPTON 1 MILLWALL 1
Scorer: Dean Bowditch
MOM: Danny Jackman
Comment: A comfortable outing for the Cobblers was torpedoed by a stoppage time equaliser for the Lions


29 December 2007

League One
HUDDERSFIELD 1 NORTHAMPTON 2
Scorers: Poul Hubertz, Jason Crowe
MOM: Jason Crowe
Comment: Another rousing second-half performance to secure a first-ever victory at the Galpharm Stadium


28 December

1997...Northampton 3 Walsall 2
Eventful game at Sixfields with boss Ian Atkins fielding two different forward partnerships in each half. David Seal, Chris Freestone and the emerging Jason Dozzell all scored, John Gayle roughed up Saddlers keeper James Walker and visiting winger John Hodge gave John Frain a torrid time.


26 December 2007

League One
DONCASTER 2 NORTHAMPTON 0
MOM: Mark Hughes
Comment: Comfortably beaten at the Keepmoat Stadium as the flirtation with the relegation zone continues


26 December

1997...Luton 2 Northampton 2
A Jason Dozzell penalty and an Alan White own goal gave the Cobblers a 2-0 interval lead over the Hatters, who fought back strongly in the second half.


21 December 2007

League One
NORTHAMPTON 4 BOURNEMOUTH 1
Scorers: Dean Bowditch, Jason Crowe, Daniel Jones, Bradley Johnson
MOM: Poul Hubertz
Comment: A first win in eight games, with goals spread across the side, has provided a pre-Christmas boost for the Cobblers.


20 December

1997...Northampton 2 Plymouth 1
A brace from Chris Freestone - to one from Plymouth's Carlo Corazzin - moves the Cobblers up two places to fifth.


16 December

1997...Basingstoke 0 Northampton 0
(Northampton win 4-3 on penalties)
Ten years since that freezing night at the Camrose and the 'chin-studded' (!) Carl Heggs overcoming frostbite to secure the winning penalty in the FA Cup 2nd round replay. Bring on Leicester!


15 December 2007

League One
NOTTINGHAM FOREST 2 NORTHAMPTON 2
Scorers: Poul Hubertz, Daniel Jones
MOM: Daniel Jones
Comment: A poor first half, controlled the second but lost two points right at the death. A useful result in perspective.


13 December

1997...Preston 1 Northampton 0
Defeat slips the Cobblers to seventh place in the table - but a kiss from John Gayle!


11 December 2007

FA Cup 2nd Round Replay
WALSALL 1 NORTHAMPTON 0
MOM: Andy Holt
Comment: A Michael Ricketts penalty at the death knocked on the head any hope of a money-spinning Cup run for threadbare Cobblers.

9 December

1997...Northampton 1 Plymouth 1
A late equaliser from Carl Heggs levelled the Auto Windscreens Shield first round tie and victory in a penalty shoot-out ensued, goalkeeper Billy Turley one of the scorers from the spot. I believe this remains Northampton's only shoot-out success to date.


8 December 2007

League One
NORTHAMPTON 2 CARLISLE 2
Scorers: Jason Crowe, Bradley Johnson
MOM: Jason Crowe
Comment: At last some goals and a league point against the high-flying Cumbrians in an entertaining encounter, Johnson's strike levelling at the death.


6 December

1997...Northampton 1 Basingstoke 1
Cobblers pegged back by the Hampshire side in a second round FA Cup tie, David Seal the scorer


4 December 2007

League One
SWANSEA 3 NORTHAMPTON 0
MOM: Mark Bunn
Comment: Five league defeats in a row, no league goal in a month, outfought and outclassed at the Liberty Stadium. A relegation dogfight now looks on the cards.


2 December

1997...Northampton 0 Chesterfield 0
Andy Woodman was man of the match in an unenterprising stalemate against the Spireites


1 December 2007

FA Cup 2nd Round
NORTHAMPTON 1 WALSALL 1
Scorer: Andy Kirk
MOM: Andy Kirk
Comment: Better than last week with Andy Kirk's goal bringing the Cobblers back on terms


29 November

1997...Burnley 2 Northampton 1
Two late goals sink the Cobblers at Turf Moor and now it's two defeats in a row.


