Three points are all that matter for Wilder after Cobblers blow away York

It wasn’t always pretty but Northampton were worthy winners as they fought both York and gale-force winds to open up a five-point lead at the top of Sky Bet League Two.

John-Joe O’Toole was first to net, diverting home Lee Martin’s corner, before Marc Richards’ breakaway goal put the Cobblers in cruise control, and victory was never in doubt once Luke Hendrie saw red for a daft challenge on Ricky Holmes.

Wilder said afterwards: “I’ve been in football a long time but I can’t remember playing or being involved as a player or as a manager in conditions like today.

“It was unbelievable. We tried to get the ball down and play but whether it’s the middle of summer or if it’s blowing a gale, the result is the most important thing and it was a big three points for us.

“We got caught up a little bit, especially in the early part of the game. You try and keep the game shorter and play the ball on the deck but they press and didn’t let us out so you have to go from back-to-front a little bit quicker.

“But the ball kept coming back because of the conditions and that puts pressure on the back four and goalkeeper and they possibly had a little bit too much to do in terms of receiving balls like that.

“But we got that sorted out and we looked dangerous in real tough conditions.”

Wilder was well aware of the dangers of facing rock-bottom York after Northampton were in the same position just two years ago.

“They’re a spirited team,” he added. “We were in their position two years ago and we know that teams will have a go and have nothing to lose so it was a dangerous game for us and we had to put it to bed.

“We didn’t come out as well as I would have liked in the second half but obviously the second goal is important and then the sending off made it a pretty comfortable afternoon.”

The day was made better for Cobblers fans thanks to news elsewhere with Portsmouth and Accrington both losing while Plymouth, Bristol Rovers and Oxford all didn’t play due to the weather.

Wilder continued: “A few other teams haven’t played so it’s a good Saturday for us but we have to keep rolling the wins out if we want to achieve what we want to do this season.

“We were a little bit disappointed that we didn’t add to our tally but we’re after points and you have to get the balance right.

“Against Morecambe we opened ourselves up a little bit but we never really felt in danger today and a home win in the position we’re in is a good effort, especially on top of the conditions we’ve had to play in today.”