Northampton Town see out a vital home win to finish the year after a fine defensive display

Keith Curle’s side move out of the relegation zone after a 3-1 home win against Gillingham, goals from Sam Hoskins, Danny Rose and Alan Sheehan sealed the deal for the Cobblers as they move up to 19^th place.

Despite their poor form so far this season, this Northampton side showed glimpses of positivity if they’re to avoid the drop back down to League Two.

A strong display from Northampton’s back three Cian Bolger, Lloyd Jones and Alan Sheehan, saw each player step up to the task at hand. With Bolger dominating in his aerial battles, it was no surprise as to why Gillingham’s only goal came from a free-kick which was curled past the wall by Gills skipper, Kyle Dempsey.

Striker, Benny Ashley-Seal, had an impressive game tonight for the Cobblers by creating problems for the Gills defence with his pace and strength. However, at times Ashley-Seal found himself isolated but as his team grew into the game, his teammates began to utilise the striker. Curle commented on the Wolves’ loanee’s performance

“Benny Ashley-Seal is a threat and goals will come with him. The more game time he gets the better player he will become.”

Having only scored 16 goals in 19 games before this fixture, Northampton made it seem as if goals came easy for themselves with countless opportunities, Curle’s side could’ve scored five of it wasn’t for the Jack Bonham in the Gillingham net.

A return to the starting line-up for Cobblers youngster Shaun McWilliams provided a physical presence in the Northampton midfield, McWilliams played a full 90 minutes and was a standout player in this all-important win. Having only made five starts all season for his club, this performance will have bolstered the midfielder’s chance of getting more game time.

Following his sides win, Keith Curle commented on his side’s capability of challenging their opponents citing.

“We were brave, competitive and willing to accept the challenge tonight. You know you are going to have to stand up against a Steve Evans team because they will ask questions, but we answered those questions.”

After going 1-0 up, Northampton stepped their performance up and looked like winning came natural to them. With Ryan Watson and McWilliams linking up will in the Cobblers midfield alongside football league veteran, Nicky Adams.

Northampton face a tougher challenge in their first game of the new year against Sunderland but if Keith Curle can get his side ready from the off, the Cobblers won’t roll-over for the mid-table black cats.

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