Thrilled Edinburgh makes the right call as Cobblers earn rare away win

Cobblers boss Justin Edinburgh revealed that it was orders from the bench that led to Matty Taylor taking and scoring his side's late penalty to earn a crucial 1-0 victory over AFC Wimbledon on Saturday.
LEFT IT LATE: Justin Edinburgh made the call for Matty Taylor to take his side's late penalty. Picture by Kirsty EdmondsLEFT IT LATE: Justin Edinburgh made the call for Matty Taylor to take his side's late penalty. Picture by Kirsty Edmonds
LEFT IT LATE: Justin Edinburgh made the call for Matty Taylor to take his side's late penalty. Picture by Kirsty Edmonds

With four minutes remaining, it seemed these two sides would play out their second goalless draw of the season after a lacklustre and low-quality contest, only for their to be a late twist.

Dons defender Chris Robertson needlessly handled inside his own penalty area from a Northampton corner, leaving referee Nigel Miller no option but to award the Cobblers a late spot-kick.

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And after skipper Marc Richards missed his previous two, Edinburgh ordered Taylor to step up and take responsibility, and the midfielder made no mistake, sending Wimbledon goalkeeper James Shea the wrong way from 12 yards.

“I’m absolutely delighted,” said Edinburgh afterwards. “We were resolute today and when the one opportunity came along we took it.

“In terms of football we’ve probably played better since I’ve been here but that’s a complete away performance as far as I’m concerned.

“It was a big call for Matty to take the penalty. Marc Richards is desperate to make amends for the previous two he missed but I just felt it was right for Matty to take it this time.

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“He dispatched it well and I thought it was what we deserved.

“We’ve had some really good performances away from home but have struggled to get that elusive win so I’m really pleased for the players.

“It’s a huge, huge victory for us and it was fantastic team performance ahead of another big home game against Port Vale on Tuesday which we’re looking forward to after back-to-back wins.”