Report

Cobblers Legend Sean Parrish brought his Northampton Town Youth Team to Birds close for the 3rd Round of the County Cup.
With the season proving to be a battle for the Badgers, the Cobblers youngsters were clear favourites.
Harris, taking charge of Bugbrooke for the last time, started with a 5-4-1 formation, which was built to prevent the Cobblers from attacking and design to frustrate them.
This is exactly what it did, and as the Badgers were to play to majority of the game in their own half, Cobblers were reduced to half chances and long range shots which rarely troubled Tom Sears in goal.
The Bugbrooke lads looked to be doing exactly what was asked of them, but in a moment of weakness on 25 minutes, Liam Saunders gave up on his midfielder who ran through the defence to score an opener for the visitors.
In the past, and against poorer teams, losing a goal normally meant the end for Bugbrooke, but instead it proved to be a kick up the backside.
In our only clear attack of the game, Blake Treadgold fed in Matt Partridge, who lobbed the keeper sublimely from 20 yards out. A great goal that drew the game level.
Bugbrooke continued to defend well, with the Back Three of Wakelin, Marsala and Jackson stopping well.
But before the break, the referee overruled an offside flag to allow a goal for the Cobblers which gave them a 2-1 lead at the break.

The second half was much the same as the first half with the Cobblers bombarding the Bugbrooke defence with attack after attack.
Again, they were reduced to half chances and long range shots, but when fitness eventually told, Cobblers went on to score 4 second half goals to go home with a 6-1 win.

Despite the result, this was by far the most disciplined and spirited performance since the pre season win over Newport Pagnell.

Watching from the sidelines, the new under 18’s Manager, Tony Holmes had a lot to think about, and has a good idea of what he has to work with and would have identified the strengths and the weaknesses amongst the squad.

Speaking after the game, Jim Harris paid tribute to his players and Coaching staff for all their efforts so far this season, and wished the players and the new management the very best for the remainder of the season.
“I leave this role on good terms, and I would like to thank the players for their efforts this season. What this set of lads has is commitment, and whilst results have gone against us, we have a strong nucleus in the squad, and Tony has a good bunch of lads to work with.
“Blandy and Kris have been a massive help for me this season, and I couldn’t have done it without them. Tom Sears has got better and better and I strongly believe that the 1-2-1 coaching and mentoring he has received from Kris has helped him.”
We played with a good spirit tonight, and I would say that it was the most disciplined performance of the season. The players listened to instructions and most of the time was doing exactly what was asked of them. All in all, a positive end to my reign.”