Cobblers lose heavily at Eastleigh in final pre-season friendly


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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Hide AdEastleigh 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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Hide AdSubs: 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