Northampton Town v Peterborough United - EFL League 1

 

Continuing the football theme, following the night with Peter Schmeichel. I'm back at Sixfields Stadium , home of Northampton Town FC, 'The Cobblers'. It's an early one too , with a 12:30 kick off. One of the biggest games of the season as 'we' entertain local rivals Peterborough United in the 'Nene Derby'. The Cobblers form of late has been dismal to put it plainly. The last two games have been at home against teams below them, both ending in losses. This has seen them drop to second bottom in the table, and facing a relegation battle. Up until Christmas things were looking good, not far off the play off places. However various factors since Christmas have contrived to see a massive slump in fortunes. Three points today would be very welcome indeed! To say the least.

Sixfields Stadium has been home to the club since 1994, following the move from the old County Ground. Since 1897, Northampton Town had played their home games there, sharing it with the Cricket Club. The new stadium has a capacity of  8,203  all seated fans. From the hill behind the North stand it is possible to see part of the ground. The same applies in the gap between the North stand and the West stand pictured above.   

Given the nature of the fixture there is a large Police presence. Emotions run high between the fans of both teams. All seems peaceful and calm outside the ground pre- kick off though at least. We are in the West stand as usual, this time right at the end , the last seat before the North Stand. It's not the best , unless the action is down this end of course.Some of the other seats I've had have been more central. The ticket I have for the Burton game later in the month is right behind the dug-outs, that should be interesting. safely seated we don't have long to wait before the teams will take to the pitch.

Mr Cobbler & Clarence the Dragon

The seat is a bit cosy to say the least. Pretty much wedged in by the person next to me. The well attired 'Mr Cobbler (Thats what I call him anyway) he is also know as Andy Faulkner, along with 'Clarence the Dragon' are geeing up the crowd. The two teams begin to take to the field  accompanied by flag waving children. The Peterborough fans or 'The Posh' as they are nicknamed have taken up their full allocation of tickets as you would expect.They are mostly in the South stand but also take a chunk of the East stand too. 

The game kicks off and the Cobblers are very quick out of the blocks. Playing with a fast tempo that has been missing the past few weeks.  Northampton dominated the early exchanges and Jake Evans was twice denied by Posh goalkeeper Alex Bass, while Lee Burge was alert to keep out James Dornelly at the other end.Burge also produced a sharp stop from Kyrell Lisbie, but Northampton were the better team in the first half and a towering Tom Eaves header from Tyrese Fornah's cross on the stroke of half-time gave them a deserved lead at the break. The first half has flown by , always a good sign.

We are hoping all the action in the second half will be in the bottom corner where we are. The end the Cobblers are attacking .Sadly it's not to be as Peterborough no doubt fired by the half time team talk come out fighting. back on level terms within seven minutes of the restart when Lisbie tore away down the left and squared for Morgan to finish in the middle.Lisbie had looked quite dangerous in the first half in fairness. One or two more chances for the Cobblers went begging in a much improved display.  

MOM Jake Evans

Despite pushing, Northampton could not find a winner and remain in the relegation zone.A very precarious position to be with 9 games of the season to go.....