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Viking Chat => Viking Chat => Topic started by: selby on April 13, 2026, 10:42:53 am

Title: Let's talk about the Northampton town game
Post by: selby on April 13, 2026, 10:42:53 am
  A game next Saturday that could cement our stay in Division 1 for another twelve months which would be for me everything I hoped for before a ball was kicked this season, and gives us a chance to have clarity in just what we have to do to improve and be contenders at this level.
  Northampton's record at home includes ten defeats the worst record in the division also winning six and drawing four which goes a long way to them being relegated but at the same time should want them to do well against us to give their supporters hope of better things to come next season.
  After our what I thought was an all action display against Reading which followed the low of the Easter fixtures I am hoping for more of the same and few changes to the starting line up who set a standard of effort they should want to replicate every game with every player seemingly giving their best and very energetic a complete difference to the easter games.
  Where would we be without the goals of Bailey god knows, he just keeps giving and is drawing the attention of other clubs along with Molyneux and if they finish the season strongly might be very hard to retain when agents get to work for their cut. something we need to be aware of.
  Conversely we very much need to look very seriously at our striker problem although I thought using Lee in a false 9 and giving other players freedom to get inside in the space worked but we lack a finisher.
   Northampton had no fixture at the weekend but play Luton away on Wednesday fresh from Luton's win v Stockport in the EFL cup  then us three days later so another questionable advantage to us.
  With on paper three hard games to finish our season and a game against Lincoln that could well be the game Lincoln will be the confirmation of their league 1 championship season something we need to try and upset on the day.
  So a game at Northampton that again only on paper gives us our best chance to sleep easy until next August and will let us test just what we have against three stiffer tests to end the season.
  What do you think? at least we are a little happier than a few days ago, Lots to discuss and mull over, still something to look forward to and achieve what was the realistic end to the season which with the cup runs would be an end to a good season if we establish ourselves in league one, please have your say.
 
Title: Re: Let's talk about the Northampton town game
Post by: Reg of the Rovers on April 13, 2026, 11:01:15 am
Clifton in makes a big difference to our energy and press, he'd play again for me. I know Grant won't do this but I'd change the shape and put Hanlan and Lee up top together. Grehan did well so I'd trust him to be decent cover again. I'd rest Moly personally, he looked out on his feet on Saturday, plus the drama after the 1v1 miss might be worth taking him out of the firing line - plus I think Haks is offering more creatively at the moment.

I'm expecting this to be a tough one, there's a real chance this goes the way of Exeter.
Title: Re: Let's talk about the Northampton town game
Post by: Prez on April 13, 2026, 11:07:37 am
It’s highly likely that their relegation will be confirmed mid week.

Would be a huge disappointment if we didn’t get anything there, they have been horrendous these last 5 months.
Title: Re: Let's talk about the Northampton town game
Post by: monkeytennis on April 13, 2026, 11:50:43 am
After Saturday I’m feeling a bit more confident. I think he has to play the same team as that, Clifton, Gotts and Lee were outstanding for me and actually created things  exciting and energetic football!  I’d leave Lee on for the 90 if fit and bench Hanlan.
Title: Re: Let's talk about the Northampton town game
Post by: Draytonian III on April 13, 2026, 12:25:09 pm
The first name on the team sheet on Saturday has to be Molyneux, sometimes with the incident that happened on Saturday you have to think about man management in the long term not just the following match.
 You can bet that this week in training the players will be taking the pi$$ out of him when he scores, just everyone does at work when something goes wrong, footballers, warehouse lads, trades etc, we’ve all done it . Grant and coaching staff will have a couple of digs as well and the likes of Bailey and Sterry will have done so quicker than others.
Title: Re: Let's talk about the Northampton town game
Post by: ncRover on April 13, 2026, 12:49:52 pm
Clifton in makes a big difference to our energy and press, he'd play again for me. I know Grant won't do this but I'd change the shape and put Hanlan and Lee up top together. Grehan did well so I'd trust him to be decent cover again. I'd rest Moly personally, he looked out on his feet on Saturday, plus the drama after the 1v1 miss might be worth taking him out of the firing line - plus I think Haks is offering more creatively at the moment.