25 November

1997...Northampton 2 Exeter 1
A first-round replay victory for the Cobblers with Carl Heggs notching the winner against the Grecians.


24 November 2007

League One
NORTHAMPTON 0 WALSALL 2
MOM: Guy Branston
Comment: A mediocre performance against the Saddlers and its now three home defeats in a row without a goal to boot


22 November

1997...Northampton 0 Watford 1
Defeat to Graham Taylor's Watford and Hornets goalkeeper Alec Chamberlain in a strop with Cobbler boss Ian Atkins


20 November 2007

FA Cup 1st Round replay
NORTHAMPTON 2 DARLINGTON 1
Scorers: Andy Kirk, Bradley Johnson
MOM: Bradley Johnson
Comment: A useful performance in wet conditions in front of a low crowd at Sixfields


18 November

1997...Northampton 4 Brentford 0
Carl Heggs, John Gayle and two from David Seal as Town plant four first-half goals past the Bees


17 November 2007

League One
CREWE 1 NORTHAMPTON 0
MOM: Liam Dolman
Comment: A weakened Cobblers side at Gresty Road but a third successive 1-0 league defeat leaves the side in freefall


15 November

1997...Exeter 1 Northampton 1
Roy Hunter's goal at St James Park earned the Cobblers an FA Cup replay at Exeter.


10 November 2007

FA Cup 1st Round
DARLINGTON 1 NORTHAMPTON 1
Scorer: Colin Larkin
MOM: Bradley Johnson
Comment: Not a bad result against the League Two side, Colin Larkin notching a first-half equaliser.


8 November

1997...Wrexham 1 Northampton 0
No win in five following this defeat at the Racecourse ground, with Ian Atkins never enjoying a good day out against the Welsh side.


6 November 2007

League One
NORTHAMPTON 0 BRISTOL ROVERS 1
MOM: Chris Doig
Comment: A bad night at the office for the Cobblers as Rovers celebrate their first-ever victory at Sixfields.


4 November

1997...Blackpool 1 Northampton 1
Just missed the Illuminations but the Cobblers notched their fourth successive 1-1 draw in the league at Bloomfield Road courtesy of a second-half equaliser from Ian Sampson.


3 November 2007

League One
NORTHAMPTON 0 SOUTHEND 1
MOM: Daniel Jones
Comment: A good match but Town paid dearly for missing a first-half penalty and three acceptable chances.


1 November

1997...Northampton 1 Bristol Rovers 1
Almost a full house saw John Gayle's second-half opener cancelled out by the lively Jamie Cureton 11 minutes from time. These two sides would soon get to know each other quite well!


27 October 2007

League One
OLDHAM 0 NORTHAMPTON 1
Scorer: Alex Russell
MOM: Joe Burnell
Comment: A poor game but a first away win of the season thanks to Alex Russell's crisp strike midway through the second half.


25 October

1997...Fulham 1 Northampton 1
Star signing Paul Peschisolido was on the mark for Fulham but the Cobblers dug in and John Gayle secured a point.


21 October

1997... Northampton 1 York 1
An early Roy Hunter penalty but enterprising York levelled through dangerman Rodney Rowe.


20 October 2007

League One
NORTHAMPTON 2 CHELTENHAM 1
Scorers: Andy Kirk, Ryan Gilligan
MOM: Colin Larkin
Comment: Not a great performance from the Cobblers but three home points for the fourth game in succession.


18 October

1997... Northampton 2 Gillingham 1
Cobblers bounced back in front of a bumper crowd with first-half goals from John Gayle and Carl Heggs to bolster second place.


15 October 2007

League One
LUTON 4 NORTHAMPTON 1
Scorer: Bradley Johnson
MOM: Bradley Johnson
Comment: Harsh scoreline but faded after an excellent first half topped by a fantastic equaliser


11 October

1997... Grimsby 1 Northampton 0
With the pundits finally sitting up and noting Town's impressive progress, defeat promptly followed at Blundell Park against a side who would soon feature prominently during the remainder of the season.


