Robinson: Cobblers players never doubted Shots clash would go ahead

Rainy weather threw the fixture, the team’s last before Christmas, into such doubt that two pitch inspections were required before referee Tim Robinson gave the match the green light.

The pitch played pretty well, with very minimal standing water in the corners, although by full-time the pitch had deteriorated quite badly and the ground staff face a challenge to repair it in time for the next home game, on New Year’s Day.

Robinson was generally pleased with the quality of the surface for a game his manager Aidy Boothroyd did not even entertain the idea of a postponement.

“It was heavy, it was very different,” he said. “The manager was adamant about it, he never let us think for one minute that the game was going to be called off.

“As far as he was concerned it was always going to be on and we prepared exactly as it would have done had it been played on a bright sunny day, so there was no doubt in our minds.

“When it came to the game, patches of the pitch were difficult, especially in the corners, the ball held up a lot but you have to deal with that.

“We’ve been doing well at grinding out wins at home and away and hopefully we can continue doing that.”

Robinson’s role in the squad remains unclear - he was introduced as a half-time substitute for Ishmel Demontagnac despite top goalscorer Adebayo Akinfenwa being suspended.

But he provided a positive response with the goal, his third of the season and one he plans to savour throughout this year’s festivities.

“I’ll be thinking about my goal and the win all over Christmas,” he said.

“My family will be that bit happier as well because they will be thinking about it.

“You always enjoy Sundays a bit more when you’ve won and Christmas is that bit more special.”