Preview: Northampton vs Saints B

THE MATCH

Northampton Town vs Saints
The PTS Academy Stadium
EFL Trophy
Tuesday 6th October, 7.30pm GMT

Dave Horseman’s side proved more than a match for Stevenage in their first EFL Trophy game last month, losing out eventually to a last-minute winner for the League Two side.

Saints took the lead after 37 minutes; Callum Slattery firing in a free-kick from the edge of the penalty area, before the hosts equalised on the stroke of half-time through Marcus Dinanga.

The winner came in the 92nd minute, Tyrone Marsh sliding in at the back post to deny Saints a deserved point.

Northampton also suffered defeat in their opening EFL fixture, MK Dons running out 3-1 winners over Keith Curle’s side.

Since then the Cobblers have had a mixed bag of results in the league, most recently losing away to Bristol Rovers 2-0 on Saturday.

LAST MEETING

The two sides met as recently as November 2017, also in the EFL Trophy and with Northampton hosting the affair in front of a crowd of 1,118 at Sixfields Stadium.

Saints went three ahead through goals from Tyreke Johnson and a double from Jake Hesketh under the guidance of Radhi Jaïdi.

But the Cobblers staged a dramatic comeback during the final 18 minutes; Sam Foley, Lewis McGugan and Ash Taylor levelling the scores.

In line with EFL Trophy regulations, the game went down to a penalty shootout, which Northampton eventually won 4-2 and so were awarded a bonus point.

MANAGER’S NOTES

Following the defeat to Tottenham last-time-out, Horseman has said his side's form hasn't got the results it warrants.

“Our performances haven’t bought the results they deserve but we must continue to play with the intensity and identity for the players to show they are capable of stepping up to the first team when required.

“It will be a really tough match,” said Horseman on Tuesday night's game. “Against a really good well organised League One team.

“We are missing a few players away on International Duty but that will give other the chance to impress."