Robert Earnshaw converted his 23rd league goal of the season to bag three massive points for Cardiff City. The win was made even sweeter when news came through that Crewe had blown a 2 goal lead to draw 2 – 2 at Notts County. City move above Oldham into third place.
City were forceful in attack in the first half and could have scored three or four goals. The game was played at a fast pace but the Bluebirds rearguard, while at times slightly stretched hardly allowed Northampton a chance. Alexander was not tested to a great degree and the second half failed to produce many goalmouth incidents but the one that mattered came when Peter Thorne headed against the bar and as City fans threw their hands to their heads in frustration Robert Eanshaw executed a perfect bicycle kick to hammer the ball into the net past the helpless keeper.
City are now just 1 point behind Crewe with a game in hand, it’s now in City’s hands. A win over Barnsley on Saturday is vital to accelerate the promotion push.
City should be strengthened on the weekend with the addition of Steve Jenkins who is only awaiting a medical before signing for Cardiff after Huddersfield accepted he will leave for no fee.
The Bluebirds could also welcome Luke Chadwick. The player is understood to be happy with the move to Cardiff and could be a City player before the weekend.
After the disappointment of Huddersfield and the frustration v Oldham, I’m looking forward to the journey home from Sixfields.