I'm expecting this to be a tough one, there's a real chance this goes the way of Exeter.

Northampton are the worst side in the division. Wouldn’t compare them to Exeter.

We’ve had a few drubbings ourselves this season so we could really do with putting these to the sword.

I don’t think their squad would even finish top half in League Two.
Title: Re: Let's talk about the Northampton town game
Post by: Alan Southstand on April 13, 2026, 02:26:02 pm
I think we’re pretty much done, as far as safety is concerned, but that’s not to say let’s get all complacent about it. For Saturday, I think even a draw would be ok, but a win would really rubber stamp things.

I’d go with the same team, except for putting Byrne back in. Grehan did nothing wrong on Saturday and he’d have a bench place, for me.

No Billy again, so it’s wise to have Hanlan on the bench for the last 15-20 minutes, if required.
Title: Re: Let's talk about the Northampton town game
Post by: Bessie Red on April 13, 2026, 04:09:22 pm
Keep the same starting 11 from the Reading game for me. If Byrne is fit again put him on the bench instead of McGrath.
As far as tactics go, we need to go at them with everything we've got from the first whistle.
Title: Re: Let's talk about the Northampton town game
Post by: Thorney on April 13, 2026, 05:53:19 pm
They have been in freefall.

Lets go out to thump them.
Title: Re: Let's talk about the Northampton town game
Post by: steve@dcfd on April 13, 2026, 06:38:15 pm
Taking chances is our biggest problem even when we are on top. Hanlan would stay on the bench is ratios of goals to chances he's had when he can control the ball must be poor. But the rest are no better. We must try and get another three points
Title: Re: Let's talk about the Northampton town game
Post by: eastender on April 13, 2026, 07:50:48 pm
They have been in freefall.

Lets go out to thump them.
So had Exeter , no win in 15 until we gave them our usual help in hand.
Title: Re: Let's talk about the Northampton town game
Post by: les@donr on April 13, 2026, 07:52:22 pm
We need a good win for a feei good feeling for the end of season, 4-0 Rovers.
Title: Re: Let's talk about the Northampton town game
Post by: Chris Black come back on April 13, 2026, 09:22:01 pm
They are terrible. A single win in their last 20 league games. Currently on a 10 game league run of 9 defeats and a draw. A single clean sheet in their last 17 league games and last league clean sheet at home was 1 January.
Title: Re: Let's talk about the Northampton town game
Post by: coventryrover on April 13, 2026, 09:30:55 pm
They are terrible. A single win in their last 20 league games. Currently on a 10 game league run of 9 defeats and a draw. A single clean sheet in their last 17 league games and last league clean sheet at home was 1 January.
but the6 are playing donny  rovers
Title: Re: Let's talk about the Northampton town game
Post by: LincsRover on April 13, 2026, 11:22:28 pm
They are terrible. A single win in their last 20 league games. Currently on a 10 game league run of 9 defeats and a draw. A single clean sheet in their last 17 league games and last league clean sheet at home was 1 January.

If anyone can end their terrible run it’s rovers!! :rtid:
Title: Re: Let's talk about the Northampton town game
Post by: Danmckay456 on April 14, 2026, 12:51:35 am
I don’t think we have enough goals in this team to whip them I think it might be closer than most people think
Title: Re: Let's talk about the Northampton town game
Post by: Lesonthewest on April 14, 2026, 08:37:56 am
Wouldn't care even if they have lost their last 20 on the trot we can't set up as defensively open as we did v Exeter, even before the injuries we looked very vulnerable. We need to be organised & strong.
Title: Re: Let's talk about the Northampton town game
Post by: IDM on April 14, 2026, 01:11:01 pm
Never mind how we played at Exeter, what if we play like the reading game perhaps.??
Title: Re: Let's talk about the Northampton town game
Post by: donnyguy on April 14, 2026, 01:30:35 pm
Tough game for Northampton tomorrow away at Luton.
Title: Re: Let's talk about the Northampton town game
Post by: selby on April 14, 2026, 01:57:57 pm
  I think Luton will be a problem for most sides now including next season, Their whole club must think they have bottomed out after their win against Stockport.
  And tomorrow Northampton will be landing in the middle of their celebrations.
Title: Re: Let's talk about the Northampton town game
Post by: Rupee92ONLY on April 14, 2026, 02:01:34 pm
Luton and Huddersfield (if both are in this league next season) will fare much better. I think we should aim for quick, exciting football next season rather than any real league finish target.
Title: Re: Let's talk about the Northampton town game
Post by: les@donr on April 14, 2026, 04:40:57 pm
Northampton lose, they’re down. Same for Rotherham tomorrow. We could be playing a very demoralized Northampton come Saturday.
Title: Re: Let's talk about the Northampton town game
Post by: Lesonthewest on April 14, 2026, 05:40:13 pm
Never mind how we played at Exeter, what if we play like the reading game perhaps.??

