Cobblers defender Widdowson eager to repay Boothroyd’s faith

The team have a relatively new back four this season however, this could play in Boothroyd’s favour as the Cobblers aim to improve the way the defence operates.

Widdowson hopes that they can add to their main defensive role by pushing forward when the game allows it in order to aid chances of a victory.

“As a full-back you’re a defender first so you’ve got to make sure you’re defending well,” said Widdowson, whose attacking run won the penalty that Roy O’Donovan missed at Southend last week.

“If the defending is good then the attacking bit is something you can add to depending on the game and the situation.

“When we do get the chance he [Boothroyd] likes us to get on the ball and step forward and attack.

“The manager likes people to express themselves, he knows that I like to push forward and he encourages it which I like.”

In this new defensive line-up it is hoped that the Cobblers can keep a clean sheet for the first time this season, having conceded six goals in the past four games.