A fixture between two sides that I see quite regularly each season when the Robins play the Cobblers at Whaddon Road tomorrow.
It’s also a case of old boys returning to their former club.
Cheltenham winger Josh Low played 90 leagues games for Northampton in a three year period and enjoyed two play-off campaigns – both unsuccessful – before finally achieving promotion with them in 2006. He also played alongside current Northampton boss Ian Sampson.
Meanwhile, veteran Northampton striker Steve Guinan, 34, played 79 times for the Robins scoring the winner in the League Two play-off final against. Guinan sent over a cross which missed everyone and flew into the bottom corner, sending Cheltenham into League One. Guinan later admitted that his goal was actually a cross and he hadn't meant to score – but hey, they all count and for that reason alone he should expect a warm welcome from the home support.
One other thing that links both these players is that they have both spent time in the classroom away from football. Low has a law degree and Guinan a Sports Science degree and is also an A licensed coach.
The result will probably depend on which Cheltenham side turn up tomorrow. The fast flowing, quick passing team or the self-destruct team. Personally I still think they’ll be the surprise package of the season.
Equally, Northampton have it in them to beat anyone on their day. They may have dumped Liverpool out of the League Cup on penalties, but frankly it would have been an injustice if they hadn’t gone through after the 120 minutes of football played.
My prediction: 2-1 to the home side.
I've set up this blog (Monday-Friday) to give extra coverage to teams I cover for the national press. Any views and opinions are all my own. Best wishes, Jeff. Follow me on Twitter and I'll update you each time I blog. http://twitter.com/JeffTaplin P.S. During the summer break I reserve the right to ramble on about anything and everything!
Song artist: Runrig
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