Kenny Jackett remains disappointed as he is yet without a win for the Swans for the 7th time of trying.
On a beautiful, sunny South Wales day, it was perfect weather for a game of football but the players didn’t produce the odds as they are now without a win in 7 matches in all competitions. The hosts dominated the opening, half an hour before Northampton broke the dead lock, which came as a surprise to most fans although it was annoying to be on top of the game for most of the first half and to concede a soft goal due to a mistake by Coates who had an appalling match today.
Brian Murphy replaced Freestone in goal as I expect Jackett wants to have a look at him before writing up his retained list.
Kristian O’Leary was moved up to centre midfield with the return of Izzy Iriekpen who showed his strength and ability in the air.
It was good to see a huge change in the way the squad prepare on the pitch prior to kick off with Jackett getting involved as the physio looked on. It used to be mostly jogging and sprinting exercises but today’s focused on ball control, dribbling and passing.
Trundle upped his game today and held possession up well for his partner, Connor who worked well together for the first half but the whole team feel apart in the second. Swansea created many chances early on but were unable to make any use of them against a crowded, strong Northampton defence.
Marc Richards who very nearly signed for the Swans in the summer started up front for the opposition was hoping to receive a good reception from the home support and got a good applause at the end although many supporters had left by then.
Andy Robinson looks very likely to miss the rest of the season but Britton returned to the centre of midfield.
Just under 5,000 turned up and created a good atmosphere for the first half where Swansea were in front in terms of possession but they couldn’t find the back of the net.
Northampton were off the mark after Coates failed to keep up with French striker, Eric Sabin who raced ahead of him and finished it low past Brian Murphy.
Northampton’s manager, Calderwood was sent off as he protested against the 4th official after he didn’t award his side a free kick, he then had to be restrained by a steward during his walk of shame to the tunnel.
Danger-man, Sabin scored his second for himself and for Northampton after shrugging off Coates to shoot low through the legs of Murphy from short range.
I was clueless as to how Coates remained on the pitch for the whole 90 minutes and I think he was as well as every time a substitute was made he was always looking to see if it was him being replaced. Instead, Connolly replaced Iriekpen after the break who suffered a knock in the first half. He continued his poor form before his run of injuries today and looked disinterested and very lazy for the time he was on and made no contribution at all.
Swansea City came out needing to get back into the game with 2 goals down and you would have thought they would come out and play similar to their first half showing – wrong.
There was a lack of character, belief, confidence and teamwork after the break where they fell apart and were lucky to only concede 1 more goal.
Antonio Corbisiero also came on for the disappointing and poor Stuart Jones at right back and O’Leary then moved back into defence. Before Jones was replaced however, he conceded a penalty, which would have easily wrapped up the game for the Cobblers. He made a diving challenge near the bye line and the referee instantly pointed to the spot and gave him a yellow card. Fortunately for the Swans, the penalty was struck but wide of the post.
The attendance rapidly decreased as Swansea continued to play abysmally and the final whistle couldn’t have come quick enough as the travelling supporters who filled their half of the West Terrace went home happily as their side hopes to clinch the last play-off place.
