The Cobblers suffered a setback in their pre season preparations this week following a 2-1 defeat against Blue Square North side Corby Town.

The Cobblers travelled to Steel Park following last weeks 6-1 win against Novigrad of the Croatian 3rd division, and spirits in the camp have clearly been high following an intense start to pre season training.

A crowd of 830 were present for the first game of this pre-season period on English soil. Corby Town managed by former Cobblers boss Ian Sampson included a number of ex players in the line up as Paul Walker, Andy Holt, Jason Crowe, Leon McKenzie and Greg Kaziboni started whilst Michael Built was on the bench.

The Cobblers fielded what I believe will be close to the starting line up we will see in the League Cup against Cardiff City on 14th August at Sixfields. All in all it was a disappointing first half performance, a controversial goal for Corby was scored on 18 minutes by Miller and judging by Neal Kitson's response he clearly thought he had the ball in both hands and that the ball was kicked out of them.

Corby were two up just before half time Miller again on hand to strike a sweet volley past Kitson. The Cobblers made a few changes during the interval and looked a lot brighter during the second half. Demontagnac hit the bar and then were awarded a penalty after John Johnson was brought down in the box. Jake Robinson stepped up to take the kick and converted it past the Corby keeper taking his goal tally for pre-season to four. The Cobblers threw everything at Corby in the final 20 minutes but to no avail as the final whistle blew and the first official pre season game ended in defeat. Thoughts now turn to Wednesday nights game at Cogenhoe where we will expect to see a much improved performance. I know pre-season is all about fitness and not about results but I feel that winning games creates positivity and that's what we need at Sixfields in the coming season.

I am looking forward to Saturday though the first home pre-season game where we entertain a youthful Chelsea team but have no doubt about it they will provide a stern test and no doubt will contain a few stars of the future in their lineup.

Aidy Boothroyd has said this week that the side still needs strengthening and he is looking to bring in 2 or 3 more players which will include an experienced goalkeeper as we are looking at early September before No1 Shane Higgs returns from his achilles problem. It also looks likely that ADB will be signing trialist Michael Hoganson who has impressed during his trial spell following his release by Newcastle United.

Sean Parrish left the club on Monday to take up a position at Npower Championship side Wolverhampton Wanderers. Sean has done a good job with the youth team at Sixfields and his efforts are being rewarded by the chance to step up a level, which says a lot about the man who always wears his heart on his sleeve. Just want to say on behalf of myself good luck for the future Sean and we will not forget the contributions you have made at our football club, we will also never forget your wonder strike at Ninian Park in 1997 which set us on our way to Wembley glory.

One last thing this week is that I have noticed a lot of fans are still getting on Clarke Carlisle's back on  Twitter about making a decision where he is going to play next season. I still believe he should be left alone and not hassled as he has a young family after all and in his short time at our club he played an integral part in us staying up and wish him all the best for the future wherever he ends up. I honestly think that ship has sailed and he will be going elsewhere next season so us as fans need to move on and have faith that Aidy has someone just as good lined up.

Up The Cobblers!!

 

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