Northampton Town's search for points at Sixfields Stadium ended in another frustrating defeat, losing 1-0 to Tranmere Rovers in League Two. Faulkner's 37th-minute strike, assisted by Will Vaulks, was enough to secure the points for the visitors on Tuesday night.
The result leaves Northampton 22nd in the table with 10 points from nine matches, a position that intensifies their early-season relegation concerns. They are now 12 points adrift of leaders Salford City and have won just one of their last five league games. Their recent form of one win, one draw and three losses in the last five matches, including the 0-1 loss to Tranmere on Tuesday 20 October, shows their struggles. Their overall record this season stands at two wins, four draws and three losses from nine games, with a goal difference of minus one having scored six and conceded seven.
Northampton dominated possession with 64% and created numerous chances, taking 21 shots to Tranmere's eight. However, only four of those efforts were on target, with Tranmere goalkeeper McGee making four saves to keep a clean sheet. The home side's expected goals figure of 1.37 also highlighted their wastefulness in front of goal.
Faulkner's decisive moment came just before the break, punishing Northampton for not converting their early pressure. The Cobblers made a triple substitution on 70 minutes, introducing Elliott List, Nathaniel Opoku and James Maxwell, but they could not find a way through a resolute Tranmere defence.
Tranmere's Ryan Watson and Lee O'Connor were both booked during the match, while Northampton received no yellow cards. The visitors managed just one shot on target all game, but it proved to be the winner.
The immediate focus shifts to a key home fixture against Colchester United this Saturday 24 October. Colchester sit 20th, just two places above Northampton, making it a significant six-pointer in the battle to move away from the bottom. Northampton will hope to replicate the attacking success of their previous outing, a 2-0 win at Grimsby on Saturday 17 October where M. Warhurst and Jon Guthrie found the net.
Northampton's form at Sixfields is a major worry, with this being their third defeat in their last four home league matches. They must find a cutting edge quickly, having scored only six goals in nine league games this season. The team returns to action against Colchester on 24 October.
