Northampton Town secured a vital three points with a 2-0 away win at Grimsby Town on Saturday 17 October.
Warhurst opened the scoring in the 34th minute, finishing a move assisted by Lee Evans. Guthrie then doubled the lead just before the hour mark, heading home from an Elliott Moore delivery. The result gives Northampton 10 points from nine matches, moving them four points clear of the bottom two. Their season tally now stands at six goals scored and seven conceded.
How the game unfolded
Chris Hogg’s side controlled large periods of the contest despite having 48% of the possession. They registered 10 shots, with six on target, and created chances worth an expected goals total of 1.66. Goalkeeper Zach Jeacock was required to make three saves to preserve the clean sheet.
Grimsby, managed by David Artell, had 52% possession but managed only two shots on target from their 11 attempts. Their best chance fell to Gavan Holohan in the first half, but his effort was comfortably saved by Jeacock. The Mariners have now lost three of their last four home games.
The Cobblers’ discipline was tested, with Joshua Alan Powell and goalscorer Guthrie both receiving yellow cards. Hogg made three changes in the second half, introducing Elliott List, Sam Hoskins and James Maxwell to see out the victory.
What the win means
The win is a significant boost after a difficult start to the season which saw Northampton score just four league goals in their first eight games. The victory at Blundell Park is their second of the campaign and follows a 1-1 draw at York City last weekend, where Joe O'Brien Whitmarsh scored their goal. Their recent form over the last five games shows one win, one draw and three losses, a sequence that includes defeats to Cambridge United, Rotherham and Shrewsbury.
Assistant manager Chris Doig, working alongside boss Chris Hogg, will be pleased with a resilient defensive display. The club had equalled a record for their lowest goal tally at this stage of a Football League season, making the two-goal haul all the more important. The three points leave them 12 points behind league leaders Salford City.
Northampton now turn their attention to a quick turnaround at Sixfields Stadium. They host 17th-placed Tranmere Rovers on Tuesday 20 October. Grimsby Town travel to face Bradford City. Fans can view the full upcoming fixtures schedule on our site.