6 October 2007

League One
NORTHAMPTON 2 PORT VALE 1
Scorers: Andy Kirk (2)
MOM: Andy Kirk
Comment: Close-range finishes from free-scoring Kirk in an entertaining tussle


4 October

1997... Southend 0 Northampton 0
A useful point at Roots Hall where Colin West appeared in the Town attack


2 October 2007

League One
MILLWALL 2 NORTHAMPTON 0
MOM: Mark Hughes
Comment: Early injuries to Crowe and Doig ensured this was a match to write off


29 September 2007

League One
TRANMERE 2 NORTHAMPTON 2
Scorers: Andy Kirk, Poul Hubertz
MOM: Jason Crowe
Comment: Another two-goal interval lead jettisoned away from home against a leading side


27 September

1997...Northampton 2 Millwall 0
A valuable if fortunate victory against a lively Lions outfit


22 September 2007

League One
NORTHAMPTON 3 HUDDERSFIELD 0
Scorers: Poul Hubertz, Andy Holt, Andy Kirk
MOM: Liam Dolman
Comment: A comfortable if rare victory against the Terriers, Kirk's goal the pick of the bunch


20 September

1997...Northampton 1 Wigan 0
A stunning goal from David Seal powers the Cobblers into second place in the table


15 September 2007

League One
BOURNEMOUTH 1 NORTHAMPTON 1
Scorer: Colin Larkin
MOM: Colin Larkin
Comment: Useful point at Dean Court, sub Larkin's scorching goal pulling it out of the fire


13 September

1997...Oldham 2 Northampton 2
This time it's David Seal in the first minute but the Cobblers are held at Boundary Park


9 September

1997...Northampton 1 Luton 0
Another clean sheet in re-arranged game, Sean Parrish's first minute goal settling it


7 September 2007

League One
NORTHAMPTON 2 DONCASTER 0
Scorers: Ryan Gilligan, Andy Kirk
MOM: Mark Bunn
Comment: Tidy victory and great goal from Gilligan, but Bunn made fantastic saves at vital times


4 September 2007

Johnstone Paints Trophy
LUTON 2 NORTHAMPTON 0
MOM: Mark Hughes
Comment: Low key derby and bang goes another potential money-spinner


2 September

1997...Walsall 0 Northampton 2
Cobblers on a roll as David Seal and John Gayle pair up again at the Bescot Stadium


1 September 2007

League One
LEYTON ORIENT 2 NORTHAMPTON 2
Scorers: Poul Hubertz, Chris Doig
MOM: Poul Hubertz
Comment: Two set pieces for a two-goal lead against the leaders in entertaining game


30 August

1997...Carlisle 0 Northampton 2
Two more goals from David Seal at Brunton Park, hours before the death of Princess Diana


29 August 2007

Carling Cup 2
MIDDLESBROUGH 2 NORTHAMPTON 0
MOM: Alex Russell
Comment: Created plenty of chances against the Premiership side but couldn't put them away


27 August

1997... Millwall 2 Northampton 1 (Millwall won 2-0 on penalties)
The worst penalty shoot-out ever at the New Den as Town bow out of the League Cup


25 August 2007

League One
NORTHAMPTON 1 YEOVIL 2
Scorer: Poul Hubertz
MOM: Andy Holt
Comment: Rough luck on the Cobblers, who were the better side after a rocky opening


23 August

1997...Northampton 2 Bristol City 1
On-loan David Seal is allowed to play against his parent club and scores one of the goals


18 August 2007

League One
BRIGHTON 2 NORTHAMPTON 1
Scorer: Andy Kirk
MOM: Andy Kirk
Comment: Three goals in three games for Kirk, display faded after a good start


16 August

1997...Wycombe 0 Northampton 0
The orange shirts take a bow at Adams Park where John Gayle led from the front


14 August 2007

Carling Cup 1
NORTHAMPTON 2 MILLWALL 0
Scorers: Bradley Johnson, Andy Kirk
MOM: Bradley Johnson
Comment: A pleasing League Cup success against all-too-familiar opponents


12 August

1997...Northampton 2 Millwall 1
Strikers John Gayle and David Seal wrap up the victory with second-half goals in the League Cup


11 August 2007

League One
NORTHAMPTON 1 SWINDON 1
Scorer: Andy Kirk
MOM: Jason Crowe
Comment: Predictable stalemate to start the season against an organised Swindon side


9 August

1997...Northampton 0 Bournemouth 2
Cobblers sunk by two Cherries superstrikes in heat-sapping curtain-raiser at Sixfields.


