Opoku absence explained after striker misses Grimsby win
Cobblers striker Nathan Opoku missed Saturday’s win at Grimsby Town with injury.
The 25-year-old forward was not in the squad for the trip to Blundell Park having featured in the previous seven games. Logan Briggs and Harvey Saunders also missed out, as did injured quartet Liam Shaw, Jack Burroughs, Jack Perkins and Ross Fitzsimons.
“Nathan just picked up a little knock and he has a few things going on,” confirmed manager Chris Hogg. “We had a good discussion with him and we’ll try and give him the right plan over the weekend and see how he is this week.”
Hogg named an unchanged XI for Saturday’s game at Grimsby, and an excellent first half performance justified his decision.
He added: “We’ve got a good squad and we’ve got a big squad and we now have boys sat at home who are fighting and challenging to get into the squad. Consistency in selection is important but that level of competition is going to play a big part for us this season.”
Opoku’s absence meant another start for Matty Warhurst, and he grasped the opportunity with both hands. After a couple of early misses, the young striker drilled Cobblers ahead with a fine finish shortly before half-time.
"I'm delighted for Matty,” continued Hogg. “I'm happy for anyone to score a goal but it was great to see Matty step up in that moment. We had missed a few chances and forced some saves from their goalkeeper, Matty himself nearly scored, and then it's a great strike and a clean strike and it was much-needed in that moment.”