Jefferson Lake’s Cobblers v Rochdale preview: Only wins will do at Sixfields

The vast chasm between the team’s home and away records has become a paradox of genuine scientific bewilderment at Sixfields this season.

Aidy Boothroyd commented in his weekly press conference that he has been thinking long and hard, delving deep into his tactical reserves, for a solution to the side’s road woes.

Things have to get better away from home and that is a fact of which everyone employed by Northampton Town is painfully aware.

The team are yet to play fixtures at Port Vale, Cheltenham, Southend United and Exeter City - four of the seven sides currently above them in npower League Two.

But they also have to travel to rock-bottom Wimbledon and mid-table fodder Morecambe and Wycombe Wanderers.

There are points up for grabs.

Talk of amending the away form, however, is a distraction from the more important issue this week, namely that of maintaining a proud record on home soil.

While Northampton are indifferent on their travels they are seriously impressive in NN5 and absolutely must maintain that excellent record if they want to challenge for promotion.

Arguably they are under some pressure to do this on Saturday afternoon.

Ten teams have come to Sixfields and left with nothing so far this term and for a pointer of how the next eight visitors might approach their games there it might be worth noting the Burton approach.

Because while clubs will lick their lips at the prospect of three points as the Town team bus arrives in their car park, away teams will be equally mindful of the Cobblers’ strength at home.

They will slow the game down to a snail’s pace and frustrate their opponents and those watching from the stands as much as possible.

A draw will be seen as a very good result for any team that comes to Sixfields between now and the end of the season.

For Boothroyd and his men, though, only wins at Sixfields will do.