6 August 2007

The shape of the squad is looking much healthier now with the addition of Dane Poul Hubertz, the 6ft 5ins striker who scored for Millwall at Sixfields last December in the abandoned league fixture just after Christmas.
Also, the loan signing of Wolves midfielder Daniel Jones is an eve-of-season boost but I'm wondering whether we are still missing the heart-and-soul 'bite your legs' style of player in the middle of the park that we desperately need.
However, in Kirk, Hubertz, Henderson and Larkin we have some useful attacking options, with Hubertz the obvious candidate to succeed Kenny Deuchar in the forward line.
So how will we line up against Swindon Town on Saturday? 1 Bunn 2 Crowe 3 Jackman 4 Bradley Johnson 5 Hughes 6 Doig 7 Henderson 8 Larkin 9 Hubertz 10 Kirk 11 Holt?
We shall see.. I refuse to read anything into the pre-season friendlies, which brought comprehensive defeats against West Brom and Wolves, a draw with Coventry and a Maunsell Cup success at Rushden & Diamonds.
Friendlies mean nothing in terms of results, the meaningful stuff starts at the weekend and wouldn't it be great to collect three points on the opening day. It doesn't happen that often, indeed it happens extremely rarely!


3 July 2007

Stuart Gray is methodically finalising his team planning for the 2007/08 season, which entails a 4-4-2 formation.
Andy Kirk has been taken off the transfer list and new signings Ian Henderson (from Norwich) and Colin Larkin (from Mansfield) have been brought in as striking options.
I know nothing about Ian Henderson but everything about Colin Larkin, a proverbial thorn in the side from start to finish of the two-leg play-off semi-final against the Stags a couple of years back.
He was plying his trade for relegated Chesterfield last season and was keen to remain a League One player.
I hope Andy Kirk will respond positively to coming off the transfer list. He struggled last season and, towards the end, did not seem too interested in continuing as a Northampton player.
He refused to acknowledge the fans on several occasions and has a lot of hard work ahead of him by the look of things.


3 July 2007

1997... injury casts doubt over whether David Seal will become a Cobblers player?


10 June 2007

1997... David Seal becomes a record £90,000 signing from Bristol City.


6 June 2007

1997... Striker Mark Cooper is awarded a medal in spite of missing out on the play-off final because of suspension.


5 June 2007

1997... The Wembley video is out...


27 May 2007

1997... Wembley hero John Frain signs on the dotted line for the Cobblers.


26 May 2007

Back in 1997... an estimated 20,000 people crammed into Northampton town centre to welcome home the Wembley heroes. It was a beautiful Bank Holiday Monday and topped off a perfect weekend... now for Division Two!


24 May 2007

The team of 1997. Where are they now?

ANDY WOODMAN
Still larger than life, Woody has co-written a book and set up his own promotions company. Still in the game as goalkeeper coach at West Ham United. Recently enjoyed a successful benefit match at Sixfields with his best mate Gareth Southgate.

IAN CLARKSON
First speaker at the Wembley Reunion dinner, Clarky played on for a while after a serious leg injury and then switched his attentions to journalism in his native West Midlands and for the sports daily Sport First. Now manouevres in the world of finance and provides soccer coaching for youngsters in deprived areas.

JOHN FRAIN
The Wembley hero left back is Birmingham based and was unfortunately unable to attend the reunion but did make an appearance at Woody's benefit bash. Frainy is assistant manager at Moor Green, a job he combines with a job as a mortgage underwriter.

IAN SAMPSON
Sammo still lives in Northampton and retains the highest profile of the class of 1997 in view of the fact that he is assistant manager at Sixfields to Stuart Gray. Took on the caretaker management of the side before Gray was appointed to take over from John Gorman, who has just been appointed in a scouting capacity at Southampton.

RAY WARBURTON
Like Sammo, Razor remains in Northampton having also recently hung up his boots after spells with Rushden & Diamonds and Aldershot. The Cobblers legend works in the town and also coaches the Cobblers under-16s.

DAVID RENNIE
The veteran central defender has disappeared off the radar but was last known to be living in Leicester.

SEAN PARRISH
Still talks a very good game and actually upstaged Woody with tales of his goals against Scunthorpe and Cardiff ten years ago. Paggio is the youth team coach at Sixfields and lives in Telford although he may be looking to move a little closer to Northampton.

