Rosler labels Cobblers midfielder Taylor the top dead-ball specialist in league one

Town travel to fourth-placed Fleetwood on Saturday (ko 3pm) in search of their first away win under Justin Edinburgh, and boosted by last weekend’s 2-2 draw at the Cod Army’s fellow promotion hopefuls Southend United.

That result was secured with an obligatory assist from Taylor, whose 25-yard-free-kick hit the post before being bundled home by John-Joe O’Toole to make it 2-2.

The former Portsmouth and Bolton Wanderers man has been a key man for the Cobblers all season from free-kicks and corners, and has played a major part in the fact 25 of Town’s 50 league goals this season have come from dead ball situations.

And Rosler is impressed.

“Northampton have scored half of their goals from set-pieces, which is very impressive, and they will have set-pieces on Saturday – you can’t avoid that,” said the former Brentford boss.

“Matthew Taylor’s delivery is the best in the league from set-pieces.

“They also have a goal threat with three strikers, so it will be a big challenge for us. We will have to fight to get the win.”

The weather forecast for the north west is not the best on Saturday, with strong winds and rain expected, but Rosler is hoping the elements don’t have too big a part to play, as he is expecting a fired-up approach from a Cobblers.

“I don’t think Northampton will come here and let us play,” said Rosler.

“I hope the conditions give us the chance for a decent football match because on Thursday the wind was crazy.

“More wind was forecast for Friday but at least we had some practice. I hope we can get the ball down and play to our strengths.”

And he added: “Northampton drew with a team challenging for promotion and have won a few games at home.

“They have had a change of confidence and I always say the margins are not very big in our league.

“We have done as much as we could this week and we need to make sure the margins stay on our side by being focused, concentrated and doing what we do best.”