Cobblers boss Boothroyd to make ‘subtle changes’ for Wycombe clash

Town lost for the third time in a row, against York City on Saturday, surrendering their 10-match Sixfields winning streak in the process.

If they are to achieve automatic promotion they must take all three points at Adams Park on Tuesday (7.45p kick-off), a result that would put them within two points of third-placed Burton Albion in npower League Two.

A victory at Wycombe would be a first for the team in three matches and to achieve it they would also need to end a barren spell in front of goal that stretches back 275 minutes.

Some sections of the club’s supporters have criticised the team’s tactics during that time but Boothroyd says only minor adjustments will be made.

“As far as little, subtle changes go, we do have to change a couple of things,” he said.

“Win, lose or draw you’ve got to be very analytical and take the focus out of it, particularly on the things that have got you success, what’s going to get you more and what is going to stop you.

“We know what they are and we’ve got to make sure we do it and apply them in the next couple of games.”

Unlike the Cobblers, Wycombe are not likely to trouble either the play-off pack or those in the relegation zone at this late stage of the season.

But Boothroyd is aware that there will be players in the Wanderers team fighting for new contracts, a factor that takes on added importance in a recession.

“Football is being affected by the recession like everywhere else and footballers that maybe have made a reasonable living might not be able to do that,” said Boothroyd.

“They’re playing for contracts and they’re professionals who are going to finish as strong as they can and do as well as they can. Therefore I expect a tough game, just like we saw from our opponents on Saturday.

“Nothing is ever given and I’m careful to make sure everybody knows when we play there is another team there to stop us, and the better you do the more of a scalp you become.”