Northampton 3-0 County
Newport County AFC fell to a second consecutive defeat at the hands of Northampton Town on Saturday afternoon. The Cobblers scored twice in the first half hour and a D'Ath goal eight minutes from time sealed the points for the hosts.Northampton came out the blocks quick in this game and Joe Day had to be alert early on to stop a point blank shot from a Northampton corner. Inside ten minutes Northampton were pushing and they had the ball in the net in the seventh minute of the game, but linesmans flag ruling the goal out for offside.
Just six minutes later and Northampton had the breakthrough, Ryan Cresswell heading home from a Northampton corner to put the Cobllers 1-0 up. Mark Byrne had County's first chance of the half, his effort forcing Matt Duke to save at full stretch and give County a corner.
Despite several corners for County, it was Northampton who was to double the advantage for the home side, John-Joe O'Toole heading home from a corner to make it 2-0 just before the half hour mark. Chris Zebroski was next to go close for County, his shot curling past the upright and away for a goal kick.
HALF TIME: Northampton 2-0 County
Shaun Jeffers found himself with space in the area ten minutes after half time, his effort heading just over the bar. First substitution for County game just before the hour mark as Michael Flynn replaced Shaun Jeffers.
County were pushing to get back in the game and a flurry of corners were all dealt with by the Cobblers defence. Aaron O'Connor replaced Rene Howe with 22 minutes remaining.
Andy Sandell was next to have an effort on goal, but his shot was deflected wide for another corner to County. Just minutes later the ball fell to Kevin Feely who struck his effort on the half volley from the edge of the box, but the shot was held by Matt Duke in the Cobblers goal.
County's third and final substitution came with ten minutes left as Joe Parker replaced Kevin Feely. But just three minutes later the points were sealed, Lawson D'Ath firing into the bottom corner to make it 3-0 to the hosts. Ryan Jackson's shot with five minutes remaining was again held by Matt Duke, with the referee blowing for full time.
FULL TIME: Northampton 3-0 County