Cobblers lose heavily at Eastleigh in final pre-season friendly

The Cobblers suffered a sobering 4-1 defeat at National League side Eastleigh in their final pre-season friendly before next Saturday's Sky Bet League One kick off.
By The Newsroom
Published 30th Jul 2016, 17:41 BST
Updated 30th Jul 2016, 18:44 BST
ON TARGET - Shaun McWilliams netted the Cobblers consolation in their defeat at EastleighON TARGET - Shaun McWilliams netted the Cobblers consolation in their defeat at Eastleigh
ON TARGET - Shaun McWilliams netted the Cobblers consolation in their defeat at Eastleigh

Manager Rob Page named a strong side for the clash at the Silverlake Stadium, with new loan signing Kenji Gorre starting.

The Cobblers were 1-0 down at half-time through a goal from former Oxford United man James Constable, and then endured a nightmare spell at the start of the second half.

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Eastleigh were rampant and scored three times in just 11 minutes, with Michael Mandron netting in the 50th and 53rd minutes, with both goals coming after the Cobblers failed to deal with corners, and Scott Wilson made it 4-0 on 61 minutes, hammering home from close range after the Town defence failed to deal with a cross.

The Cobblers did pull a goal back with 12 minutes remaining through teenage midfielder Shaun McWilliams, who headed home an Alfie Potter corner, but they were well beaten.

Town now have a free week before they start the Sky Bet League One campaign against Fleetwood Town at Sixfields next Saturday.

Cobblers starting XI: Adam Smith, Aaron Phillips, Gabriel Zakuani, Rod McDonald, David Buchanan; John-Joe O’Toole, Joel Byrom; Lawson D’Ath, Harry Beautyman, Kenji Gorre, Alex Revell.

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Subs: David Cornell, Jason Taylor, Marc Richards, Emmanuel Sonupe, Shaun McWilliams, Alfie Potter, Jamie Hall.

Eastleigh starting XI: Ross Flitney, Joe Partington, Michael Green, Connor Essam, David Pipe, Andy Drury, James Constable, Jai Reason, Jake Howells, Mikael Mandron, Ayo Obileye.

Subs: Ryan Huddart, Adam Dugdale, Yemi Odibode, Ross Lafayette, Adam Dawson, Scott Wilson, Ronald Huth.

Referee: Gary Parsons

Attendance: 757

Related topics:CobblersEastleighNational LeagueShaun McWilliamsLeague One