Northampton's slump continues after Doncaster defeat

Northampton Town continued their slump in form after a 3-1 home loss to Doncaster Rovers.

The Cobblers’ first game after confirmation of their relegation saw Colin Calderwood’s side suffer an 8th consecutive League One reverse, in a match that saw Doncaster get the win they needed to confirm they will be staying up.

Elliot Lee, Hakeeb Adelakun and George Broadbent scored second half goals to win the day for the visitors, with Cameron McGeehan scoring a very late consolation goal for the League Two-bound home side.

Most of the first half opportunities fell the way of the side from South Yorkshire. Lee and Luke Molyneux both saw efforts go wide of the mark before Lee saw a shot from close range strike the post.

Northampton’s best opportunity of the first half fell the way of Sam Hoskins, who could only force a save out of Doncaster keeper Thimothee Lo-Tutala.

The opening goal would come Doncaster’s way five minutes after half time, as Lee hooked the ball home after Northampton failed to clear a long throw.

Seven minutes later, Doncaster had a second goal. Owen Bailey’s pass released Adelakun, who in turn evaded the Northampton defence before sliding the ball in off the post.

Jamie Sterry would force a save out of Cobblers keeper Lee Burge with a fine drive before Northampton had a decent chance to reduce the deficit when Jon Guthrie’s header hit the bar at a corner.

In the end, Doncaster would grab a third goal in stoppage time, as Brandon Hanlan teed up fellow substitute Broadbant to finish the ball home.

There was still time for Northampton to grab a consolation in the 6th minute of stoppage time as McGeehan bundled the ball home from close range, but it was not enough to prevent Northampton from losing yet again.

Three games remain of the Cobblers’ season, with the first seeing them travel next weekend to face the now-promoted Cardiff City in South Wales.