A closer look at the Cobblers ahead of Bolton's trip to Sixfields this weekend
Ahead of Wanderers' clash against Northampton Town, bwfc.co.uk takes a closer look at Rob Page’s side…
SEASON SO FAR…
Having won promotion to English football’s third tier back in May as champions of Sky Bet League Two, the current campaign has been solid if not spectacular for the Cobblers.
Romping to the division’s top spot with 99 points from their 46 league outings last term – finishing 11 points ahead of second place Oxford – Town were unfortunately dealt a blow ahead of the current campaign as manager Chris Wilder moved onto pastures new with Sheffield United.
Now under the stewardship of former Port Vale boss Rob Page however, the Sixfields outfit have acquired 24 points from their 19 games so far, ensuring that they sit comfortably in 15th position in the division’s standings, six points above the drop zone and five off the play-offs.
In cup action meanwhile, they comprehensively defeated Harrow Borough 6-0 in the Emirates FA Cup First Round to set up a tie away at Stourbridge next month while in the Capital One Cup earlier this season, they beat Barnsley and West Brom before bowing out to Manchester United in the third round.
They also exited the Checkatrade Trophy at the group stages after losing all of their fixtures against Coventry City, Wycombe Wanderers and West Ham’s Under-21s.
Heading into this weekend’s game meanwhile, Page’s men have lost their last three league games, but will no doubt be eager to add to their tally of four wins on home soil in the league this term when Wanderers come to town.
RECENT FORM
- W 6-0 – Harrow Borough H – Emirates FA Cup First Round, 5/11/2016
- D 1-1 (L 3-2 on pens) – West Ham United U21s H – Checkatrade Trophy, 8/11/2016
- L 2-1 – Gillingham A - Sky Bet League One, 12/11/2016
- L 1-0 – Peterborough United H – Sky Bet League One, 19/11/2016
- L 1-0 – Bradford City A – Sky Bet League One, 22/11/2016
MANAGER: ROB PAGE
Having taken over the reins at Sixfields in the summer following the departure of former manager Chris Wilder, Page has enjoyed a solid start to his tenure with the Cobblers.
In only his second managerial job following a stint with Port Vale from 2014 until this summer, the 42-year-old had previously enjoyed a successful playing career spanning almost two decades.
Starting out in Watford’s youth academy, the former defender turned professional with the Hornets and spent eight years as a professional at Vicarage Road before moving to Sheffield United in 2001.
Also making a name for himself with the Blades, the former Wales international then proceeded to enjoy spells with Cardiff, Coventry City and Huddersfield Town before bringing the curtain down on his career with Chesterfield between 2008 and 2011.
KEY PLAYER: ALEX REVELL
Town’s leading goalscorer this term with eight goals in Sky Bet League One, Revell has certainly been a revelation since his summer move to Sixfields after departing MK Dons.
An experienced head in the English game, the Cambridge-born striker started out with his hometown club as a youngster and after spending four years with them as a professional, linked up with Braintree Town for a further two seasons.
Catching the eye of Brighton & Hove Albion a decade ago, the Seagulls secured his signature and he impressed for the south-coast outfit, eventually moving onto pastures new in 2008 with Southend his next port of call.
Loaned to Swindon and Wycombe during his time at Roots Hall, the forward then spent a solitary campaign at Leyton Orient before moving to Rotherham United where he enjoyed four years with the Millers.
In recent years meanwhile, Revell has spent time with Cardiff, Wigan on loan and Milton Keynes Dons before joining Saturday’s opponents back in the summer.
LAST NORTHAMPTON TOWN XI (v Bradford City, L 1-0)
Cornell, Moloney, Zakuani, McDonald, Buchanan, O'Toole, McCourt, Taylor, Hoskins, Revell, Anderson