Gabe’s back with his verdict on each player’s performance
Ben Alnwick (6)
A much needed confidence booster for the experienced keeper. His distribution was much better and was cool and calm when collecting crosses, which relieved some unnecessary pressure. Alnwick wasn`t at fault for the goal and was left hopeless. Overall a satisfying performance from the Geordie.
Dorian Dervite (6)
Again, proving the haters wrong with ANOTHER good performance. Didn`t put a foot wrong and looks like he has developed much further compared to last season`s antics. Although, he did look anxious on some occasions resulting in a long hopeless ball up top which needs to be eradicated.
Mark Beevers (7)
Another solid performance from the magician. Solid in the air, as usual and executed some fantastic sliding tackles that were pulled straight out of his magic hat. Dealt extremely well with some delightful Matty Taylor crosses.
David Wheater (7)
Similar to his companion next to him, defensively solid and is proving his real worth. All season he has been consistently brilliant and this was emphasised with another confident display.
Andrew Taylor (6)
Not a pretty display but he gets the job done better than most. Defensively looks solid and rarely out of place. Although he may lack that quick burst of pace, his determination and hard work definitely makes up for it. Provided a wicked cross for Morais’ winner and without doubt will become a fans’ favourite, come the end of the season.
Darren Pratley (8)
What a comeback from the captain. Energy, leadership and hard work, all on show today. He`s everything Wanderers have been missing in recent weeks. Drove the team forward and his passing was accurate and precise. You can tell that his energy lifts the team completely, a very comfortable performance from the skipper.
Derik Osede (6)
Unnoticed but extremely effective. Derik was quite brilliant in the first half, stuck to his game and sniffed out any threat from the Cobblers front line. He deserved praise after a hardworking performance.
Josh Vela (6.5)
In the first half, Josh didn`t really get a foothold in the game and struggled to find his feet in the early stages, but in the second half he came out and grabbed the game by the scruff of the neck. His movement created openings for Le Fondre and others and created a great passage of play leading up to Morais’ winning goal.
Filipe Morais (10)
The assist king and now crowned with a worthy goal. He provided a series of dangerous crosses that were begging to be devoured. Provided a threat all afternoon and was topped off with an instinctive finish to send Tony Kelly into raptures but more importantly Wanderers up to second place.
Gary Madine (7)
A hard working performance from the big man. Linked up well with Le Fondre and held the ball up in key positions. Madine had an effective game and was able to link the strike force and midfield up to a good effect. Personally, I think Madine receives unnecessary criticism just because he doesn`t ‘score goals`, he brings much more than that, although it may not always be noticeable.
Adam Le Fondre (9)
He`s back and he`s back with a bang! Alfie has finally found his feet and the goals are now flying in left, right and centre. Alfie did miss a glorious chance straight after the Northampton goal, some great link up play between himself and Madine led to a one on one opportunity but to only see his effort finger tipped past the post from the onrushing Clobbers keeper. Although he oozed confidence to step up and rifle a powerful shot into the roof of the net. Although, Le Fondre`s goals will steal the headlines; his work rate is admirable and leads the front line with confidence.
Ref Watch- Richard Clark (2)
Another abysmal refereeing performance. On multiple occasions Wanderers should have been awarded penalties for clear pushes on Gary Madine in the penalty area. However, he was defiant to award any penalties until an obvious handball from ex-Wanderer Matty Taylor. Also, the fourth official ridiculously awarded five minutes of stoppage time which was questionable to say the least. However, his liner has to praised for his gutsy decision to disallow a stoppage time equaliser for the ecstatic Cobblers faithful.