Ref has his say as Hoskins and Edmondson both claim Town's fourth against Portsmouth

Sam Hoskins and Ryan Edmondson are both trying to claim Town's fourth goal against Portsmouth on Saturday, but referee Andy Haines has already had his say.

With Cobblers three goals to the good just before half-time, Pompey goalkeeper Craig MacGillivray raced out of his goal to attempt to head away but only succeeded in finding Hoskins.

Town's forward got the ball under control and produced an audacious lob that beat the stranded MacGillivray all ends up and was bundled over the line by a combination of Edmondson and a defender.

Both men claimed the goal afterwards but whilst Hoskins seems to have been given it for now, it could eventually be recorded as Edmondson's first Cobblers strike, at least according to the referee.

"I haven't had a chance to watch it back on the video yet but I did go and see the referee afterwards about a couple of things, including the penalty," revealed manager Jon Brady afterwards.

"I felt it was very soft and I didn't think it was a penalty, but going back to the goal for Sam and Edmo, the referee has given it to Ryan Edmondson, but I'm happy to let those two fight over it!"

Hoskins spoke about the goal himself after the game, saying: "I don't think he got the last touch! I don't blame him for trying to claim it and he did well to shove the defender in the net as the ball went in, but I'm claiming that all day.

"I think the earlier one was going wide but overall we created a lot of chances and we said before the game about second balls and hooking the ball over their defence.

"Ryan was really good at running behind their defence and he led the line really well. The goalkeeper was caught in no man's land a few times and fortunately he headed the ball straight to me.

"I think the first one was off target but I made sure on the second one!"