It was like a glorious summer's day at the Racecourse on the morning of derby day. Ahead of the afternoon big game at Sixfields, the Shoemakers took on Posh.net at the Racecourse. The sides had shared a goalless draw in the Cambridge Tournament a few weeks prior.

The visitors got off to the best possible start with Craig Buckley squeezing home a shot from the edge of the area after only two minutes. The early goal woke up the Shoemakers who worked their way back into the game; Ian Errington went close, shooting just over the bar. Moments later, Nick Randall hit the foot of the post with the keeper well beaten.

A well deserved equaliser came with ten minutes of the half left. A quick throw in from Mark Kennedy found Sean Bellham, who's pinpoint cross to the far post was turned home by Phil Spokes via the post. It was Spokes' first ever goal for the Shoemakers which he celebrated in style.

The second half was an end to end affair with both teams going the all out for victory. Although the pace was fast, chances were limited. The home side seemed intent to rush the final ball when in the opposition penalty area. At the other end the defence stood firm in the Shoemakers' rearguard.

With ten minutes remaining the Shoemakers laid siege to the Posh goal. A series of corners almost lead to the elusive goal, Richard Fletcher's cross almost caused a defender to put the ball into his own net, but the keeper tipped the ball onto the bar.

With a minute left to play, the visitors stole possession on the edge of their penalty area and broke away. The home defence suddenly found themselves outnumbered four on three. A far post cross was met by Robert Graves which was saved by Matt Cockerill. The ball was looping over the line, but James Averill managed to head off the line, but the ball crashed off the underside of the bar and the rebound was slammed home by Neil Fitzjohn. There was no way back for the Shoemakers at this late stage and the visitors grabbed a heartbreaking victory.

The teams left the pitch following an excellent game of football, with the Posh.net players very gracious in victory, congratulating the home side on their performance. Many would find it unusual to see Cobblers and Posh fans getting on so well. Posh.net organiser Rob Graves said after the game "Many thanks once again to Mark and his lads for another excellent game. Matches between these two teams are always tight affairs, and we only stole this one with virtually the last kick of the game."

Squad - Matt Cockerill, James Averill, Simon Sidwell, Dale Smith, Luis Pereira, Rob Ellam, Chris Marriott, Ant Collett, Ian Errington, Sean Bellham, Nick Randall, Mark Kennedy, Richard Fletcher, Phil Spokes