Northampton Town 3-1 Notts County (FA Cup Round Two) 01.12.19

Notts County fell short in the FA Cup against League Two Northampton Town as the Cobblers saw off the Magpies to reach round three and gain exposure into the lucrative draw as the big clubs enter the hat.

Northampton took the lead when Scott Wharton headed at the back post through Sam Slocombe’s hands after just three minutes and on 25 Sam Hoskins went down the left and put in an excellent centre for Vadaine Oliver to head home.

County did respond prior to the break with chances themselves and might have pulled one back through Wootton but went into half time with it all to do and after a gallant second half effort fell further behind to another header when Harry Smith headed home on 76.

Kristian Dennis did pull one back on 84 to give Notts something to cheer about but the result at least now allows Neal Ardley to concentrate on league matters although there is the FA Trophy first round tie at Chesterfield in a fortnight.

More worrying perhaps is the way Notts conceded today with Northampton Manager and ex-Pie boss Keith Curle stating that his team worked on training with an aerial threat which has been an achilles heel of Notts of late.

The Magpies who’ve conceded 14 goals in their last six games must act quickly to ensure their defensive frailties don’t now cost them as the season kicks into a competitive structure of National League football over the festive period through to the new year.

Northampton Town: Arnold, Goode, Wharton, Turnbull, Adams, McCormack (Warburton 77), Lines, Hoskins, Anderson (Watson 69), Williams, Oliver (Smith 62).

Notts County: Slocombe, Brindley, Rawlinson, Turner, McCrory, Boldewijn, Rose, Doyle, Booty (Shields 46), Wootton (Tyson 85), Thomas (Dennis 77).

Venue: Sixfields (4,489)

*Main image @Official_NCFC a tough defeat for Notts against Northampton.