The Cobblers finally kicked off the New Year against a high flying Stoke side, Adam Sollitt returned in goal to replace the suspended Keith Welch and James Hunt made his long awaited comeback and Paul Dempsey replaced John Frain who picked up a injury that morning.
The game began at 100 miles an hour with The Cobblers looking to break down the visitors, but twice they were denied by tight offside decisions. In the 7th minute, Marc Goodfellow raced clear of the Cobblers defence, ironically from an offside position, Adam Sollitt did well, diving at the Stoke player's feet, before Daryl Burgess cleared to safety.
Minutes later, Sam Parkin rounded Stoke keeper Neil Cutler, he squared the ball back to Jamie Forrester, but Jurgen Vaneurzen, blocked in front of goal. Chris Iwelumo had the ball in the net on 15 minutes but the lineman had flagged moments before. At the other end James Hunt went close, following Jamie Forrester's cross, but the ball sailed over the top.
On 20 minutes Forrester shot just wide following an excellent build up involving Sollitt, Gabbiadini, McGregor and Hargreaves, then the visitors went straight up the other end and Rikhardur Dadason's shot was saved by Sollitt.
As the half hour mark approached, linesman Mr Maynard was replaced by forth official Mr James, moments before Parkin's shot from 18 yards was easily saved by Cutler.
Town gifted Stoke the lead on 36 minutes, Dempsey and Iwelumo collided at the far post before Goodfellow hit a snap shot volley straight at Sollitt, the ball slid from his grasp and tricked over the line. It was an unfortunate mistake by the Cobblers' keeper. The goal knocked the stuffing out of Town, although Parkin created a good chance for Forrester just before half time, but the Cobblers striker hit over from close range.
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Stoke had another goal ruled out for offside, before Sollitt saved well from Goodfellow on half time.
Stoke came out the stronger in the second half and Dadason hit just wide within minutes of the restart. Although the visitors dominated possession, it wasn't until the 74th minute when the next clear cut chance happened, Mike Flynn headed across goal following a corner, the ball hit Ian Sampson and went goal wards. Cobblers fans feared the worst, but Sollitt was hand to make a tremendous save on the line. Souleymane Oulare was denied by Sollitt a minute later, again another reaction save.
On 76 minutes Derek Asamoah replaced Paul McGregor and Town sprung into life. Sampson headed down a Hunt free kick, before Forrester's shot was saved by Cutler, then a free kick struck the wall before Stoke scrambled the ball to safety.
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John Hodge was introduced and made an instant impact, his cross was met firmly by Sam Parkin who headed home from ten yards for only his second goal for the Cobblers. Cheers of celebration, relief and disbelief went around Sixfields, as the home crowd responded. Cutler then saved well from Gabbiadini, before Forrester struck a sweet 25 yard shot just over the crossbar. With three minutes left, the lively Asamoah drove a 20 yard effort inches wide, but Town happily settled for a point.
Editor's Comments
Cobblers Man of the Match - James Hunt, hard working return
Town worked hard late on the deserve a point, but for long spells couldn't get into the game. Adam Sollitt had a great game other than the dreadful error that led to Stoke's goal. The introduction of Asamoah and Hodge were certainly the truning points for the Cobblers.
Ref Watch - Graham Salisbury had a quiet afternoon and kept control of the game very well.
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