Smith admits it will be 'strange' to see fans again - but he can't wait

Cobblers striker Harry Smith admits it will be a little bit 'strange' to play in front of supporters this weekend.

It's 272 days since Cobblers fans were last allowed inside the PTS Academy Stadium but that long wait is so nearly at an end.

Saturday's visit of Doncaster Rovers is being used as a pilot event with 1,000 season ticket holders allowed in. If all goes to plan, an extra 1,000 will be permitted for the following home game against Lincoln City in two weeks.

"It's massive for us and I can't wait," Smith told BBC Radio Northampton. "I know there's only going to be a 1,000 there this coming Saturday but it's better than playing behind closed doors.

"Hopefully, when they do come in, they can help us build a bit of a fortress at home like it was last year because the home form hasn't been great this season.

"It feels like, at the moment, we are better away because of the difficult pitch but with some backing behind us that will only spur us on."

It's been a particularly long wait for Smith following his injury on Boxing Day last season. He has only played in front of supporters once in 2020 and that came as a second-half substitute against Mansfield in March.

"I was thinking about it when it was announced what tier we're in," he added. "Obviously we were all hoping to be in tier 1 but to get into tier 2 and get 2,000 fans in is great.

"But it will be a strange experience because it's been so long and we've almost got used to playing without fans. I had the injury on Boxing Day so I've only played in front of supports once in nearly a year and that was against Mansfield when I came on.

"So it will be strange but it's something I'm definitely looking forward to. It might only be 1,000 fans on Saturday but it'll feel like a full house and I can't wait."