ANT’S AGONY FOR ROVERS
TONY Mowbray was left to bemoan a lack of intensity across the board as Blackburn Rovers’ six-match winning run came to an end.
Northampton goalkeeper David Cornell won his personal duel with Marcus Antonsson at the second attempt to earn the battling Cobblers a richlydeserved point.
Cornell was at fault when he needlessly brought down the Rovers winger but dived to his left to keep out the same player’s 84th-minute spot kick.
Earlier, defender Aaron Pierre nodded Northampton into a first-half lead only for the lively Bradley Dack to pounce on a rare moment of indecision to level in the 48th minute.
A frustrated Mowbray said: “It is disappointing to only get a point. We failed to get to our usual level of intensity – we have not played as poorly for a long time.
“Several of our players have been feeling unwell and skipper Charlie Mulgrew would have taken that penalty. But he went out for the warm-up and said he was struggling to breathe.
“Marcus felt confident to take the penalty and missed.”
Defeat would have been rough justice on Northampton who matched their high-flying visitors until the last ten minutes.
Striker Chris Long lured both Blackburn centre-backs, Elliott Ward and Paul Downing, into yellow cards and also forced David Raya into a fine diving save after 19 minutes.
Soon afterwards Rovers were guilty of lax marking as Sam Foley’s corner was headed firmly in by Pierre at the far post.
The inventive Dack saw a number of first-half efforts scrambled to safety but there was no stopping him when he was presented with possession just outside the Northampton boss.
His instant control and leftfooted shot provided the main instance of Christmas cheer for nearly 1,500 travelling fans.
The expected Blackburn charge never materialised however and it was Northampton who looked likelier to go back in front from one of their quick counter-attacks.
But, with a draw looking likely, Cornell was suddenly confronted by two one-on-ones inside a few minutes. Craig Conway dragged his shot wide of the gaping goal after rounding the goalkeeper before Cornell pounced on Antonsson’s weak penalty.
Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink, who revealed that first choice guardian Matt Ingram will be fit for the Boxing Day trip to Doncaster, said: “David is doing very well from 12 yards. If that had gone in, it would have been a very bitter pill for us to swallow.
“I am proud of the lads. Great credit to them. Ok, they had the penalty and the goal but I must say my players were absolutely magnificent for their work and commitment. We played a really good side and didn’t look out of place.”