Few Cobblers fans would have dared dream of a 2-0 win over high-flying Port Vale ahead of kick-off on Saturday.
A patched-up team due to an ever-growing injury crisis at Sixfields and a switch to a largely untried and untested 5-3-2 formation, with the midfield trio having just four career league starts between them, is not normally the recipe for an upset.
But at times on Saturday you would have been hard-pressed to say which were the division’s in-form side and which was the pretty desperate rabble that capitulated to a 4-0 hammering at lowly Barnet just a matter of days previously.
Sure, a red card always helps, but give Cobblers credit. They more than matched Port Vale in the opening 20 minutes and created the better chances while also enjoying the lion’s share of possession.
The formation worked well, wing backs Joe Widdowson and Danny East getting forward well and the three in midfield showing maturity beyond their tender years.
Adebayo Akinfenwa was a menace up top and Alex Nicholls looked lively. His horrendous injury, which saw the game stopped for 12 minutes while he received treatment and saw an ambulance come onto the playing surface to ferry him to hospital, will be the talking point and it’s a shame that something so nasty took the gloss off a tremendous team performance.
Nicholls was replaced by Louis Moult, a youngster who lost his way at Stoke City before being given a second chance by Aidy Boothroyd at Northampton.
He has had limited game time and has been used sparingly but on Saturday, when his chance came, he grabbed it with relish.
He formed an excellent partnership with Bayo and the pair linked up well on many occasions, Akinfenwa’s sheer strength creating space for the lively Moult to exploit.
His goal came directly from such a scenario, Akinfenwa holding off the challenge before slipping it into the path of the youngster who finished with aplomb.
He threatened to add to his tally with a left footed curler which could find only the side netting but the pair were a thorn in the side of the Port Vale defence throughout.
But the front pair were only as good as the service they received and, in truth, it was the Cobblers midfield that won them this game.
With no experience of any note to count on, it would have been easy for them to crumble, particularly in such odd circumstances which saw the game delayed by 12 minutes due to Nicholls injury.
But Lewis Wilson, the on-loan Emyr Hughes and full debutant Lewis Hornby were excellent throughout, looking composed and assured in possession and winning more than their fair share of tackles.
It takes courage to put your foot on the ball and have a look around you at League Two level but Huws, clearly well schooled at parent club Manchester City, did this to great effect throughout.
He was calmness personified, playing the simple ball and rotating the play. He was backed up well by Hornby who did enough to suggest he has the potential to have a bright future ahead of him.
Clearly a talented footballer, Hornby could be one to revel in the Cobblers midfield for years to come.
These young players may have got their chance through others’ misfortune but on Saturday’s evidence at least, they are grabbing it with both hands.
Lee Nicholls - 7
Had precious little to do but was a composed presence throughout. One smart save down to his left in the second half
Joe Widdowson - 6
New role for the wing-back and looked steady if unspectacular. Possibly a little lucky to have not given away a penalty just before half time.
Kelvin Langmead - 7
Marshalled his troops well and had very little to do. Dangerman Tom Pope was in his pocket.
Anthony Charles - 7
No idea why his header was ruled out. Solid performance
Ben Tozer - 8
Long throws always a threat, converted to centre half with no problems. An assured display.
Danny East - 7
Got forward to good effect. Appeared to relish his new role.
Lewis Wilson - 7
Did pretty well in a young midfield. Certainly not overawed.
Emyr Huws - 9
Superb performance. retained possession brilliantly and bossed the midfield.
Lewis Hornby - 8
Excellent full debut, looked like he’d been playing this level for years. Assured.
Adebayo Akinfenwa - 7
The big man didn’t have a clear sight of goal but was a menace throughout, linking up well for the second goal.
Alex Nicholls - 7
Pounced for the goal but day was ended in that incident. Hope he can bounce back.
Subs
Ishmel Demontagnac - 6
Did well when he came on, looked good on the ball without ever really threatening
Louis Moult - 8
Very impressive link-up play with Akinfenwa, took goal well. Promising.
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