A Jason Jarrett goal was enough to see second division leaders, Wigan into the next round of the Worthington Cup following their controversial victory at Sixifields.
The goal came on 31 minutes, as Duncan Spedding prepared to deal with a rountine clearance, he was fouled by Andy Liddell about 25 yards out. The Wigan player grabbed him around the neck and hauled him to the ground, but to the amazement of the home fans and players referee Steve Baines aloowed play to continue. Liddell fed the ball through to Jarrett who beat Nathan Abbey from 15 yards.
The raised the atmosphere of what has so far been a dull encounter, Jamie Forrester and Lee McCulloch both had efforts from long range, before Mr Baines had made himself unpopular with home fans by ignoring a penalty appeal when Marco Gabbiadini appeared to be fouled by Steve McMillian.
Moments after the goal, Jerry Gill and Lee McCulloch collided and Gill was booked for the challange after a long deliberation. Mr Baines then proceeded to give a drop ball, only to be corrected by a number of players on the pitch.
As the half drew to an end, frustration was hanging all over Sixfields.
Daryl Burgess had the Cobblers only effort on target early in the second half, heading straight at John Filan. The visitors came close twice, Liddell forcing two great saves from Nathan Abbey from long range.
Town huffed and puffed in the closing stages but couldn't find away through the Wigan defence. Armand One made his debut, following a loan signing that morning from Cambridge United, but the 6:4 couldn't rescue the team. The visitors just about deserved their victory, but the game will not be remembered as a classic.
NTFConline Man of the Match - Duncan Spedding, good game in an unfamiliar central role.
Ref Watch - Steve Baines was terrible, an ex-pro who should know the game had no control of the game whatsoever. He appeared to favour the visitors all night, giving free kick to Wigan for nothing and turning a blind eye to blantant fouls in the way of the Cobblers. Hopefully he won't return to Siuxfields in a hurry.
The goal came on 31 minutes, as Duncan Spedding prepared to deal with a rountine clearance, he was fouled by Andy Liddell about 25 yards out. The Wigan player grabbed him around the neck and hauled him to the ground, but to the amazement of the home fans and players referee Steve Baines aloowed play to continue. Liddell fed the ball through to Jarrett who beat Nathan Abbey from 15 yards.
The raised the atmosphere of what has so far been a dull encounter, Jamie Forrester and Lee McCulloch both had efforts from long range, before Mr Baines had made himself unpopular with home fans by ignoring a penalty appeal when Marco Gabbiadini appeared to be fouled by Steve McMillian.
Moments after the goal, Jerry Gill and Lee McCulloch collided and Gill was booked for the challange after a long deliberation. Mr Baines then proceeded to give a drop ball, only to be corrected by a number of players on the pitch.
As the half drew to an end, frustration was hanging all over Sixfields.
Daryl Burgess had the Cobblers only effort on target early in the second half, heading straight at John Filan. The visitors came close twice, Liddell forcing two great saves from Nathan Abbey from long range.
Town huffed and puffed in the closing stages but couldn't find away through the Wigan defence. Armand One made his debut, following a loan signing that morning from Cambridge United, but the 6:4 couldn't rescue the team. The visitors just about deserved their victory, but the game will not be remembered as a classic.
NTFConline Man of the Match - Duncan Spedding, good game in an unfamiliar central role.
Ref Watch - Steve Baines was terrible, an ex-pro who should know the game had no control of the game whatsoever. He appeared to favour the visitors all night, giving free kick to Wigan for nothing and turning a blind eye to blantant fouls in the way of the Cobblers. Hopefully he won't return to Siuxfields in a hurry.