All the team news ahead of Northampton Town v Plymouth Argyle
20 April 2018
Kevin van Veen (dead leg and illness) is battling to be fit for Saturday's home game with Plymouth Argyle but fellow countryman Kevin Luckassen (thigh) is again likely to miss out.
"We don't think Kevin van Veen's dead leg is too bad but like a couple of the players he has been ill," said caretaker boss Dean Austin.
"Everybody else from the weekend is fighting fit but we will have to see how he is.
"Kevin Luckassen is making progress but he won't be back before Saturday.
"Matt Crooks has been struggling with his hamstring but he has been in fulll training this week and will come back into the reckoning.
"We are being very cautious with Aaron Phillips but he is making good progress and Aaron Pierre has been back training with the group."
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Northampton Town 2 Plymouth Argyle 0 - the match report
21 April 2018
SKY BET LEAGUE 1 Saturday April 21st, 3.00pm Sixfields
NORTHAMPTON TOWN 2 John-Joe O'Toole 42 Sonny Bradley own goal 61
PLYMOUTH ARGYLE 0
Attendance: 6,868 (1,452 away supporters)
Cobblers: Richard O’Donnell, Shay Facey, Leon Barnett, Ash Taylor, David Buchanan, Matt Crooks (sub Sam Foley 79), Shaun McWilliams (sub Jack Bridge 90), Matt Grimes, Daniel Powell, John-Joe O’Toole, Sam Hoskins (sub Chris Long 85) Subs not used: David Cornell, Jordan Turnbull, Kevin van Veen, Brendan Moloney
Plymouth: Remi Matthews, Gary Sawyer, Jamie Ness, Graham Carey, Ruben Lameiras, Sonny Bradley, Joel Grant (sub Alex Fletcher 83), Oscar Threlkeld, Zak Vyner, David Fox (sub Lionel Ainsworth 78), Paul Paton (sub Antoni Sarcevic 53) Subs not used: Gary Miller, Yann Songo’o, Aaron Taylor-Sinclair, Kyle Letheren
Referee: Lee Collins
Booked: Cobblers: Matt Grimes (25, 11th of the season), Ash Taylor (87, 3rd) Plymouth: none
15 cautions at any time in season; 3 match suspension
Sent off: Cobblers: none Plymouth: none
Sendings off: 2 cautions in one game; 1 match suspension but cautions do not count towards above totals. Other sendings off; 1 or 3 match suspension. Extra match ban for additional sendings off.
Matt Crooks and Sam Hoskins, making his 100th appearance for the club, came into the side as caretaker boss Dean Austin made two changes for the crunch home game with Plymouth Argyle. Jack Bridge and Kevin van Veen, the latter recovering from a dead leg and illness, dropped to the bench.
There was a vibrant atmosphere inside Sixfields as the game got underway on a warm April afternoon.
Shaun McWilliams had a shot blocked and Hoskins dragged a shot wide after a cagey opening ten minutes from both sides, the Cobblers pressing hard, giving Plymouth no time on the ball.
Hoskins had a chance to break the deadlock on 31 minutes but was denied when one-on-one with keeper Remi Matthews who made the save. Ash Taylor then made an important block to deny Joel Grant a clear sight on goal.
The Cobblers deservedly took the lead three minutes before half-time, John-Joe O’Toole turning in Daniel Powell’s cross-shot from close range.
Plymouth started the second half brightly but it was the Cobblers who went close to a second goal when Matt Grimes curled an effort just wide. Hoskins drew a good save from Matthews and the Plymouth goalkeeper again did well to deny Crooks following a quick Cobblers counter-attack.
The Cobblers were building up a head of steam in search of a second goal and it duly came just after the hour mark when a cross from Daniel Powell was turned in to his own net by Plymouth defender Sonny Bradley under pressure from O’Toole.
There was no let up from the home side and it needed another good save from Matthews to prevent Powell getting on the scoresheet with Hoskins heading wide from the subsequent corner.
Richard O’Donnell made a good save at his near post to deny Oscar Threlkeld while his opposite number was again called upon to save an O’Toole header. 2-0 was how it finished though, the Cobblers giving their survival hopes a massive boost with two games left to play.
COBBLERS MATCH STATS (first half in brackets, match total out of brackets) SHOTS ON TARGET: (3) 8 SHOTS OFF TARGET: (2) 5 CORNERS: (3) 7 FOULS: (4) 8 CAUGHT OFFSIDE: (3) 10
PLYMOUTH MATCH STATS (first half in brackets, match total out of brackets) SHOTS ON TARGET: (1) 4 SHOTS OFF TARGET: (0) 3 CORNERS: (1) 6 FOULS: (6) 7 CAUGHT OFFSIDE: (0) 2
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Sixfields is heading for a big crowd on Saturday when Northampton Town welcome Plymouth Argyle for a 3pm kick off.
This game has implications at both ends of the table. The Cobblers are desperate for a win to boost their chances of survival, while Argyle are equally keen for three points to improve their chances of making the play offs.
Supporters have been snapping tickets up for the game, and a large attendance is certain, but tickets do remain on sale and it is expected they will be available on arrival.
Tickets can be purchased ahead of matchday via ntfcdirect.co.uk with the best prices available ahead of matchday.
On Saturday, please visit the main ticket office if you are looking to purchase tickets on arrival.
If collecting pre-ordered match tickets, please visit the ticket point opposite the main entrance.
Please note that tickets for Walsall and Oldham games and season tickets are on sale, but for the hour before kick off the ticket office will be selling Plymouth Argyle match tickets only.
Remember, you can beat the queues by buying match tickets via ntfcdirect.co.uk and printing your tickets at home!
As part of increased security measures, a 100% search policy will be in operation. Because of this, supporters are advised to arrive as early as possible. Turnstiles will be open from 1pm.
Three points isn't the only priority on Saturday, making sure everyone goes home safe is the most important result.
Northampton Town have been working closely with the police and the EFL to review security at Sixfields. Now we are asking you to do your bit.
It is vital that everyone - players, staff and supporters - remain vigilant and report any concerns to stewards or police.
Attacks might be rare, and the chance of you being caught up in one unlikely, but the message is #ActionCountersTerrorism.
Here's a quick reminder of what you can do to help keep yourself and others safe: • Arrive early, allowing more time for security checks • Minimise what you carry, fewer bag searches will speed up entry to the ground • Be vigilant at all times and if you see anything suspicious, tell a steward right away • If you see anything that could pose an immediate threat to safety, call 999 • In an emergency, listen to the Public Address instructions and follow them • If told to evacuate, do so immediately, do not wait around to film events on your mobile • Move right away from the stadium as quickly as possible for your safety and to allow clear access for any emergency vehicles • Once you are safe, follow Northamptonshire Police on Twitter for updates
POLITE NOTICE: Supporters are reminded that only food and drink purchased within the stadium should be consumed on the stadium premises please. Thank you.
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