Buchanan: Cobblers have set the record straight after Portsmouth revenge

REVENGE: David Buchanan celebrates with goalscorer James Collins after Cobblers' late winner at Fratton Park. Picture by Kirsty Edmonds

Stand-in skipper David Buchanan expressed his satisfaction at gaining revenge on Portsmouth on Saturday when the Cobblers '˜set the record straight' with a 2-1 win at Fratton Park.

Portsmouth were the last team to beat the League Two champions this season when, way back in December, substitute Conor Chaplin scored a late winner at Sixfields.

Incredibly, though, that defeat remains Northampton’s only one since October and James Collins turned the tables on Portsmouth at the weekend when he too came off the bench and turned home Buchanan’s cross for an 81st minute winner.

In doing so, that result also ensured no team were able to complete the double over Chris Wilder’s men this season as they extended their unbeaten run to 24 games.

Buchanan, who has started every one of Northampton’s 54 matches this season, said afterwards: “It’s an incredible run and all credit goes to every player and the management staff.

“We’re a team, we fight for each other on and off the pitch and today goes to show that.

“It was a massive game. Portsmouth were the last team to beat us but we’ve gone there and put the record straight.

“It was nice to set up Collo for the winner. I gave the ball away for their goal and fair play to him for putting it in from 40 yards but once they went down to 10 men I felt comfortable and always felt we were going to win the game.

David Buchanan has started every one of Northampton's 54 games this season

“We were getting a bit frustrated at times and late on we got into some great positions but it was just that final pass or final finish that we missed.

“But luckily it was me to lay it on for Collo and he took it really well.”

Now their campaign has officially ended, attentions can turn to next season when the Cobblers will make the step up to League One.

And Buchanan, who played 17 times in League One for Preston North End last season, says his current side have nothing to fear and can use Burton Albion as inspiration.

He added: “If you look at Burton this season, they’ve gone up straight away again.

“The gaffer has shown throughout his management career that he recruits well like he has done this year.

“I don’t think we need wholesale changes, just a few additions and anyone who can make us better.

“I think next season we’ll come back full of beans. We’ll enjoy our time off, there’s no doubt about that, and I’m confident next year we can pushing at the right end of the season.”