I was referring to our last away game, not home game, just to confirm.
Title: Re: Let's talk about the Northampton town game
Post by: RyRovers on April 15, 2026, 02:49:19 pm
Behind the goal sold out now and a section on the side has been opened with 112 seats left currently.
Title: Re: Let's talk about the Northampton town game
Post by: EpsTheMightyReds on April 15, 2026, 04:37:28 pm
What are we hoping for tonight. A Northampton defeat meaning they’re already relegated for Saturday or a Northampton win meaning they have everything still to play for.
Title: Re: Let's talk about the Northampton town game
Post by: Stewmaiden79 on April 15, 2026, 05:26:13 pm
I would have thought a Northampton defeat tonight suits us best. Playing against a team who is deflated because they’re already relegated,  must be an easier proposition than playing a team fighting for their lives.
Title: Re: Let's talk about the Northampton town game
Post by: les@donr on April 15, 2026, 07:16:03 pm
They have lost their last five games, can’t see them turning things around.
Title: Re: Let's talk about the Northampton town game
Post by: les@donr on April 15, 2026, 07:42:00 pm
Many years ago Colin Calderwood was at OBV with his team, at one point he got so frustrated that he kicked in the Away dugout that he busted the perplex, he got a lot of abuse from Rovers because of it.
Title: Re: Let's talk about the Northampton town game
Post by: Chris Black come back on April 15, 2026, 08:17:15 pm
Northampton 1 up.
Title: Re: Let's talk about the Northampton town game
Post by: donnyguy on April 15, 2026, 08:28:41 pm
Now 1-1
Title: Re: Let's talk about the Northampton town game
Post by: les@donr on April 15, 2026, 08:29:59 pm
Warning for us. Luton are playing so poorly that they are making Northampton look good.
Title: Re: Let's talk about the Northampton town game
Post by: les@donr on April 15, 2026, 09:04:33 pm
Luton now on top, but are not making the most of their possession.
Title: Re: Let's talk about the Northampton town game
Post by: normal rules on April 15, 2026, 09:19:49 pm
Looks like another block of seats available in the side stand now
Title: Re: Let's talk about the Northampton town game
Post by: donnyguy on April 15, 2026, 09:27:40 pm
Luton winning
Title: Re: Let's talk about the Northampton town game
Post by: LincsRover on April 15, 2026, 09:30:53 pm
That’s Northampton down then. 2 down, 2 to go! Port vale tomorrow night then it’s just the one place left!  :evil:
Title: Re: Let's talk about the Northampton town game
Post by: ncRover on April 15, 2026, 09:32:38 pm
I would have thought a Northampton defeat tonight suits us best. Playing against a team who is deflated because they’re already relegated,  must be an easier proposition than playing a team fighting for their lives.

