Cov fans on the rampage in defeat

NORTHAMPTON picked up their first win under Justin Edinburgh thanks to a second-half hat-trick by Keshi Anderson in a match marred by ugly scenes off the pitch.

Referee Lee Probert had to briefly halt proceedings early on after a barrage of flares were thrown onto the pitch from sections of the 1,500 Coventry fans.

Tempers flared on the field as well after Coventry captain Jordan Willis was shown a straight red for a reckless tackle on David Buchanan on 16 minutes.

Ten minutes later the game was stopped again after a number of visiting supporters stormed the pitch, the players this time led off the field of play.

Edinburgh said: “It was a great win under difficult circumstances.

“It was extremely frustrating and disappointing. I understand Coventry’s supporters’ frustration with their club, it’s sad to see, but it wasn’t easy to keep stopping and starting the game like we had to.

“It was difficult, but I thought the players’ concentration levels were great despite it all.

“We looked good going forward, secure and solid throughout, albeit against ten men.

“Keshi was a fox in the box with three good finishes; he’s only going to get better as his match fitness improves.”

The hosts broke the deadlock eight minutes into the second half after Marc Richards played a wonderful ball through to Anderson, who drilled home a low shot.

Despite further crowd trouble Northampton doubled their lead through loanee Anderson who hooked the ball in from close range after it fell kindly from a corner.

Anderson completed his hat-trick on 76 minutes after Hiram Boateng did well to cut back the ball in a crowded box to find the striker, who wrapped up the game.

Coventry boss Russell Slade said: “It was a difficult afternoon, but we can only control what we can control and attempt to keep the team focused on what they’re doing on the pitch, and we didn’t do a good job of that.

“The goals we conceded were poor and we had no real response, particularly after the second goal.

“I’m trying to get the team right for the club, the fans and everybody concerned. We’re in a difficult situation at the minute.

“For all the preparation in the world and work you do Monday to Friday, when something like what happened happens, it throws your game plan into turmoil.”