List strikes at the death as Cobblers rescue last-gasp point at Accrington

Town had been second best for most of the game but Accrington missed chances and they were punished by substitute List, who hammered home right at the death to snatch a point.

Cobblers were hoping to continue their recent improved form at the Wham Stadium but they were miles off the pace in a sloppy and sluggish first half as Stanley dominated in virtually every department.

The home side were stronger, quicker and more aggressive than their visitors, reflected by the fact they took 11 shots to Northampton’s one in the first 45, and Charlie Warren’s fifth-minute goal was the least they deserved at the break.

It was not much better in the second half, and again Accy had chances to extend their lead, but Cobblers did finish strong and they were rewarded for hanging in there when List blasted home, much to the delight of the 500 away fans stood right behind that same goal.

Hogg will know his team need to play better going forwards but the spirit and attitude of his players cannot be questioned, and they should take great heart and belief from the manner of this result against an in-form Accrington side.

Hogg stuck with the same team and bench that beat Colchester United last weekend, but his side were incredibly slow to get going and nearly fell behind inside two minutes when Zach Jeacock just about kept hold of Aidan Borland’s low strike.

Cobblers failed to heed that warning though and their lacklustre start was duly punished on five minutes. Sam Hoskins lost possession on halfway, Tyler Walton broke down the right and his cross was converted by Warren at the back post.

That should have jolted Town into life but instead they remained off the pace and were indebted to Connor Evans’ goal-line clearance to prevent Accy doubling their advantage.

Evans then delivered a terrific cross at the other end, one that evaded both Hoskins and Matty Warhurst, but Accrington’s energy and directness continued to cause problems and almost led to another goal with James Maxwell blocking from Donald Love.

Northampton did not take their first shot of the game until the 45th minute when Owen Dale’s effort was deflected behind, but they at least managed to reach half-time still in the game at only one goal behind.

It was no great shock that Hogg made a couple of changes at the break, sending on Tyrese Fornah and Josh Powell for Hoskins and Maxwell, but there was no discernible change in their performance level at the start of the second half.

Accrington remained the more dangerous side and they had a golden opportunity to double their lead eight minutes after the restart, but Alex Henderson’s superb cross was headed over by Love.

Matty Warhurst had a decent shout for a penalty when hauled to the ground from a corner before Owen Dale’s shot deflected just wide as Cobblers belatedly showed signs of life.

But it continued to be disjointed and scrappy, while Accrington were always a threat on the break with Jeacock keeping out Stefan Mols’ header and Walton shooting wide.

List and Joe O’Brien-Whitmarsh were introduced, and Cobblers at last carved out a meaningful opportunity with eight minutes to go when a swift break led to Powell crossing for Fornah, who beat goalkeeper Louie Moulden but a defender recovered well to hack off the line.

The visitors went close again when List stood up a cross for Warhurst but he headed over and it looked as if the afternoon would end in disappointment.

However, there was to be a twist right at the very end. In the third minute of added time, Jeacock’s long kick forward was flicked on and List did superbly to hold off a defender and fire into the side-netting to rescue a dramatic point.

Accrington: Moulden, Love, Rawson (c) (Moore 67), Henderson, Mols (Whalley 76), Borland, Matthews, Anderson, Walton, Warren (Grant 76), Tutonda

Subs not used: Rogerson, O Smith, Brown, J Smith

Cobblers: Jeacock, Donacien, Moore, Guthrie (c), Wormleighton, Maxwell (Powell 45), L Evans, C Evans (O’Brien-Whitmarsh 75), Hoskins (Fornah 45), Dale (List 75), Warhurst

Subs not used: Dadge, Dyche, Briggs

Referee: Niall Smith

Attendance: 1,975

Cobblers fans: 592