Can Cobblers recover a two goal deficit again?
Northampton Town host Mansfield Town in the second leg of their League Two play-off semi final on Wednesday evening.
The Cobblers were defeated 2-1 at Field Mill in the first leg, but finished the game the stronger side, halving the deficit through Ali Koiki.
Jon Brady has performed very well in the dugout this season, helping the Cobblers to exceed expectations and only miss out on automatic promotion on goals scored.
Nigel Clough’s Stags were involved in the early relegation mix before embarking on an incredible run to see them flirt with automatic promotion at times as well.
Rhys Oates and Jordan Bowery gave the Stags a 2-0 lead after just 32 minutes in the first leg, an exciting big man little man partnership at the top of the pitch, but the Cobblers come in as narrow favourites to win this one on the night.
Background
Brady has done well to pick the squad back up after their cruel final day in the fourth tier, with Bristol Rovers beating Scunthorpe United 7-0, 0-0 at half time, with the Cobblers beating Barrow 3-1.
Set pieces have been huge for Northampton this season and they have pulled off a lot of low margin victories, centre backs Jon Guthrie and Fraser Horsfall have scored 17 league goals between them.
Sam Hoskins and Mitchell Pinnock are amongst the most dangerous attacking midfielders in the division, and the Stags will need to be very organised defensively to keep them out.
It is a very tough one to call, a one goal win on aggregate or extra time looks likely with the momentum shifting in the tie in the second half at Field Mill.
The Stags had an opportunity to take a commanding lead to Sixfields Stadium, but Northampton came out with their backs against the wall and will be very fired up in front of their home support.
Goals?
Unders for me, both sides can be very resilient defensively and Clough may take the pragmatic approach.
Northampton have scored in seven of ten.
Northampton have conceded in six of ten.
Northampton have seen both teams score in four of ten.
Northampton have seen over 2.5 goals in four of ten.
Mansfield have scored in eight of ten.
Mansfield have conceded in six of ten.
Mansfield have seen both teams score in four of ten.
Mansfield have seen over 2.5 goals in five of ten.
Post bet chat Marcus's Tips:
1-0 Mansfield, the Stags make their way to Wembley.