Northampton

Northampton overcame a two-goal first-leg deficit to set up a League Two play-off final meeting with Exeter following a 3-0 win at Cheltenham. Goals from Vadaine Oliver and Callum Morton hauled them level on aggregate at 2-2 before Morton, on loan from West Brom, tucked away the winner 13 minutes from time. … [Read more...] about Northampton surge back to set up League Two play-off final with Exeter

“It’s become the norm because we know socially distancing is, for human beings, inherently a very difficult thing to do. It certainly doesn’t work with alcohol and it certainly doesn’t work with young kids.” … [Read more...] about Northampton stars warned of consequences if they breach rugby’s Covid protocols

Lam raged: “The messages of inconsistency is what I am struggling with. The message is you can start a fight and punch someone with the same penalty - I just think there needs to be clarity and a shake up. … [Read more...] about Bristol 47-10 Northampton: Ben Earl turns on style in Bears’ record Premiership win

Leicester began as the more desperate of the sides and, though Northampton took the lead with a routine Dan Biggar penalty, Ben Youngs was soon scampering over for the opening try on his 250th appearance, seizing on the loose ball after George Furbank had spilled it under pressure from the impressive Nemani Nadolo. … [Read more...] about Zack Henry kicks Leicester to victory as Northampton’s slump continues

If not careful, Charlton could end up in a similar predicament, with much resting on the proposed takeover by Danish businessman Thomas Sandgaard but providing the club can erase the uncertainty that has weighed heavily there is scope for optimism under Lee Bowyer. Keeping Alfie Doughty and Macauley Bonne will be key. Northampton, whose attritional style saw supporters struggle to warm to Keith Curle, will not be short of spirit but the departure of the captain, Charlie Goode, to Brentford is a blow. Rochdale appear to be on the wane after failing to retain key players, while MK Dons, who have lost Rhys Healey to Toulouse, and Shrewsbury, who saw Josh Laurent depart for Reading on a free transfer, look short of goals. Not for the first time, AFC Wimbledon, who will play home matches at Loftus Road until returning to Plough Lane in October, are likely to be against it from the off. … [Read more...] about League One 2020-21 season preview