Northampton Town manager Kevin Nolan was left frustrated by a key refereeing decision in his side’s 0-0 draw with Port Vale, but praised his players’ character in testing conditions.
The Cobblers were denied an early goal when Sam Hoskins was penalised for handball before converting from close range, a decision Nolan described as “poor” following Saturday’s stalemate at Vale Park.
Nolan Frustrated by Key Decision
With just nine minutes played, Hoskins saw his effort ruled out after referee Martin Woods blew for handball, despite the ball appearing to strike the forward from close range. The rebound was bundled in, but the whistle had already gone to halt play. Nolan said he would seek clarification on the ruling.
“I thought the decision for Sam’s shot was a poor one,” said the Cobblers boss. “He took the shot and we followed it in but the referee pulled him up. There’s not much you can do to get out of the way there when you’re a yard away. I’ll be asking about that during the week.”
The 0-0 result came just a fortnight after a disappointing away defeat to Wycombe Wanderers, and Nolan admitted this fixture was an important test of his team’s mentality.
“Saturday was a big one for me,” he explained. “Was Wycombe a blip or was it something we’d see away from home again? Thankfully, these lads want to be better and do better. I’m really pleased with where the squad is at.”
Players Dig Deep in Difficult Conditions
Midfielder Terry Taylor reflected on the challenging conditions that shaped the game, with strong winds and heavy rain making for a scrappy contest. “We knew before the game it was going to be difficult,” he said. “It’s a tough place to go and the weather made it unpredictable, but I think we dealt with it fairly well.”
Both sides created limited chances in a match dominated by set-pieces and defensive organisation, though Nolan’s men extended their run of clean sheets as they continue to search for greater attacking consistency.
Writer’s View
Northampton showed the resilience their manager has been demanding, even if a touch of luck and sharper finishing might have turned a point into three. Kevin Nolan will take satisfaction from another clean sheet, especially after the disappointment at Wycombe, but the lack of goals remains an issue to solve.
The Cobblers’ spirit was evident in stormy conditions, and if they can maintain that defensive solidity, converting draws into victories should follow.
