After an up and down start to the season we visited the Sixfields on the back of a great result against Carlisle in midweek. For the first time this season there was a real feeling of optimism amongst the travelling support for our second away day of the season. Both sides came into the game on 6 points, with two wins apiece. The previous week had seen Northampton beat our rivals Exeter 3-0 last Saturday but also concede their first goals and with it receive their first defeat to Barnet on Tuesday by a score line of 2-0. The Cobblers received us well, giving us a fairly warm welcome and we hoped to see the attacking flair and tactical nous that Adams' brought in the second half of the game against the Cumbrians in midweek.
The game got off to a gentle start, with Argyle again taking some time to warm to proceedings. An early corner produced one of many great balls from the again excellent Graham Carey, which was met by a powerful Peter Hartley header that flew just over the bar. Northampton also created their own opening with Nicky Adams finding space on the edge of the box before hitting a scuffed shot that McCormick gratefully grasped. Reid was creating plenty of problems for the Cobblers backline, and this was emphasized by getting in behind a couple of times, the first resulting in the ball put into the back of the net, only to be adjudged offside. Shortly after this, a hamstring pull forced Reid off, with Brunt coming on his place. To be fair Reid hasn't looked himself this season and perhaps a lay off could do him some good. It was beginning to look like the footballing gods were against us again! Just as the game was meandering towards a goalless first half another defensive howler let in Carey. Northampton tried playing the ball out of defence, Ryan Watson picking the ball up on the halfway line before being pickpocketed by Carey, who ran the length of the pitch before slotting calmly and precisely past Cobblers keeper Adam Smith and in turn putting us 1-0 up. In fairness it was no more than we deserved, in a first half that we just edged in terms of both effort and quality.
The half time break was filled with a bit of light entertainment, with a couple of Cobblers fans and Argyle and Big Brother's Pieface trying to find the boot of a car from 20 yards for the princely sum of £250. It was an abject performance from all parties and this time the money stayed firmly in the coffers of Northampton Town FC!! Adams' again made the same change as in midweek, bringing on Josh Simpson for Gregg Wylde and it seemed to have the same desired impact. The second half began in much the same vain as the first with the Green Army streaming forward and creating chances. The goal shortly before the half time break had seemed to reinvigorate Argyle, whilst also forcing Northampton into their shell. Brunt had an early close range effort which he scooped just over Smith's crossbar. Carey began causing havoc down both flanks with both his dribbling ability and his crossing and it was he who forced a fingertip save from Smith. Carey picked the ball up on the left wing before cutting inside and shaping to cross. By doing this he cleverly disguised his rasping left foot effort which Smith impressively tipped onto the cross bar and over. From the resulting corner the ball was whipped in at the near post and it appeared to catch Jervis unaware, hitting him and looping just over. It was all Argyle now and Northampton were struggling to get out of their half. Brunt was working hard, holding the ball up well and playing in the midfield. A good battle was ensuing between him and Cobblers centre back Ryan Cresswell. It was a battle Brunt appeared to be winning, turning Cresswell on a number of occasions and firing just over at the near post. We were well on top and the fans were getting anxious for that second goal to secure the 3 points. Another Carey cross caused problems for Smith, and after a scramble at the far post, Jervis, who was laying on the his back managed to hook the ball across the goal with his right foot and it found the right corner of the net! 2-0 and we had what we deserved. Tanner came on for Boateng for the last 8 minutes and the team stood firm. In the closing stages a petulant challenge from the Cobblers Josh Lelan meant a second yellow and the first red of his career and it summed up their performance. But for Argyle it was a day of many positives. Gary Sawyer seems to have shaken off his poor performance against Portsmouth and is back on form, Brunt looks like a workhorse and an ideal replacement for Reid, should he be out for a length of time. And then there's Adams' new boys. Gregg Wylde, Jake Jervis and Graham Carey. All have performed brilliantly so far, but a special mention has to go to Carey who was outstanding today and I'm sure if he continues there will be many suitors for him come January! I really hope we can keep hold of this young, energetic and attacking side. The calls of 'Scottish Mourinho' are becoming more frequent and perhaps the laughs are starting to die down. Roll on Saturday and the visit from South Wales of Newport County!
Best Player - Graham Carey
Attendance - 4505 (710 Argyle)
Next Game - 29/08/2015 Newport County (h) (League 2)
As always each match report is featured with our Match Day fan feature, which is a short Q and A about Argyle related fodder and something I hope to do for every match day. If you would like to be featured please feel free to email me at
danstone84@hotmail.com or alternatively get in touch through social media. Either on Twitter @danstone84 or on one of the Facebook forums tagging me in Dan Stone.
Today's fan is 49 year old Nigel Harradence from Letchworth, Hertfordshire
How long have you been an Argyle fan for? 'I have been an Argyle fan for 15 years and I'm currently one of the stadium announcers at Home Park'
What's your earliest PAFC memory? 'I remember the 1984 FA Cup Semi Final against Watford'
Favourite ever Argyle match and why? 'The best game I was present at was at home to QPR in 2004 when we won promotion to the Championship'
Best all time Argyle player? 'My favourite all time player would be David Friio'
Best current Argyle player? 'My current favourite would be Luke McCormick'
General feeling around Derek Adams' appointment? 'I think there is a very positive feeling around Derek Adams' appointment because of his attack minded philosophy'
Season Prediction? 'Judging by the start we have made, I see no reason why automatic promotion isn't achievable. Although I would love a day out at Wembley in a Playoff Final!!!'
Prediction for our next match at home to Newport County? 'I really enjoyed the Northampton game. I think we will win comfortably on Saturday 3-0. I don't think Newport have anyone that can hurt us and our defence has been awesome. This Saturday my half time guest is Tommy Tynan so look out for that!'
After an up and down start to the season we visited the Sixfields on the back of a great result against Carlisle in midweek. For the first time this season there was a real feeling of optimism amongst the travelling support for our second away day of the season. Both sides came into the game on 6 points, with two wins apiece. The previous week had seen Northampton beat our rivals Exeter 3-0 last Saturday but also concede their first goals and with it receive their first defeat to Barnet on Tuesday by a score line of 2-0. The Cobblers received us well, giving us a fairly warm welcome and we hoped to see the attacking flair and tactical nous that Adams' brought in the second half of the game against the Cumbrians in midweek.
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