SILENT ASSASSIN STUNS COBBLERS
YOU’D struggle to notice Jordan Chapell around the Torquay United training ground but at Northampton yesterday the winger certainly stood out from the crowd.
It looked like being another one of those days for the Gulls, who before this were still in search of their first win of the season – a wait that looked like being extended when on-loan Leicester striker Jacob Blyth gave the home side the lead.
Chapell too, was having an afternoon to forget, having been switched from the right wing to the left to almost no avail during a first half that ended with the Cobblers 1-0 up and firmly in the box seat.
But a tactical tweak by Torquay boss Alan Knill paved the way for the unassuming and quiet Chapell to raise the visitors’ volume.
His team were dominant for a good 20 minutes before he scored their equaliser, a slick finish from Karl Hawley's pinpoint-accurate pass and maintained their ascendancy until he grabbed the winner, a speared shot with the outside of his boot that was enough to take all three points and delight his manager.
“Jordan (Chapell) has got three for the season now; we've set him targets and he’s right on track with all of them,” said Knill.
“As with all wide players, the thing that makes them different is their ability to put the ball in the back of the net. Both of his goals were great finishes.
“I’m really pleased for him. He’s one of those players you don't notice is around sometimes.
“He’s so low-maintenance, he just comes in, does his work and then comes in the next day and does it all over again.
“I’m pleased he’s getting his rewards and those rewards come from hard work on the training ground.
“This three points is a great reward for all of our effort. during the week.”
Unsurprisingly, Northampton manager Aidy Boothroyd spoke in less glowing terms about his own players.
He admitted at least two of the team had received a dressing-down in the dressing room - although the Cobblers boss was not about to name names.
“Some of the players have got their heads in their hands wondering how we didn’t win it,” he said.
“But we didn’t win it because we didn’t do the basics right and we let them run past us and take the points.
“Both of their goals have come from our possession and to get done on two counter-attacks when we’re on the edge of their box is very, very disappointing.
“We weren’t anywhere near strong enough in the back areas of the pitch in terms of winning headers, getting out, getting hold of the ball and being brave enough to make good decisions when in possession of the ball.
“I’m really annoyed with one or two of the lads but I won’t name names and that will remain behind closed doors.”