Cobblers showing why we didn't sign another number nine in the summer - Nolan
Kevin Nolan believes the fact that 14 different players have now scored for Cobblers this season is vindication for the club’s decision not to sign another number nine in the summer.
Kyle Edwards and Tyrese Fornah became the 13th and 14th different scorers when they both netted in Tuesday’s 2-0 EFL Trophy victory over Wycombe Wanderers at Sixfields.
There was much disappointment among supporters when Cobblers did not recruit another striker at the end of the summer transfer window but Nolan defended the club's strategy at the time and now, four months down the line, he has no regrets.
"This why we built the squad the way we did,” he said after Tuesday’s dominant win. “We spoke a lot in the summer about number nines and why we didn't sign more and stuff like that.
"But when you're trying to build a squad, you want goals to come from all over the pitch and the goals against Wycombe were the 13th and 14th different players to score a goal for us this season and that's exactly what I want.
"We need goals from everywhere and not be reliant on just number nines or attacking players, I want goals from midfielders, centre-halves and wing-backs.
"If everyone chips in it makes it a lot easier and it makes it much more difficult for the opposition so we're really pleased with how it's going and to see other players score.”
Edwards finished off a slick counter-attack to open the scoring in midweek as Cobblers eased into the last 16 of the EFL Trophy for the first time in five years.
"It was a very good night’s work,” said the attacking midfielder. “These games can be difficult and Wycombe are a good side but like on Saturday, we showed good resilience and it was good for me to score as well. It’s a nice feeling to get my first one because everyone likes to score goals, it’s the best feeling in football, and I hope there’s plenty more to come.
"This competition is very important to us and we want to go as far as we can – we want to win it. I don’t see why we can’t because we’re in good form at the moment, even against Cardiff we played well despite losing the game. Hopefully we keep it going for as long as we can in the league and in the cup.”