The Opposition View – Northampton

In the wake of Wycombe’s latest defeat at Northampton Town, here are some views on the game from the Cobblers’ manager Aidy Boothroyd, their two-goal striker Adebayo Akinfenwa and a selection of their fans.

“We had to weather a storm in the second half. I think a culmination of a very determined Wycombe team and our long journeys over the last three games probably took its toll,” said Boothroyd in his post-match interview.

“In the first half we played really well, in the second half I thought we were pretty average really.”

“In the end we just managed to dig in and get the goals at good times.”

“I was pleased all round,” said the Cobblers’ manager. “If you’re going to have a bad game and not do particularly well, it’s a good time to do it when you can win.”

Only the crossbar prevented Akinfenwa from notching up his second hat-trick of the week and he described his goals as follows…

“It`s a great cross for the first goal. Everybody knows what Hackett brings to the game, unbelievable energy and great ability. He did most of the work and I just had to get in at the back stick and put it in.”

“The second one was a penalty, and I was very unlucky not to get my hat trick. When it came off my head I thought it was going in, and when it hit the bar I thought it was dropping in,” said the supersized striker.


The Northampton fans felt they deserved to win and many of them pointed out Wycombe’s shortcomings in front of goal.

The following extracts are taken from The Hotel End, Football Forums and The Football Forum.


ntfc nut wrote:
‘Wycombe just about woke up once they were 3-0 down and actually created a chance or two and scored a goal, but the game was well and truly over by that point and it was just a matter of how many we would win by. It’s a shame to see them in the state they are in but I can’t see them getting out of it unless they find some bottle from somewhere. The French army circa 1940 had more of a fighting spirit than Wycombe did today.’


Shoemaker wrote:
‘I thought we played well. Langmead marshalled the defence well. Bayo played the best game I have ever seen him play and if he keeps up this level of performance we will have no problems staying up. I’m trying to think of a better performance from a cobblers striker at Sixfields but in fairness I can’t. Hackett’s goal was superb and he was a constant threat.’


Dr Feelgood wrote:
‘Staying up?? You seem the type of person that looks at the glass as half empty. Play-offs easy if we continue like this.’


DrillingCobbler wrote:
‘There’s so many goals in this team, even when we play poorly, which in the 2nd half we most certainly did.’


Dan wrote:
‘Bayo was superb today. Their defence couldn’t handle him all game. But my man of the match was Lewis Hornby. For a 17 year old, he is so composed on the ball. He is going to earn us a lot of money and on this form, that will be soon.’


dp_ntfc wrote:
‘Akinfenwa was at his beastly best today and dominated the Wycombe defence. Word on Wycombe, although you didn’t look a bad side, if you don’t sign a goalscorer then I can see you having a struggle most of the season.’


HertsCobbler wrote:
‘We were on top for the first half – although Wycombe’s pony-tailed player really should have scored. We could also have had a penalty when Ishmel seemed to be squashed in the box. Second half Wycombe were the better side – but we were clinical. They reminded me of us when Aidy Boothroyd took over last season – seemed to create chances but had terrible luck / finishing.’


ntfcdave wrote:
‘Not as comfortable as the scoreline suggests. Second half, Wycombe had a 15 minute spell where they had all the game really. Rubbish finishing cost them. If they could finish they’d have a good chance of getting some points, and if they keep playing like that, they won’t be where they are for long.


CobblerJay wrote:
‘Wycombe were unlucky. I felt we edged it on play but it certainly wasn’t a 3-1 game.’


Elad wrote:
‘Bayo should have had another hat trick today. We were always in control today. He was immense, if he keeps this up there will be bids in January’


The 12th Marquis of Sixfields wrote:
‘In fairness, we should have looked in control. They’re bottom.’


Monty wrote:
‘They looked a far better side than their league position suggests. From today’s performance I couldn’t work out why they are in a relegation scrap. I thought it was one of our better defensive displays, although we did invite them on a bit.’


clarkeyntfc wrote:
‘I thought it was quite obvious why Wycombe are where they are. Indeed they reminded me a lot of ourselves 12 months or so ago. Lots of running and effort but ultimately too lightweight and easily brushed off. That said, they missed at least 4 glaring chances today (2 hit post) and appeared to come off worst from the officials. In short, all hallmarks of a bottom 2 side.’


Next Game: Rotherham v Wycombe – Tues 20th Nov – 7.45pm