Next Up: Northampton Away

City continue their search for a first win of the season with a visit to a Northampton side that is itself without a win in four matches in league and cup. With Tom Nichols confirmed as being injured for at least the short-term, City’s already sparse striking options are in danger of being in “bare bones” territory especially as Jamie Reid continues to be sidelined. Scot Bennett was pushed up to lead the line with Graham Cummins against York, and it may be that he remains there, with Jimmy Keohane or Matt Jay ready to deputise should Paul Tisdale decide to push Bennett back into defence. Aaron Dawson was preferred to Danny Butterfield and will hope to keep his place, while David Wheeler and Arron Davies will also hope to start. Christian Ribeiro and Jordan Moore-Taylor are not yet in contention.

Having endured a catastrophic season that saw Aidy Boothroyd lose his job to be replaced by Chris Wilder, their bright finish to the season that saw them pull clear of relegation gave rise to hopes that the Cobblers would be featuring at the other end of the table this time round. A win over Mansfield followed by a stunning 3-2 win at Championship side Wolves in the Capital One Cup added to these hopes, but two draws and a defeat in the league, and a 3-0 surrender to City’s first round conquerors Bournemouth in the league cup on Tuesday night have taken the shine off things for Wilder’s side. One key for City to consider, though, is that those two draws both saw Northampton equalise in the 90th minute, so they clearly don’t know when they’re beaten. The Cobblers have plenty of experience in their ranks with the likes of Marc Richards up front, Matt Duke in goal and a pair of former City loanees – Chris Hackett and Lawson D’Ath – to call upon.

Last season saw City end a hoodoo by winning at Northampton for the first time since 1973 (and therefore the first time ever at Sixfields). Jacob Blyth gave the hosts an early lead which was cancelled out by Bennett before a 90th minute John O’Flynn winner. The tables were turned in March as a solitary Ian Morris strike gave the visitors the points. Northampton have been one of City’s most frequent opponents and Saturday marks the 101st league encounter between the sides. Northampton hold a clear lead with 44 wins to City’s 28, with 28 matches ending level. With both sides struggling for wins, what price a 29th draw?

Match officials – http://www.exeweb.com/2014/08/27/match-officials-northampton-away/

Guide to Sixfields, travel, and pubs – http://www.exeweb.com/2012/07/20/the-things-you-need-to-know-sixfields/

You Tube highlights –

John O’Flynn heading home the winner last season:-