Cobblers slip to defeat at Morecambe as win wait continues
Northampton Town’s wait for a first victory of the season was extended as they were beaten 1-0 by ten man Morecambe.
The Shrimpers had entered the clash at the Globe Arena without a goal or point from their opening three League 2 matches.
But a first-half goal from AJ Leitch-Smith put Morecambe ahead. The home side had goalkeeper Barry Roche sent off in the final moments, and having used all their subs, midfielder Alex Kenyon was put in goal. But the Morecambe outfielder made key late saves to keep his team ahead as Northampton drew a blank.
A tight first half saw chances appear at the end of proceedings, and moments after Matt Crooks missed an opportunity and Ash Taylor cleared a strike off the line, Morecambe took the lead in added time. Leitch-Smith was first to a long ball before squeezing the ball past David Cornell.
Leitch-Smith fired over after the break and saw another attempt thwarted by Cornell, while in the second half the away goalkeeper also denied Rhys Oates and Andy Fleming.
In the final moments, Morecambe then had their goalkeeper dismissed from the action. Roche had already been booked when he fouled Junior Morais.
Kenyon was duly put in goal but pulled off saves to keep out Crooks, Daniel Powell and Junior Morais, while John-Joe O’Toole hit another wide as Morecambe held out.
Northampton will now look to bounce back at Colchester, who moved to 3rd with a 6-0 win over Crewe.