Cobblers striker Collins impressed by the quality at Sixfields

GREAT START - James Collins (left) celebrates with Marc Richards after scoring his first goal for the Cobblers at Plymouth on Tuesday (Picture: Pete Norton)

The striker last week joined the Cobblers on loan until the end of the season from Sky Bet League One strugglers Shrewsbury Town.

Collins was in the stands to watch Town’s 2-2 FA Cup draw against Milton Keynes Dons last weekend, and then on Tuesday night made a goal-scoring debut as he scored the Cobblers’ first in the 2-1 win at league two leaders Plymouth Argyle.

And after a week of training with his new team-mates and with a game under his belt, Collins is in no doubt has has joined a club on the up.

“I’ve been really impressed by the quality here since I arrived,” said the 25-year-old.

“They do things the right way and they’re really professional and all the boys look after themselves well.

“The fans are great as well. I sat in the stands on Saturday and they were brilliant and the travelling support on Tuesday was magnificent as well.”

Almost 300 fans made the long trip to Devon to back the Cobblers, and they were rewarded for their effort with a win, and the first glimpse of their team’s new attacking double act, Collins and Marc Richards.

Richards scored his 16th goal of the season when he netted the second at Home Park, while Collins - who scored 17 times as Shrewsbury were promoted last season - notched his eighth of the campaign.

Cobblers fans will be hoping the pair can strike up a formidable partnership, and Collins is certainly glad he is now lining up with the Town skipper.

“I’ve played against Marc over the years and he’s always done well wherever he’s been,” said Collins.

“He’s got good quality, he’s a great talker and he helped me out a lot at Plymouth and I’m just glad that we could both get on the score sheet and come away with the three points.”

The pair are likely to team up again on Saturday when the Cobblers travel to league two strugglers Dagenham & Redbridge, and Collins is full of hope he can help his new team to another three points.

We go down to Dagenham full of confidence after the performance at Plymouth,” said Collins.

“We’ll have nothing but a win in our minds and hopefully we can carry that through.”