Northampton Town Under 18s lost 2-0 away to Forest Green Rovers in the EFL Youth Alliance Merit League Two on Saturday morning.
Coach Shane Goddard made three changes to the side that won at home to Brentford last week, as Elliot Smith, Jason Okunnu and Oliver Evans replaced Marcus Bald, Charlie Carroll and Francesco Obiagwu in the starting lineup.
The Cobblers made a scrappy start and conceded a number of chances early on. Their opponents opened the scoring within five minutes when Jesse Aldridge fired into the bottom corner from the edge of the box.
The visitors were mainly restricted to half-chances as they sought an equaliser before the break. Their best opportunity of the opening period fell in the final two minutes as Okunnu’s close-range effort from Neo Dobson’s square ball was cleared off the line.
Forest Green doubled their lead early in the second half when Oliver Sully broke through on goal and slotted home.
The Cobblers were unable to respond in the time that remained, coming closest to halving the deficit through Kiantay Licorish-Mullings’ downward header which was claimed by Callum Godfrey and Dobson’s low strike which flew narrowly wide of the far post.
The youth team host Newport County next week. The Cobblers won 4-1 at home to the Exiles in the Merit League last season.
Cobblers: Elliot Smith, Josh Rayfield, Tom Cartwright, Kiantay Licorish-Mullings, Matthew Ireland, Joziah Barnett, James Owen, Harry Guess, Jason Okunnu, Neo Dobson, Oliver Evans
Substitutes: Jozef Baxter, Freddie Findlay, George Daldy, Archie Murray, Francesco Obiagwu
