A Load of Cobblers

3rd Round

Burton Albion (L3) v Northampton Town (L4)

Sunday 5th January 2020

Christmas was over, it was a new year, and we go back to school tomorrow. Before that, though, we have the next stop on our road, a short journey to Burton.

A friend of ours is a regular at the Pirelli and recommended a micropub, the Junction at Stretton. We agreed to meet there and my wife dropped us off an hour before kick off. After a pint of fine alliterative ale (Bagot's Bitter from Blythe Brewery), we walked the 15 minutes to the stadium.

Although cool, it was a bright day and the noise from the ground suggested a big crowd. As we got to our seats it became clear that this was mainly due to the excellent support from the large contingent of Cobblers fans.

Due to the FA's 'Take a Minute' campaign for mental health awareness, kick off was 2.01pm.

Burton started brightly, but Northampton quickly found their stride and were ahead as early as the 10th minute.

Winning a throw in on the right, the ball was launched into the area, cleared badly to Nicky Adams, who volleyed the visitors ahead. 0-1.

Burton responded well, creating some decent half chances, but fell further behind after 23 minutes. Following a Burton attack, the Cobblers countered down the right, whipped the ball across goal, where it was met firmly by Ryan Watson. 0-2.

Going forward, the hosts looked good, but defensively they were all at sea, with Kieran O'Hara looking shaky in goal.

Northampton's fans sensed a bit of an upset was on the cards and got right behind their team, singing constantly.

They were further buoyed just before the break, when Charlie Goode headed in from a corner. He enjoyed scoring so much, he celebrated with a knee slide right in front of us and the Burton fans. Cheeky. 0-3.

Despite the lateness of the third goal, there was still time for the Brewers to pull one back before the interval. Ryan Edwards picked up the ball, flicked it neatly past a defender and slotted home. 1-3.

As the first half ended, the Burton fans made their displeasure heard, while the teams headed for the tunnel in very different moods.

Half time Burton Albion 1 - 3 Northampton Town

During the break, we tried a cheeseburger which was nothing special for £3.25.

Burton tried hard to get back into the contest as the second half got underway. Unfortunately, due to the early goals and despite the vocal support for the Cobblers, the atmosphere was very flat.

It was essential that Burton get the next goal.

With 20 minutes remaining, the next goal came. Sadly, a mistake in midfield gifted possession to Northampton's Vadaine Oliver, who crossed precisely for Sam Hoskins to side foot home. 1-4.

Cue exodus from many Brewers fans. Even Billy and Betty looked sad and they had to stay.

It was a shame the supporters left, as they missed a fine strike from Scott Fraser for a late consolation. 2-4.

Full time Burton Albion 2 - 4 Northampton Town

Northampton thoroughly deserved their win,as did their fans who contribute so much to the 3810 attendance.

We walked to the Beech Hotel and while we waited for my wife to collect us, I enjoyed a well-earned pint of Pedigree.

Ratings - food 7/10; facilities 8/10 (it's a good compact modern ground); atmosphere and entertainment 7/10 ( flat, except for the Cobblers fans,and lots of goals).

Attendance 3810

Round trip 15 miles

#FACup

Jack and Alex

Oxford United 4 - 1 Hartlepool United