Northampton Town player ratings from hard-fought League One victory over Cambridge United


Sam Hoskins jumps for joy after sweeping Cobblers into a 2-0 lead with his 10th goal of the season. (Photo: Pete Norton)

After a goalless first half, Kieron Bowie pounced on a defensive calamity to open his account for the season before Sam Hoskins moved into double figures when finishing off a wonderful team move. Gassan Ahadme pulled one goal back but Cobblers held on for three priceless points. Here are our player ratings from Sixfields…

Saved well from Lankester in the first half and crucially he palmed the ball away from danger, something he failed to do when spilling Kachunga’s shot which allowed Ahadme to gratefully tap in. His only mistake on the day but it could have been very costly… 6.5 (Photo: Pete Norton)

Two starts, two wins for the stand-in captain and again he was instrumental. Defended with guts and total commitment, winning some crucial late aerial duels. The full-blooded way he goes about his business seems to lift those around him… 7.5 (Photo: Pete Norton)

His partnership with Sherring is blossoming nicely and the two mostly had things under control against Cambridge bar a 10-minute wobble late on. May have picked up an injury which led to his substitution 10 minutes from time… 7 (Photo: Pete Norton)

His evolution into one of the team’s main leaders continues at apace. Especially evident in the closing stages as Cobblers repelled late pressure. Almost always in the right place to sweep away the danger. His pass also led to the opener, albeit with a bit of help from the opposition… 8 (Photo: Pete Norton)

Brilliant second half after being kept on the fringes in the first. He overlapped and underlapped to good effect and claimed a terrific assist when darting to the byline and crossing for Hoskins to score. That’s exactly the type of attacking play you want from your full-back… 7.5 (Photo: Pete Norton)

It’s no accident that his return to the side has coincided with two strong wins and performances. Shielded the back four effectively and barely misplaced a pass. There were at least three instances in the second half where he spotted the danger and got across to stop a counter-attack developing… 7.5 (Photo: Pete Norton)

Enjoyed a really good game in the engine room. His energy and drive was a good foil for Sowerby and Leonard as Cobblers dominated the midfield battle for the most part. Made some excellent attacking runs that went unrewarded… 7.5 (Photo: Pete Norton)

Pushed further forward again and he just exudes class wherever he plays and whatever role he’s given. Influence was limited somewhat in the first half but still went as close as anyone in claret and then linked it all together during Town’s dominant, match-winning spell at the start of the second period. Lovely pass to release Brough for the second… 8 CHRON STAR MAN (Photo: Pete Norton)

Couldn’t quite get it right in the final third in the first half, especially at set-pieces, but it clicked after the break. Glorious pass set away Leonard for a fantastic goal before he ran out of puff and was replaced… 7 (Photo: Pete Norton)

Snatched at a couple of shots but he wasn’t going to miss the chance that fell his way from Brough’s low cross. Clinically fizzed home off the woodwork to take him into double figures for the season. Could easily have ended up with two or three… 7.5 (Photo: Pete Norton)

A defensive blunder presented him with an easy tap in to get him up and running for the season but he earned that bit of luck with his running and persistence. Headed wide when unmarked in the first half and was a nuisance for Cambridge throughout… 8 (Photo: Pete Norton)

Gave Cobblers what they needed in the closing stages, winning free-kicks and dragging the team up the pitch. He was the catalyst for Digby’s red card… 6.5 (Photo: Pete Norton)

There were some scary moments late on but he did just about enough against Cambridge’s lively subs to keep them out… 6 (Photo: Pete Norton)

N/A (Photo: Pete Norton)

N/A (Photo: Pete Norton)



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