CHRISTIAN LEE
Will never rid himself of the tag as potentially Northampton Town's first £1 million player, applied to him by manager Ian Atkins one afternoon in Exeter. His career never took off on the back of several niggling injuries. Living in Yorkshire and runs a blinds business.

JOHN GAYLE
Toured the clubs after leaving Northampton, the big man was most recently coaching underprivileged kids at Birmingham and managing Totnes and Dartington in Devon. Location presently unknown.

ROY HUNTER
Remarkably unchanged ten years on, Tubby is based in Yorkshire and is still strutting his stuff with Harrogate Town. If it had not been for injuries, what might have been?

NEIL GRAYSON
One of the biggest cheers at the reunion was reserved for fan favourite Larry who defied his manager Ian Atkins, and all the odds, to continue playing throughout the last decade. Still trotting out with Stafford Rangers and looked the most capable old boy in the Woody benefit match. Lives in Chesterfield and hopes to still be playing at the age of 50. That's eight more years then!

DEAN PEER
The workhorse of the Wembley winning team, Deano is living in Birmingham and works as a physiotherapist. Spent some time with Frainy at Moor Green.

JASON WHITE
Living in the Birmingham area.

ALI GIBB
Currently playing for Hartlepool United, so wes hould be seeing more of Ali again next season.

DAVE MARTIN
No information available.

MICHAEL WARNER
Currently playing for Havant and Waterlooville.

CLAUDIO DE VITO
No information available.

ALEX LECZYNSKI
No information available.

LEE MADDISON
Returned to town for the Woody benefit.

MARK COOPER
Living and working in Hertfordshire.

BILLY TURLEY
Playing for Oxford United.

LEE COLKIN
Lives just over the border in Burbage, Leicestershire, but disgruntled about non-leage football at the moment.

DANNY O'SHEA
Runs a seafront restaurant in Southend.

DENIS CASEY
Recently made redundant by Northampton, Denis is taking some time out in Ireland to consider his options.

Please update the guestbook if you know the whereabouts of listed players which we are unaware of. Any information gratefully received!


24 May 2007

1997, Saturday matchday...
A leisurely breakfast, met the family, posed for photos beneath the twin towers decked out in claret and white, literally from head to foot. Meet loads of old friends, the whole town seems to be at Wembley. A big cheer greeted the team coach as it hurtled into the bowels of what is now the old stadium. Into the press box to marvel at the green turf, the blue skies and a claret Wembley virtually as far as the eye could see. Pyrotechnics greeted the teams and the match itself was a bit of a blur, not too much to report with a handful of chances to either side. Not many Swansea fans, but they sung very well. Into stoppage time and that free kick. Wouldn't it be great to nick it now? Wouldn't it, but such quirks of fate do not happen to Cobblers sides. Braced myself for extra time. John Frain's first attempt was blocked. Typical, a hopeless set piece under pressure but, hey, we're given another shot at it. This time the keeper got his angles wrong, the defender didn't dare encroach and Frainy's kick drifted almost apologetically into the net. A split second of disbelief, and then absolute mayhem in the claret corner. For the first time I lost my inhibitions in the press box and jumped around with everyone else. From goal, through to celebration, to Swansea re-start to final whistle, the whole place was kicking. The presentation, the celebrations, they could have gone on all night - Moving On Up, Rocking All Over The World and of course Simply The Best, Tina Turner's classic always takes me straight back to that day at Wembley. Draining post-match interviews and a knees-up back at the hotel with family, friends and colleagues, interrupted by a fire alarm. It didn't stop the partying for too along, a magical day that you just wished would never end!


23 May 2007

1997, Friday.... a claret Cobblers flag is purchased for my nephew and in the evening it's down to the Wembley Hilton to prepare for the big day. The Cobblers players are booted and suited, everything is in place.


22 May 2007

1997, Thursday.... the Cobblers Wembley 97 cassette is in production and colleagues at the Chron enjoy a Wembley meal at Brabenecs in Northampton. It's a carnival atmosphere in the office from start to finish.


21 May 2007

1997, Wednesday.... Good luck messages pour into the newspaper, Northants 96 suddenly become Cobblers afficianados and declare themselves the official Cobblers station and the Wembley ticket sale breaks 30,000. Unbelievable!