They were practically dead and buried anyway
Title: Re: Let's talk about the Northampton town game
Post by: Chris Black come back on April 15, 2026, 09:39:47 pm
Full time. Luton 2 Northampton 1.
Title: Re: Let's talk about the Northampton town game
Post by: normal rules on April 15, 2026, 09:40:04 pm
Well, both results have gone rovers way tonight
Title: Re: Let's talk about the Northampton town game
Post by: les@donr on April 15, 2026, 09:42:30 pm
Wimbledon very vulnerable to being caught and overtaken by Exeter. Not a good time going through a bad run.
Title: Re: Let's talk about the Northampton town game
Post by: steve@dcfd on April 15, 2026, 10:07:39 pm
We need to score and win on Saturday. Peterborough play Port Vale tomorrow night so they should go above us.
Therefore 3pts on Saturday would help finishing near mid table any thing less and we have try and get points in our last three games which will be difficult.
Title: Re: Let's talk about the Northampton town game
Post by: GazLaz on April 15, 2026, 10:13:23 pm
There would be worse ideas than signing Dean Campbell from Northampton. Gotts’ old partner in crime from Barrow.
Title: Re: Let's talk about the Northampton town game
Post by: Blue Green Algae on April 15, 2026, 10:20:07 pm
There would be worse ideas than signing Dean Campbell from Northampton. Gotts’ old partner in crime from Barrow.

He was linked with us before he went there.

From what I've seen of Fornah I thought he was decent as well.
Title: Re: Let's talk about the Northampton town game
Post by: richtherover on April 16, 2026, 01:23:04 am
Many years ago Colin Calderwood was at OBV with his team, at one point he got so frustrated that he kicked in the Away dugout that he busted the perplex, he got a lot of abuse from Rovers because of it.

Calderwood was manager of Forest in that Championship game when we won 4-2. Chairman was on holiday but said he would have sacked him at half time if he'd been there! Pretty sure it was his last game though.
Title: Re: Let's talk about the Northampton town game
Post by: 5minstogo on April 16, 2026, 08:26:12 am
There would be worse ideas than signing Dean Campbell from Northampton. Gotts’ old partner in crime from Barrow.

He's been there one good player. Didn't think he was better than Broadbent when we were first linked but reckon he probably is now.
Title: Re: Let's talk about the Northampton town game
Post by: selby on April 16, 2026, 08:16:58 pm
  Put the same effort in that we did against Reading and take our chances and it is very likely we  will fulfil our ambition and take something from the game.
  Now is not the time to think job done we need to do our best to finish the season on a positive note and go into next season confident we belong at this level and are on an upward trajectory with things to look forward to.
  off the field of play the club is on a great place going forward with forward looking plans, and despite some on field set backs and Grant being down after the Exeter game he is now being more up beat sounding up for a new challenge of  more advancement,  and he will never have a better board or chairman to work for if he provides the goods and is realistic with his demands.
  All in all we are within touching distance of confirming a great season which has had its ups and downs but gives us a platform to build on and need to grasp the chance with both hands both on and off the field of play.
Title: Re: Let's talk about the Northampton town game
Post by: Barmby Rover on April 16, 2026, 08:28:15 pm
We need to score and win on Saturday. Peterborough play Port Vale tomorrow night so they should go above us.
Therefore 3pts on Saturday would help finishing near mid table any thing less and we have try and get points in our last three games which will be difficult.

Peterborough losing after 42 minutes, stop worrying, we are safe+
Title: Re: Let's talk about the Northampton town game
Post by: normal rules on April 16, 2026, 08:46:15 pm
Wouldn’t it be lovey if we put the cobblers to the sword this sat. That gd could do with a major re adjustment . We are overdue one of those games
Title: Re: Let's talk about the Northampton town game
Post by: Alan Southstand on April 16, 2026, 10:02:02 pm
Not with what we currently have up top, I’m afraid. I’d take a draw now, but a win would be lovely.
Title: Re: Let's talk about the Northampton town game
Post by: ncRover on April 17, 2026, 10:55:53 am
There would be worse ideas than signing Dean Campbell from Northampton. Gotts’ old partner in crime from Barrow.

No thanks, we need some power and athleticism in midfield IMO. Bailey and Gotts have engines but aren’t the quickest. Lee, Close and Broadbent are slow.
The lad on loan at Notts from Huddersfield looks interesting.
Title: Re: Let's talk about the Northampton town game
Post by: 5minstogo on April 17, 2026, 11:21:20 am
There would be worse ideas than signing Dean Campbell from Northampton. Gotts’ old partner in crime from Barrow.

No thanks, we need some power and athleticism in midfield IMO. Bailey and Gotts have engines but aren’t the quickest. Lee, Close and Broadbent are slow.
The lad on loan at Notts from Huddersfield looks interesting.

