ADEBAYO HAS PUT THE FEAR INTO ‘EM SAYS AIDY

HE MAY not have scored for 14 games but Northampton boss Aidy Boothroyd claims giant striker Adebayo Akinfenwa could prove the difference in their quest to reach the League Two play-off final.

The Cobblers take a 1-0 lead into their second leg with Cheltenham after Roy O’Donovan’s volley separated the sides at Sixfields on Thursday night.

But the presence of Akinfenwa has the Robins worried according to Boothroyd, despite a dry spell in front of goal dating back to February.

“They were frightened to death of Adebayo and you can understand why. I wouldn’t want to play against him,” said the former Watford boss.

“He’s a fantastic player and he spring-boarded most of our attacks.The goal was a wonderful move.

“I want to thank our supporters. I thought that was brilliant. The crowd kept us going and I expect the same at Cheltenham.”

Akinfenwa’s power in the 27th minute gave Chris Hackett the chance to cross for O’Donovan to guide home.

Paul Benson wasted three good chances for the visitors while Akinfenwa forced a superb save from Scott Brown.

“I’m probably a happier man than Aidy,” said Cheltenham bossYates.“We took a bit of a battering and didn’t play anywhere near our best.

“And, although we’ve had to deal with a lot of balls into our box, Scott Brown has only had one save to make but we’re only one down so it is game on.”