Two matches took place in League One last night as high flying Shrewsbury visited Sixfields to face Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink's relegation threatened Northampton side. Meanwhile, in-form Rochdale faced off against Fleetwood in a bottom of the table six pointer at Spotland.
Northampton 1-1 Shrewsbury
Northampton earned a credible point against automatic promotion chasing Shrewsbury in a bad tempered game at Sixfields. Both sides had a man sent off with Northampton's John-Joe O'Toole and Shrewsbury's Abu Ogogo being shown red cards after becoming involved in a brawl mid way through the second half. As for the goal scoring, Northampton took the lead just before half time as Shay Facey did well to turn home Joe Bunney's clever pull back. However, the visitors leveled with just over 20 minutes remaining as John Nolan hit a brilliant long range effort past Cobblers keeper Richard O'Donnell. The Shrews came close to grabbing all three points late on but Omar Beckles' header came crashing off the bar.
What the managers had to say
Following the game, Hasselbaink told Northampton's official club website that he felt his side were unfortunate to not win the game. The Dutchman said, “I think we deserved a little bit more,
“We wanted the three points and we were close, it was a refreshing performance and the atmosphere was very good as well so I must thank the supporters for the backing they gave the team.
Meanwhile, Shrewsbury boss Hurst said, “It was a very frantic game, not much time for either team on the ball, a good atmosphere and it was pretty breakneck speed for a lot of the game.
“I always thought we would have a spell on top and I think for quite a lot of the second-half we did that, but the goal just before half-time makes it difficult for us.”
Rochdale 0-2 Fleetwood
Fleetwood moved two points above the relegation zone as they secured an impressive away victory at fellow strugglers Rochdale. After a relatively quiet opening 45 minutes, the Cod Army struck two second half goals to boost their hopes of retaining League One status for another season. Striker Paddy Madden netted his fifth league goal of the season to put the visitors in front mid-way through the first half as he pounced on a loose ball to slot home after Rochdale keeper Josh Lillis had parried away Kyle Dempsey's long range effort. Fleetwood's lead was doubled just before full time as Jordy Hiwula slotted home after an impressive run down the wing.
What the managers had to say
Rochdale boss Keith Hill expressed his frustration at losing to a fellow relegation rival. The Dale boss told the club's official website “For me, the game wasn't a great game. I said at half-time that it wasn't a good performance but it could be a real hard-working performance where we really get a good result out of this, but we didn't.
“There looked to be a bit anxiety after we conceded the goal, and then the players try to force it and they go a little bit DIY. It looks as though they're not trying, but they are – they're trying harder. I've been in this situation as a player and it's a difficult situation to deal with, but there's no pressure as far as I'm concerned, and I don't want the players to play with that type of negative pressure.”
Fleetwood boss John Sheridan showed contrasting emotions following the full time whistle, telling reporters, “I am very happy to get the three points out of the game.
“Performance wise, I didn't think we were the best in the first half and that saw me let my emotions go at half-time.
“I told the players I wanted them to push up more, but when you look at the chances they created, there weren't many and that was due to both teams nullify each other.
“When you look at the first half, I don't think we had an attempt at goal and this is where I wanted my players to raise the tempo by 10-15%.
“They responded from that and we had a chance which I told the players would come and we kept them quiet.”