20 May 2007

1997, Tuesday.... Lots of Cobblers fans now springing up out of the woodwork, decking themselves out in claret and white. The Cobblers shop struggled to keep up with demand. Local musicians Warehouse produced the official Cobblers anthem, Sixfields Boys. We're gonna make some noise!


19 May 2007

1997, Monday.... Ticket rumour confirmed as fact. Myself and Gary Carr journey over to Wollaston to pick up a lucky pair of claret-and-white brogues. Lucky they were and I have them to this very day, a very nice gesture from the shoe manufacturer in support of the Cobblers.


18 May 2007

1997... The Sunday before the big weekend, and rumour had it that the Cobblers had already sold 25,000 tickets for Wembley. Surely some mistake?


17 May 2007

1997.... Had great fun drawing up a list of potential Cobblers songs for the Wembley showdown with Swansea City - my favourite, with apologies to Paul Simon's Fifty Ways To Leave Your Lover, was 'slip out the back Jack, make a new plan Jan....'


16 May 2007

1997.... Bought my lucky claret jacket for Wembley and booked into the Wembley Hilton for a couple of nights around the play-off final. The big day was just over a week away but it still didn't seem real!


15 May 2007

Premiership side West Ham United celebrated a 4-1 victory in the Andy Woodman Benefit Match at Sixfields.
Woodman's side of Cobblers stars from the 1996 to 1998 era featured many of the class of Wembley 1997.
But in front of a bumper crowd of 5,434, of which West Ham contributed 1,260, the Cobblers old boys soon found themselves on the back foot.
Goals from Marlon Harewood and Kepa Blanco gave the Hammers a 2-0 lead within ten minutes and a Carlton Cole back flick at the far post made it three by half time.
Woody, granted a tremendous reception from all sides of the ground, atoned for a slip on the first goal to make a cracking save from John Pantsil.
A testing shot from legend Neil Grayson at least forced Robert Green into making one save during the opening period.
The visitors assumed control in the second half but a contrived handball allowed Woodman to step up and crack home a penalty, before taking a bow and leaving the field.
He was joined on the sidelines by best mate Gareth Southgate - the former England defender and current Middlesbrough manager - and the pair signed autographs for a long line of fans.
A second goal from Blanco midway through the second half preserved West Ham's three-goal advantage.
It was good to see the old boys back, hard to believe that this team graced the field all of ten years ago.
Together with manager Ian Atkins, most will be attending the club's reunion dinner at the Park Inn Hotel on May 24 - exactly ten years to the day since that memorable day out at Wembley.
Andy Woodman's Cobblers XI from: Andy Woodman, Matt Mann; Ian Clarkson, John Frain, Gareth Southgate, Ray Warburton, Ian Sampson, Sean Parrish, Jason White, Neil Grayson, Christian Lee, Dean Peer, Ali Gibb, Lee Maddison, Lee Colkin, Michael Warner, Danny O'Shea, David Savage, Ian Hendon, David Norton, Carl Heggs and Lee Howey.


14 May 2007

Ten years ago and the day of destiny as the second leg of the play-off semi-final loomed large at Sixfields.
Opposing managers Ian Atkins and Kenny Hibbitt engaged in a great deal of pre-match hype, with Hibbitt remaining confident of settling a score on away turf.
A crowd of 7,302 willed the claret-and-white on to a first-ever day out between the twin towers and were rewarded.
Goals from central defenders Ian Sampson and Ray Warburton paved the way to glory although Cardiff, who had Jeff Eckhardt red carded by Uriah Rennie in an attractive game, managed to keep something of a foothold in the game without ever achieving parity.
A finish from big John Gayle in the closing stages sealed a win on the night and a 4-2 aggregate victory.
Gayle had the final say in getting the Cobblers to Wembley, a fitting return for a player who had bought the beers onto the team bus at Torquay a month or so before.
Overjoyed Cobblers fans celebrated with the players long into the night and the pall of gloom that centred itself over the southern half of Wales was now going to take some shifting. Bring on Swansea!
Northampton: Woodman 7; Clarkson 7, Frain 7, Sampson 8, Warburton 8, Rennie 8, Hunter 7, Parrish 7, Gayle 9, White 6, Grayson 7. Subs used: Gibb 6, Peer 6, Lee 8.


