Keshi Anderson scores a second half hat trick for the Cobblers to defeat Russell Slade's men...
Ten-man Sky Blues fall to defeat against Northampton Town after Jordan Willis’ first half dismissal at Sixfields.
City started the brighter of the two, with the away side looking particularly dangerous from set pieces. George Thomas’ out swinging corner found the head of Nathan Clarke, he won the initial header, but ‘keeper Adam Smith denied Jordan Willis from close range.
The Sky Blues’ afternoon was made more difficult after just sixteen minutes. Skipper Willis was shown a straight red card for a tackle on David Buchanan, as Russell Slade’s men were reduced to ten men.
After an earlier delay in the contest for flares being thrown onto the pitch, referee Lee Probert stopped the game shortly after with three City fans entering the pitch.
As the game resumed, Dion Kelly-Evans replaced George Thomas in what was a change of shape following the dismissal of Willis. Northampton began to control the possession, but Farrend Rawson, and in particular Clarke were proving resolute at the back.
In a rare foray forward for the Sky Blues, Callum Reilly broke from midfield and curled an effort comfortably wide of Smith in the Cobblers’ goal.
Northampton had their best opportunity moments after nine added minutes was announced at the end of the first half. The ball fell kindly to Luke Williams on the edge of the area, but his effort hit Marc Richards and looped comfortably for Burge to claim in the City goal.
Ten minutes into the second half the home side took the lead through Keshi Anderson. The forward broke through the City defence and rolled the ball past Burge and into the corner to give his side the lead.
One soon became two for both Northampton and Anderson just after the hour mark. A corner fell to the striker just yards from goal and he hooked it over the line to double the Cobblers’ advantage.
The home side could have wrapped up the three points with fifteen minutes left as John-Joe O’Toole missed a glaring chance. Luke Williams’ shot fell to the midfielder 6-yards from goal, but he headed over.
However, they wouldn’t have to wait long as Anderson completed his hat trick. Hiram Boateng drove to the byline and cut it back towards Anderson to hit an effort past Burge.
Red: Willis.
Attendance: 7,543 (1,463)
Teams
Subs: Charles-Cook (GK), Turnbull, Bigirimana, Reid.
Northampton Town: Smith (GK), Buchanan, Diamond, Anderson (Wylde 77'), Boateng (P.Anderson 87'), Richards (C), O'Toole, Nyatanga, Taylor, Eardley, Williams (Beautyman 90').
Subs: Cornell (GK), Phillips, McDonald, McCourt.