Shoemakers 4-1 Cobblers Independent Supporters Club

No season would be complete without the Cobblers derby! This was the fifth meeting between the two sides and took place on Saturday 31st March. The Shoemakers had won all four previous encounters, but the last meeting was a tight 5-4 victory in a thrilling match on promotion day last season.

This was the CISC's first fixture since the meeting last April and early signs were evident as the Shoemakers dominated, forcing a series of corners.

The opening goal arrived for the Shoemakers on 15 minutes, Richard Fletcher crossed from the left touchline to meet the onrushing Chris Marriott who hit an unstoppable half-volley into the bottom corner, leaving the goalkeeper rooted.

The Shoemakers didn't have to wait too long for the second. Following a scramble in the box, Richard Fletcher flicked home a close range effort from Mark Kennedy's pass.

CISC had chances of their own, Alex Butcher thought he'd pulled a goal back on the half hour, but his shot was half blocked by Mark Kennedy and Ben Trasler was on hand to make the save.

Butcher then cut in from the left and glided through the Shoemakers' defence with ease, like a young George Best, before unleashing a powerful left-footed drive towards the top corner forcing Ben Trasler to make a simply world-class save to tip it on to the bar.

With CISC looking for a way back, the Shoemakers promptly scored a third through Richard Fletcher. Spotting the keeper off his line, the forward delightfully chipped the ball over Chris Lynch and into the net. Further chances followed but the score remained 3-0 at half time.

With a strong wind behind them, CISC stepped up a gear in the 2nd half as they looked for a path back into the match. Their persistence was rewarded on 65 minutes when they pulled a goal back in bizarre circumstances. Following an almighty scramble following a corner, Simon Sidwell's clearance ricocheted off Phil Lennox and into the net.

Both sides continued a spirited battle on the pitch, but it was the Shoemakers who grabbed the next goal, Martin Holmes with a clinical finish to give a full time score of 4-1.