Northampton Town 0 Walsall 1: James Heneghan's player ratings
By James Heneghan
Published 4th Aug 2019, 20:33 BST
Cobblers started the new Sky Bet League Two season with a 1-0 home defeat to Walsall on Saturday.
Who started the season with a bang and who was sluggish out of the blocks? Find out with James Heneghan's player ratings - scroll down and flick through our picture gallery to see how each player performed.
Harry Smith tussles with Mat Sadler. Picture: Pete Norton
Stood up well to Gordon and Pring but could only watch Clarke's header sail over his head and into the net... 6
Young right-back had a few nerves on debut, perhaps understandably. Caught in possession several times and opted for the easy pass once too often. His understanding with Adams on the right side will only improve in time... 5
Skipper led by example with a terrific, dominant display at the back. Stepped in when required and headed, tackled and blocked almost everything away from his area. Town's standout player by a distance... 8 CHRON STAR MAN
Eased himself into the contest. Initially struggled with Adebayo's physical presence but improved as the game progressed. Calm and composed for the most part. Some nice passing too... 7
Grew into the game and increasingly ventured forward, delivering the odd excellent cross. His threat from the left could become crucial for the Cobblers this season... 6.5
There were signs of rust - unsurprisingly given the lack of match fitness - but still operated at a high level in central midfield until injury interrupted his afternoon. Hopefully not as serious as it first appeared... 6.5
