Northampton Town 0-0 Cambridge United: Garry Monk’s U’s play out stalemate in swirling ran at Sixfields

Cambridge United played out a less than entertaining 0-0 draw away at Northampton Town this afternoon.

The quality on show was certainly not helped by the swirling wind and rain that persisted throughout the 90 minutes, making life undoubtedly difficult for the players at Sixfields.

But on the rare occasions that chances did arise, the finishing touch to secure all three League One points for their respective sides left plenty to be desired.

The first half was not one that will live long in the memory for those that witnessed it.

Cambridge created a couple of early opportunitis for Brandon Njoku and Michael Morrison, but on both occasions Northampton goalkeeper Lee Burge was equal to the near-post efforts.

Meanwhile, at the other end Sam Hoskins was proving to be liveliest of Northampton’s attacking threats and it was his shot from the edge of the box in the 33rd minute that flashed just wide of Vicente Reyes’ left upright.

The conditions worsened during the break – and consequently hopes of an improved second half quickly diminished.

The visitors did enjoy a period of pressure just after the hour mark, during which they forced three corners in quick succession.

From the first of those Dan Nlundulu darted towards the near post to meet Danny Andrew’s right-wing delivery, only to see his header deflected just over the target. And then from the third Andrew set piece the ball broke kindly for substitute Shayne Lavery, who lashed his effort over the stand that was housing the travelling faithful.

The introduction of Lavery provided United with another dimension in attack and it almost paid dividends in the 79th minute. The Northern Ireland international showed good pace to latch on to Morrison’s slide rule pass and eventually made himself room for a shot from an acute angle. Burge could only palm the ball to Kachunga, but from a couple of yards out the German’s effort was kept out by a brave block from Northampton full-back Nesta Guinness-Walker.

That was followed by Northampton – with the wind at their backs – having their best spell in the game. They sent in a handful of dangerous deliveries that squirmed across the face of the United goal, but struggled to carve out a clean sight of Reyes’ goal.

With Crawley Town winning 1-0 against Rotherham United, Cambridge’s third draw of the season leaves them 22nd, with the gap to safety having grown to four points.

Northampton Town: Burge, Odimayo, Eyoma, Guthrie, Guinness-Walker, Chouchane (Waghorn 66’), Fox (Hondermarck 74’), McGeehan, Pinnock (Eaves 74’), Hoskins (Fosu 58’), Roberts

Cambridge United: Reyes, Okedina, Morrison, Andrew, Bennett, Brophy, Smith, Cousins, Kachunga, Njoku (Lavery 63’), Nlundulu