First half double sees Northampton lose to Gillingham
Two first half goals proved crucial as Northampton Town were beaten 2-1 at home by Gillingham.
First half strikes from Josh Parker and Tom Eaves proved pivotal as the side from Kent triumphed at Sixfields. A second half goal from Ash Taylor did bring Northampton back into proceedings, but they couldn’t find a second and suffer back to back home defeats.
Gillingham took the lead just 6 minutes into the contest, with a misplaced header intercepted by Parker, and the Gills player duly struck home from 20 yards.
The visitors struck again just before the 20 minute mark, as Eaves made up for missing from inside the six yard box by poking a drilled cross into the back of the net.
Gillingham also had a goal disallowed and missed further opportunities as they tried to make the most of their first half play.
Taylor bought Northampton back into the contest after half-time when he headed Matt Grimes’ free-kick into the back of the net. But the Cobblers couldn’t force an equaliser, with Gboly Ariyibi seeing a strike saved and Chris Long and John-Joe O’Toole unable to make the most of further chances.
Northampton also had Hildeberto Periera sent off after the final whistle for a second yellow for dissent to cap off a disappointing evening.
With Oldham beating MK Dons and Blackpool winning at Wigan, the result means Northampton are now 2 points above the drop zone, with AFC Wimbledon falling into the bottom 4 after they lost at Plymouth.