Northampton Town forward Robinson looking forward to ‘special’ night at Sixfields

And the forward is hoping everything clicks into place when the Cobblers entertain Cheltenham Town in first-leg of the npower League Two play-off semi-finals at Sixfields tonight (Thurs, ko 7.45pm).

The former Shrewsbury man has beeen a Cobblers player for two seasons now, and in that time has played his part in the team rising from relegation candidates to promotion contenders.

He has also seen attendances gradually increase in size, culminating in last Saturday’s sell-out crowd for the final home game of the season against Barnet.

Another sell-out crowd is expected for tonight’s first-leg against the Robins, and Robinson admits he and the rest of the Cobblers players are desperate to reward the club’s fans for their loyal support.

Although he also accepts, they too will have a big role to play.

“It was a brilliant turn-out from the fans last Saturday,” said Robinson.

“We are hoping they all come back on Thursday, and they will be key for us, let’s be honest.

“Our home form has been good, and that’s been paired with some fantastic turnouts from the fans, and they have spurred us on at times.

“Saturday’s game against Barnet didn’t mean as much as it is going to on Thursday, and for them to come as they did was brilliant.”

And he added: “Gradually, over the past 18 to 20 months, this ground has got fuller and fuller, and louder and louder, and I think there is something special going on here.

“We have one more game here this season, one more away, then hopefully one more at a neutral ground and hopefully we will all have something to really celebrate.”

The neutral ground Robinson refers to is of course Wembley Stadium, which will host the league two play-off final on Saturday, May 18.

Robinson is desperate to do his bit to help the Cobblers line up there against either Bradford City or Burton Albion - and he also admits he has allowed himself a little dream of netting on the hallowed turf.

But he is also preparing himself that his role in these play-offs could only be a bit-part one.

“To score a goal at Wembley is every footballer’s dream, but to be honest I will take a goal anywhere at the moment,” said the 26-year-old, who hasn’t scored since netting a double in the 3-1 Sixfields win over Fleetwood on January 5.

“I have started the last two games, but we do have some key players coming back and if I have to do my bit coming off the bench then so be it.

“I will be ready, I will keep myself sharp and fit and will be ready to come on when the gaffer gives me mny chance.

“If I do start, then I feel after playing two games consecutively that I am getting fitter and sharper, and that’s what happens when you play regular games.”

DON’T miss today’s Chronicle & Echo, as there is a 16-page Cobblers v Cheltenham play-off preview pull-out FREE inside the newspaper.