For those of you that weren't there, well done for staying away today.

My run of never ever seeing an away win continues.

The performance was shocking, except for the last 5 minutes or so, but we could still have got something out of the match had Bullock taken his chance after half time.

Northampton were on top from the start, with a number of dangerous crosses early on which forced last ditch interceptions from City's defence. Therefore it was no surprise when City conceded - Smith managed to capitalise on some slow defending from Parkin and prodded the ball into the corner past Ovendale.

From then on the one way traffic continued, with Smith also hitting the bar and strike partner Asamoah causing problems down the right in particular. Ovendale also pulled off a stunning save from a deflected shot.

In between, we managed a few half chances - Cooper waywardly missed a chance on the edge of the area, and Dunning had a shot from the edge of the area which was well struck but straight at the home side's keeper.

Just before half time, a horrific error from Parkin (who was awful again in defence today) gave Northampton a comfortable lead. Northampton forced a corner on the right, which was poorly hit low across the area, but, despite a call from Ovendale, Parkin elected to clear himself - and the ball went off the outside of his foot and in.

The second half was dominated also by Northampton, however they didn't have as many clear cut chances. City however had a great chance 5 minutes after the break, with Bullock having plenty of room on the edge of the area. However, he hit the ball to the side of the goal the keeper was covering, which made it an easy save from a chance which he should have scored.

From then on a number of substitutions were made, with Yalcin coming on for Nogan (who was poor today) and Brackstone also being introduced.

Late on though, we managed a consolation goal on 90 minutes - Dunning's corner was forced in by Bullock to give a more respectable look to the shoreline. In the final 5 minutes, Yalcin and Parkin looked a handful - but by then it was too late to get anything from the match.

Ovendale 7 - Made one world class save in the first half and could do nothing about either of the goals.

Cooper 4 - Looked poor out at wingback again. Clearly far better in midfield.

Merris 6 - Didn't get forward as well today.

Parkin 4 - Awful from Parkin today. Both shocking distribution and shocking defending. This performance reminds me of Hobson and Sertori.

Brass 5 - Poor distribution from Brass and looked poor defensively especially against number 25.

Hope 5 - Not his usual solid self today.

Walker 5 - Some moments of creativity but also some very sloppy passing at the same time. Too early to judge him yet though.

Ward 6 - Average display from Ward.

Dunning 6 1/2 - Got stuck in well but still not at his best.

Nogan 5 - Lacked much of a threat to Northampton's defence.

Bullock 5 - Got one goal but should have scored after half time.

Subs -

Yalcin 6 - More of a threat than Bullock or Nogan.

Brackstone 5 - Lightweight and gave the ball away too often.

Fox 6 - Too late on the pitch for much of a judgement.

The referee 5 - Poor display, wilted under pressure from the home fans and rarely gave us anything.

Report by David Venables

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