Wycombe Wanderers 2 Northampton Town 3 - Archive

Marc Richards revealed that a good old-fashioned kick up the backside worked wonders for the Cobblers.

Town striker Richards hit a 35th minute equaliser to cancel out Luke O'Nien's opener before admitting he had been out of sorts. He explained:

"The gaffer gave me a bit of a kick up the bum on Friday. I gave away too many free kicks last game and so he was on to me about it.

"As a player you need a manager to tell you how it is. I'm 33 and I've played quite a few games, but I still need to be kicked up the arse from time to time. I think football's going a little soft. Players don't like to be told off. We need to get back to the old-school way of doing things.

"I've scored six goals this season, but your team mates expect more from you than that. I don't think I found the form I had last year - until now."

Midfielder Lawson D'Ath put Northampton ahead and Posh loanee defender Shaun Brisley added a third before saying:

"I'd love to stay longer. My deal runs out after the Hartlepool game next week, but it's been fantastic being here. There's a real togetherness about the squad."

And Brisley, 25, prefers lining up alongside Richards than facing him. He said:

"I have bragging rights over him after a couple of 4-1 derby wins when I played for Macclesfield and he played for Port Vale, but I'd still rather have up playing up top for me than against me. He's a really good pro."

Danny Rowe pulled a late goal back for Wycombe as they were knocked off top spot, but boss Gareth Ainsworth said:

"We were there to be shot at. Now Plymouth are up there so they can take some of the pot shots for a while."

Northampton manager Chris Wilder has been linked with the vacancy at Championship strugglers Rotherham, but the Yorkshireman said:

"From my point of view, I am enjoying my time here at Northampton. As I said to the chairman when I walked through the door here, all the clubs I have been at I have been there for a considerable time."