HIT COBBLERS IN TIGHT VICTORY
The Northampton goalkeeper, who was on loan with the U’s two seasons ago and played in their Conference promotion final win over Gateshead at Wembley, had twice denied Robbie Simpson earlier in the half, making a stunning pointblank save from a header then turning a 25-yard shot over the bar.
Northampton’s
best chance fell to Sam Hoskins, who shot tamely at Sam Beasant when well placed. And the visitors found themselves 2-0 down five minutes after the restart when Corr turned in a low cross from Greg Taylor.
Corr almost scored an own goal when he shinned a corner against his own post, and Northampton were back in it five minutes later when debutant Alie Sesay brought down substitute Dominic Calvert-Lewin in the box. Richards smashed in the resulting spot-kick.
After D’Ath was harshly sent off for a wayward tackle on Dunk United could have added further goals, but found Smith in excellent form as he denied Jeff Hughes and Dunk. Cobblers boss Chris Wilder said: “The goals we conceded were poor, and we can’t keep asking Adam Smith to pull off saves. “When we got ourselves back in the game we got too excited. We should have taken the game to them in a controlled manner, but we were like headless chickens.”
Northampton were hit with a winding up petition by HM Revenue and Customs this week, but Wilder said his players will continue to work hard for the club’s loyal fans.
“It’s been a tough week, but hopefully we can get things sorted out and keep putting a team on the pitch that our terrific supporters can be proud of,” he added.