Part 2 - Goode is Better

4th Round

Northampton Town v Derby County

Friday 24th January 8.00pm

Inexplicably, despite Goode's hands on approach to defending, the referee waved play on and the ball was cleared upfield.

Exploding from the dugout, a contingent of Derby staff, led by Shay Given, surrounded the 4th official, demanding an explanation.

He had none.

No-one did.

For the remainder of the half, Northampton continued to pass and play attractive football, Derby defended well with the occasional break, and the fans encouraged their respective heroes from the stands.

Half Time Northampton Town 0 - 0 Derby County

We fought through the throng buying half time refreshments, retracing our steps to hospitality. Our drinks were waiting on the table, and we had a brief catch up with our fellow diners. All talk centered on how extraordinary it was that Goode was still on the field and how ordinary Derby were.

Due to the battle of the concourse, we had little time, so left our drinks, assured they would still be there at full time, and returned to the stand.

Derby showed a lot more promise during the second period, using the width of the pitch to increasing effect, although the Cobblers were still able to match them.

Unsurprisingly, Wayne Rooney came under the microscope and received a lot of stick from the Northampton contingent. In fairness, his ability and speed of thought were apparent, but he no longer has the players around him to respond. Derby are a decent side but are nowhere near the class of Manchester United during Rooney's prime. On many occasions, Rooney played first-time balls that would have landed on the toe of a Giggs or Van Nistelrooy, but were beyond a Marriott or Waghorn. I suspect for him to be most effective at this club, either they will have to rise to his level or he has to adapt to Championship standard. Still good to watch, though.

As the second half continued, it became increasingly apparent that this game had 0-0 written all over it. This feeling spread through the packed stands, which became less vociferous as the game petered to its inevitable conclusion.

Full Time Northampton Town 0 - 0 Derby County

Following the final whistle, the Cobblers' fans gave their players a thoroughly deserved ovation, anticipating the prospect of a short trip up the M1 for the replay.

We returned to the hospitality suite, to finish our drinks and enjoy the post-match festivities. We had to laugh when Charlie Goode, who was lucky to still be playing after 10 minutes, was awarded the Man of the Match. To be fair, apart from that one blemish, his captaincy and defensive play were outstanding.

We were disappointed not to pick up any of the prizes during the raffle, strangely including a couple of waffle makers, but were delighted that the young lad at our table won a signed first team shirt. He promised to wear it to the return match at Pride Park.

Samuel was still determined to get at least one of his photo opportunities, so we left the restaurant and joined a group of supporters at the players' entrance. We only had to wait a short while before they began to emerge. First up, we caught Matt Clarke, who was surprised to see a couple of Pompey fans at the game. However, he was happy to have a snap with Samuel, as did Scott Pollock, Jack Marriott and Shay Given. We even got Cocu. No sign of Rooney, though.

After a long wait, several false alarms, and much banter, we decided to leave, just as the man himself was spotted leaving by a side door. Despite the best efforts of his 'minder', many of us grabbed a quick pic with the England legend.

Scrolling through his many photos, Samuel and I headed back to the car, and were home before midnight. It had been well worth the extra cost and, as disappointing as our Gateshead experience had been, this evening had been fabulous.

Well, apart from no goals.

Ratings - Food 10/10 (a bit unfair to compare with others except Gateshead); facilities 9/10; atmosphere and entertainment 7/10 (no goals, but great singing from both sets of fans)

Attendance 7798

Round trip 131 miles

#FACup

Jack and Alex

Newcastle United 0 - 0 Oxford United

Replay: Oxford United 2 - 3 Newcastle United.