Iorpenda? Hudds have high hopes for him.
Title: Re: Let's talk about the Northampton town game
Post by: roversdude on April 17, 2026, 07:58:59 pm
Hopefully everyone going tomorrow gets behind the lads, we’ve had some tremendous away support this year unfortunately a few numpties too who have had too much recreational substances
Title: Re: Let's talk about the Northampton town game
Post by: les@donr on April 18, 2026, 12:16:43 am
Hopefully everyone going tomorrow gets behind the lads, we’ve had some tremendous away support this year unfortunately a few numpties too who have had too much recreational substances


….or too much shandy!
Title: Re: Let's talk about the Northampton town game
Post by: Avsuptem on April 18, 2026, 09:57:01 am
Presumably Neil Byrne will start and Greehan will be on the bench.
Title: Re: Let's talk about the Northampton town game
Post by: idler on April 18, 2026, 12:29:02 pm
I think that Eaves would be a handful for Grehan whereas two bigger more experienced players should handle him alright.
Title: Re: Let's talk about the Northampton town game
Post by: Chris Black come back on April 18, 2026, 01:48:28 pm
Unchanged from last week. Grehan starts, Byrne on bench.
Title: Re: Let's talk about the Northampton town game
Post by: roversdude on April 18, 2026, 02:43:03 pm
No Kyle Letheren doing the warm up
Title: Re: Let's talk about the Northampton town game
Post by: Colemans Left Hook on April 18, 2026, 02:53:36 pm
No Kyle Letheren doing the warm up

don't you mean Leatheren   hopefully we leather the Cobblers  :chair:
Title: Re: Let's talk about the Northampton town game
Post by: Canadian Rover on April 18, 2026, 02:54:25 pm
Is Rovers+ working for anyone?
Title: Re: Let's talk about the Northampton town game
Post by: ScillyRover on April 18, 2026, 03:54:17 pm
Is Rovers+ working for anyone?
Yes
Title: Re: Let's talk about the Northampton town game
Post by: Chris Black come back on April 18, 2026, 04:37:33 pm
Is Hoden alright? Not said anything for last 10 minutes.
Title: Re: Let's talk about the Northampton town game
Post by: Avsuptem on April 18, 2026, 05:02:24 pm
Must have been something in the tea, Cobblers comentary went off too.
Title: Re: Let's talk about the Northampton town game
Post by: scawsby steve on April 18, 2026, 10:22:03 pm
At long last we have an effective long thrower, a weapon that most teams employ  these days.
Title: Re: Let's talk about the Northampton town game
Post by: GazLaz on April 19, 2026, 08:28:29 am
At long last we have an effective long thrower, a weapon that most teams employ  these days.

A generally ineffective weapon though. Only Brentford have real success with it.

I would say the key to long throws is to use them as a medium to create chances through second balls, flick ons and knock downs. That has to be the plan.
Title: Re: Let's talk about the Northampton town game
Post by: Barmby Rover on April 19, 2026, 08:32:24 am
The game against Northampton showed two things, that with a dual strike force of Haks and Lee leaving out Hanlan is effective, the other is that we need to sign two strikers this summer who can use speed and power to score goals.
Title: Re: Let's talk about the Northampton town game
Post by: Metalmicky on April 19, 2026, 08:43:25 am
At long last we have an effective long thrower, a weapon that most teams employ  these days.

I would say the key to long throws is to use them as a medium to create chances through second balls, flick ons and knock downs. That has to be the plan.

I would say that that is the ONLY plan.... not sure anyone scores directly from them.
Title: Re: Let's talk about the Northampton town game
Post by: RoversInSpain on April 21, 2026, 07:07:38 pm
At long last we have an effective long thrower, a weapon that most teams employ  these days.

I would say the key to long throws is to use them as a medium to create chances through second balls, flick ons and knock downs. That has to be the plan.

I would say that that is the ONLY plan.... not sure anyone scores directly from them.
Thought it was me being dumb, or did I miss a lot of Brentford goals direct from throw ins. Long throw - cause some chaos, simple really.