We started Henderson, Whing , Butters, Hinshelwood, Mayo, Hammond, Cox, El-Abd, Fraser, Robinson & Gatting. I was worried as Northampton are good on the road, and we started the game very nervously.
We gradually got going and just before half time we took the lead. Cox smashed in a wonderful strike, the keeper blocked, but Robinson superbly slammed in the rebound, on the turn and into the top of the net.
Mayo had earlier hit the bar from a miss hit cross, and for Northampton McGleish skied there best chance. He did acknowledge somebody in the stand with a rueful smile when asked what the score was just after Robinson had put us ahead!
Into the second half and we battled hard, Lynch replaced the injured Hammond after about 70 mins and another youth product Rents replaced Cox as we tried to keep Northampton out.
We looked solid and comfortable, then it went wrong.
Hinshelwood came out right to put out a sliced balled by Whing, they were still looking to see if Hinshelwood had cleared the ball into the trees, but sadly Northampton had stolen the ball off the ball boy, taken a quick throw, Hinshelwood and Whing were both out of position to leave Quinn free on goal to equalise with just 6 minutes left.
Santos was thrown on up front for the last 5 minutes for Gatting. I couldn't believe my ears when people booed Gatting, one w****r behind me basically told him he should never play for the club again.
It was the first league start for an 18 year old, some people don't deserve to be allowed out to watch football.
However it got more interesting before the final whistle. The Northampton assistant manager was out of the permitted box, we told him to get back, to which he flicked us the V's. People reacted and the response stewards said it had been noted and action would be taken. What an idiot.
Then we were down to 10 men as Whing was punched in the head by the keeper (looked accidental). We then almost let Northampton sneak the winner, but McGleish missed a sitter. The 5 added minutes saw us playing out time.
Before kick off I said I would settle for a point, but at the final whistle was slightly disappointed not to win.
Henderson - 6 distribution was poor, but could do nothing about the goal
Whing - 6 solid match
Butters - 6 as above
Hinshelwood - 5 for one stupid moment of not concentrating
Mayo - 8 great match, my MOTM
Hammond - 6 settled down and was looking good until he pulled up with a muscle pull?
Fraser- 6 as above, but without the injury
Cox - 7 midfield dynamo
El-Abd - 6 did what was asked of him in an unfamiliar role
Robinson - 7 came alive after his goal, battled hard
Gatting - 5 got better as the game went on, tough debut
Lynch - 7 settled in at left back as Mayo pushed into Centre Midfield
Rents - 6 tried to get stuck in, but not long on the pitch
Santos - 5 out of position and looked it