Nolan 'really annoyed' at Eaves for going against team orders in Mansfield win
Kevin Nolan revealed he was ‘really annoyed’ at Tom Eaves for going against team orders and taking the decisive penalty against Mansfield on Saturday, but he also praised Cameron McGeehan’s ‘professionalism’ – and in the end it was all’s well that ends well.
With Sam Hoskins currently injured, McGeehan is Northampton’s designated penalty taker and he went to get the ball when Ethan Wheatley was tripped in the second half against Mansfield, but Eaves was insistent that he would take the penalty.
The striker got his way after a minor disagreement, and fortunately he made no mistake, sending ex-Town goalkeeper Liam Roberts the wrong way to score what turned out to be the winner.
"Tom wasn’t supposed to be on penalties so I was really annoyed at him when he took it,” admitted Nolan. “We plan and we do all the work but I’m delighted that Cam decided to just let him go and take it because if I would have seen them arguing it would have been even worse.
"Cam showed great character and professionalism and he handled it really well, and thankfully Tom scored and it won us the game. He said to me afterwards ‘I needed that gaffer’ and I told him I just need him on the pitch more and doing the things he does. In the end we got the win so I’m really pleased.”
Jack Perkins had earlier brought Cobblers level with his first senior goal. Nolan added: “I’m so happy for Jack. He’s making his way in the game and he had never played a league game before coming here so that’s a big moment to get your first goal – I still remember mine.
"I hope there’ll be many more to come and he’ll certainly have a great career if he keeps doing what he’s doing and I’m delighted to have him with us.”