Kick-off clash means delays for drivers when Cobblers and Saints play last home game of season

Both clubs are playing their final home games of the season with Northampton Saints taking on Bath with a 3.15pm kick-off, while Cobblers host Luton, with a start time of 3pm.

Both matches will have a full house, with the two games finishing at roughly the same time, which would mean roads would be very busy late afternoon and in the evening as an estimated 23,000 fans leave the area.

Councillor Michael Clarke, Northamptonshire County Council cabinet member for transport, highways and environment, said: “Both clubs have been working together to keep fixture clashes to a minimum but unfortunately in this case it has been unavoidable.

“We’re tying to make people aware that there will be very heavy traffic in the Sixfields and St James areas of the town on the afternoon of Saturday, April 30, around the kick-off and final whistle times and for people to tailor their journeys accordingly.”

Both clubs are actively encouraging their supporters to stagger their journeys to and from Sixfields and Franklin’s Gardens, allowing extra travel time both before and after the respective games.

Carr’s Bar at Sixfields will be open from noon for early arrivals, alongside the Fans Village which will be open from 12.30pm.

Meanwhile the Franklin’s Gardens Match Day Village and official club car parks on Edgar Mobbs Way will be open from 12noon with the main stadium opening at 1pm. There will also be post-match live music in the Rodber Suite.

Northampton Saints Season Ticket Holders can take advantage of a 50 percent saving on their match day travel on London Midland trains to Northampton from any station between Leighton Buzzard and Rugby.

Northampton Town Season Tickets Holders are able to travel to Sixfields on match days from anywhere within the Northampton Megarider Zone for just £1.

Roadside electronic signs in Northampton will also advise of the potential congestion.