Resolute Cobblers aim to extend run

FORMER Athletic star Zander Diamond lifts the League Two title trophy

TWENTY-SEVEN matches without defeat is the goal for Northampton as they take to the road again tonight.

Under first Chris Wilder in Sky Bet League Two and now Rob Page in the division above, the well-organised Cobblers have continued to prove a tough nut to crack.

Even well-fancied Charlton could not overcome their less moneyed but resolute rivals at the weekend.

A summer signing from MK Dons, Alex Revell (33) netted with a neat header after 16 minutes to put Page's men a goal up at The Valley.

Though Johnnie Jackson levelled for Charlton after 57 minutes, Russell Slade's side couldn't add a second.

POSITIVE

It capped a positive week for Northampton, who progressed to round two of the EFL Cup, where they will host West Brom, by beating Championship side Barnsley 2-1 at Oakwell after extra time.

"It's a great point for us and it was another battling performance on the back of Tuesday, when we played nearly 130 minutes," Page told the Northampton Chronicle.

"To recover in a small period of time and put in a performance like that is outstanding and credit goes to the lads.

"Every single one put a shift in and it's a thoroughly deserved point.

"There are still things for us to work on, but it's important that when things aren't quite going for us we still come away with a point and we'll take a point away at Charlton all day long."

Northampton drew their opening game at home to Fleetwood 1-1, leaving them 15th in the early league standings.

PLAYER GUIDE . . .

Former Athletic man Zander Diamond is a recognisable figure in the centre of the Cobblers' defence, where he has already struck up a useful partnership with ex-Peterborough defender Gabriel Zakuani.

In midfield, Harry Beautyman had a brief trial in the summer with Athletic before penning a two-year deal at Sixfields.

John-Joe O'Toole adds energy and strength in the middle and ahead of him, former Manchester United academy starlet Kenji Gorre and Alfie Potter aim to provide ammunition for Revell.

HEAD TO HEAD . . .

Athletic 14 wins, 7 draws, 11 defeats.

LAST MEETING . . .

Saturday, February 14, 2009: Athletic 2 (Reuben Hazell 8, Dean Windass 60), Northampton 1 (Adebayo Akinfenwa 67).

TACTICS BOARD . . .

Renowned last season for a swashbuckling style, manager Page has refined the system to adopt a more pragmatic approach.

Expect the Cobblers to soak up the pressure and play mainly on the counter, utilising the pace of Gorre.

LINE-UP . . . 4-2-3-1

Smith; Phillips, Diamond, Zakuani, Buchanan; O'Toole, Taylor; Beautyman, Potter, Gorre; Revell.