Northampton 0-0 U's: Bore Draw

A point. A clean sheet. No injuries. That was probably about as successful a trip to Sixfields as we could have hoped for really. The biggest talking point pre-game was who’d start in goal, could Jack Stevens keep his place following a Man of the Match performance against Barnsley the week before?

The answer was no, as Vincente Reyes was restored to the XI after the international break. That answers any questions as to who the #1 at the club is, although Stevens post-Barnsley comments show he’s aware and working on the challenge to regain his confidence and position.

The weather was miserable, the ground is miserable, and let’s be honest, the football was pretty miserable too. Despite all that it was United who looked the better side, and the best chance early on fell to Brandon Njoku who’s shot was stopped by the keepers leg. Perhaps he could have squared it to Nlundulu but you can’t be angry at a striker having a shot from there.

Other than that the only other incidents of note during the first half was some typically inept refereeing, firstly ignoring the most blatant Morrison handball I’ve ever seen, then evening up an incorrect corner decision against the U’s the next time Northampton had a shot.

The second half continued in much the same vein as the first, the wind having the most impact on the game, as United plugged away, Njoku made way for Lavery just after the hour mark, and the Northern Irishman almost opened the scoring five minutes later, blazing over the bar instead. Lavery was involved in probably the best chance of the second half, getting on to a loose ball, playing across goal to Kachunga who only needed to tap it in, but a last-ditch block by the defender denied him.

So yeah, not much to write about really. Bolton visit tomorrow and we’ll have to do without on-loan Dan Nlundulu which probably means minutes for Ryan Loft. He’s not impressed much so far, but this gives him a chance to show what he’s good at. I can’t imagine Tuesday will be easy on the eye, but one specific match aside, we’re in decent form at the moment and confidence seems to be high-ish amongst the players. A point would be decent, but the win is there if things go to plan.

Man of the Match: Between Okedina & Morrison, dealt with everything Northampton threw at them (which wasn’t much to be fair, but someone’s got to get it).

Soundtrack of the Match: Jah Wobble & Horace Andy - Ain’t No Sunshine