Wilder wants Cobblers to keep on recreating that winning '˜buzz'

Boss Chris Wilder wants to keep on recreating the '˜great buzz' generated in last weekend's dramatic 3-2 comeback win at Stevenage as the Cobblers close in on promotion.
GREAT DAY - Chris Wilder enjoys last Saturday's win over Stevenage (Picture: Sharon Lucey)GREAT DAY - Chris Wilder enjoys last Saturday's win over Stevenage (Picture: Sharon Lucey)
GREAT DAY - Chris Wilder enjoys last Saturday's win over Stevenage (Picture: Sharon Lucey)

Ricky Holmes’ last-gasp winner at Broadhall Way sparked wild celebrations on and off the pitch as Town secured the victory that maintained their 11-point lead at the top of Sky Bet League Two.

The Cobblers had come from 2-0 down to win 3-2, and with just nine games of the season remaining and a 17-point lead over fourth-placed Plymouth Argyle, Wilder knows his team is ‘close’ to sealing promotion.

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They could even go up this Easter weekend if other results go their way and they can beat Newport County at Sixfields on Friday and Mansfield at Field Mill on Monday.

But whenever promotion is eventually sealed, Wilder accepts the late, late win at Stevenage was a key moment.

“There was a great buzz about the place afterwards, and it was a great day,” said the Cobblers boss. “There is no getting away from it that when we look back on this season, that was a massive second-half performance.

“It was a great feeling at the end for everybody, and we want more of that, but we have a tough weekend of football ahead.

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“We are close, as we all know we are. We keep getting certain stats chucked at us, and we know we are close to finishing the first part of the job which is to gain promotion. Last weekend was a big three points and we are looking to gain a few more points this weekend.”

The Cobblers will be looking to stretch their unbeaten run to 16 games when Newport come to town on Friday afternoon (ko 3pm).

The squad will be boosted by the return to fitness of skipper and top-scorer Marc Richards, but Wilder is warning his players they have to maintain their focus as they approach the finishing line.

“We are fit and raring to go, and we are looking forward to a cracking home game here on Friday,” said Wilder.

“But nothing is going to change in my approach.

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“It’s on to the next game, it’s the same approach as every other week, and sorry if it is a bit boring, but it has to be that way.

“It has worked for the group so far and we will carry on knowing that it has to be full tilt from everybody on Friday to go and gain three points.”

Newport arrive at Sixfields sitting comfortably in mid-table, and in unpredictable form, having won one, drawn one and lost one of their past three games.

The defeat was a 4-1 home beating at the hands of Bristol Rovers last Saturday - but eight days previously they had won 3-0 at Portsmouth.

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“Newport have done exceptionally well, they had a lift after a bad start when John Sheridan went in there, and Warren (Feeney) has carried that on since John left,” said Wilder.

“We all know this division, and going into this game they will be going down the road of saying they won at Portsmouth, and you can’t get away from that fact.

“Full credit and respect to Newport for that on that day, but then they get done 4-1 at home to Bristol Rovers.

“All the teams are looking for the consistency that we have managed to produce in form and results.”