Cobblers win on the road
Street picked up another 3 points yesterday evening with a hard earned 2-0 win over Larkhall Athletic and continue their good start to the season. It wasn't plain sailing for the Cobblers but manager Rich Fey and assistant Nath Rudge would of been delighted with the superb defensive display and clinical finishing that helped Street claim an important win.
Street nearly took an early lead when after 11 minutes an in swinging Craig Herrod corner was met by Dave O'Hare who climbed highest but his thumping header cannoned off the bar. Street kept Larkhall attacks to a minimum thanks to the assured handling of keeper Tom Punchard and the fine form of centre back pairing Ross McErlain and Ben Amghar as the back line stood up to a succession of long balls and crosses.
Jamie Short fired a volley wide on the half hour mark and moments later the hosts were down to ten men. Steve Murray controlled the ball out on the left and was recklessly brought down by the Larkhall centre back with a dangerous high challenge that left the referee no choice but to issue a straight red.
The second half Street looked to make their numerical advantage count and were stretching the game at every opportunity. Ed Butcher in particular, who was introduced at half time, was full of direct running and was giving the Larkhall right back plenty of problems down that side. Street were controlling possession and took a deserved lead after 60 minutes when Murray found space on the edge of the box and clipped a delightful finish beyond the keeper and into the top corner.
Larkhall didn't give up but found opportunities hard to come by and were constantly penalised by the referee for a series of late challenges which didn't help there attempts to get back in the game. Street thought they had taken all 3 points with 10 minutes left on the clock but O'Hare's side foot effort was expertly tipped round the post following good work from Connor Clifford. Street did wrap the game up minutes late when O'Hare fed Butcher on the edge of the box and his riffled effort found the corner of the net.
A great result but Rich Fey will have concerns about the fitness of Jamie Short, Steve Murray and Craig Herrod who all limped off during the game ahead of their big FA Cup tie away at Willand Rovers on Saturday,
Man of the match captain Ben Amghar