13 May 2007

1997.... with us on the Chronicle & Echo sportsdesk in the run up to the Wembley showpiece was a work experience youngster by the name of Gary Carr, youngest son of former Cobblers boss Graham. He was a scream, and it came as no surprise in later years to hear that one of Graham's lads was doing well on the comedy circuit. It WAS a surprise to hear that it was Alan Carr, I assumed it would be Gary!


12 May 2007

1997.... this was the day my hair changed colour, from brown to claret and white, or rather rust and blond! Thanks to Meredith at Twickers for her considerable patience. I had a Dickie Davies style Mallens streak for the next six months!


11 May 2007

Back in 1997, the Cobblers made a Sunday morning journey to south Wales for the first leg of their play-off semi-final with old adversaries Cardiff City.
Town were guaranteed a hostile reception at Ninian Park and had to dig deep as the Bluebirds soared early on in front of a crowd of more than 11,000.
Targetman Mark Cooper was sent off in the second half as Northampton held firm against their hosts and there was a dramatic sting in this particular footballing tale.
Sean Parrish, of a north Welsh persuasion, set off on a determined run at the Cardiff rearguard and looped a delightful finish over the Cardiff keeper to send the Cobblers fans banked behind the home goal into ecstasy.
The whistle blew and the side celebrated a lead to take back to Sixfields, Roy Hunter flying the flag with a nationalistic vest.
Then Wales manager Bobby Gould watched the match and felt that Parrish's goal was a 'shinner' - clearly it wasn't.
It was the latest in a line of quality strikes from Parrish and took the side a big step towards their first-ever appearance at Wembley.
Northampton: Woodman 8; Clarkson 7, Frain 6, Sampson 8, Warburton 8, Rennie 8, Parrish 9, Hunter 8, Gayle 7, Cooper 6, Grayson 8. Subs used: Peer 6, Lee 6.


5 May 2007

DONCASTER 2 NORTHAMPTON 2... by all accounts quite a feisty encounter to end the season on and this is in a game with nothing at stake for either side.
I recall Rovers coming to Sixfields earlier in the season and winning with a certain amount of aplomb so this was always going to be a testing final fixture.
A share of the spoils was a welcome development, with left back Andy Holt playing a part in creating both Town's goals, scored by defenders Jason Crowe and Mark Hughes.
It's a strange feeling for a Northampton side to go into the final game of a season with nothing on it at all.
The team's final position was 14th and, to be honest, I would have settled for that at the start of the season.
We now wait to see who will be shipped out and whether or not Stuart Gray is can secure longer-term loan deals for Alex Pearce and Simon Cox from Reading.
Rumour has it that Gretna have put a hefty price tag on Kenny Deuchar's head so it is unlikely that we will see the good doctor in Cobblers colours again.
On a 'final' final day note - I understand it was the final game for League Two play-off side Shrewsbury Town at their quaint Gay Meadow ground today.
The final game of the 1992/3 season obviously holds plenty of fond memories for Cobblers fans who ventured to Gay Meadow as the team battled for its Football League survival.
The Cobblers fought back from two down at half time to win 3-2 and stay in the league, the most emotionally-draining game of football I have experienced. Not an experience I would care to repeat in a hurry!
So a fond farewell to Gay Meadow then but, in truth, it was never really a happy hunting ground for Cobblers teams. That win on 8 May 1993 is the only one that I can recall for a Northampton team!


3 May 2007

THE Wembleys month is upon us and ten years ago saw the Cobblers cement their play-off place with a 1-0 home victory over Scunthorpe United in the final match of the season.
Labour had won the General Election two days previously and, even more amazingly, the United Kingdom won the Eurovision Song Contest. Could things get any better?!
The victory over the Iron made it seven games undefeated to round off the season and fourth place in the division was the reward.
Accordingly, the Cobblers were paired with Cardiff City in the two-leg play-off semi-final with the all important home game in the second leg.
Sean Parrish's stylish strike settled the affair at Sixfields as Scunthorpe, managed by Brian Laws, made life difficult.
Town's man of the match was targetman Mark Cooper, whose fine form since missing the outing at Torquay was instrumental in securing a strong finish.

 
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