Sky Bet League Two action returns this weekend as Rovers look to gain a crucial three points against Northampton Town at Sixfields Stadium.
This weekend’s game follows a 0-2 defeat to Wimbledon at Prenton Park in the League and a penalty shootout Football League Trophy exit at the hands of Burton Albion, but Rovers will be looking to kick on from solid performances on the road in recent weeks.
As for Northampton Town they will be hoping to carry on a fine vein of form which has seen them beat both Gillingham and Bradford in quick succession, with goals from Pinnock, McWilliams and Sherring sealing victory for the Cobblers in their most recent outing. Their recent form has seen them climb to third in the table, just two points behind title-chasing Stevenage.
Team News:
In Thursday’s press conference, Micky Mellon revealed that a few members of the squad are feeling the affects of an illness in the camp with Josh Hawkes, Kane Hemmings and Kyle Jameson needing to be assessed.
Jordan Turnbull and Dynel Simeu are both ruled out through suspension.
Joel Mumbongo, Charlie Jolley, Luke Robinson and Reece McAlear are all still in the treatment room.
One to watch: Sam Hoskins:
The former Southampton player has experienced a wide range of loan spells throughout his career each with differing success, however, it is safe to say that he has found his feet, his scoring boots and his home in Northampton where he has been scoring goals consistently throughout the last seven years.
Whilst on Southampton’s books from 2011-2013, Hoskins made 2 appearances in the Premier League before having three successive loans with Preston North End, Rotherham United and Stevenage before moving to Yeovil in the summer of 2013.
Again being loaned out, 2014 saw the tricky midfielder head to National League side Barnet where he made 6 appearances scoring 2 goals.
Summer 2015 saw Hoskins signed for Northampton Town on a one-year deal and he has been a mainstay ever since. Having played 269 games and scored 57 goals for the East Midlander’s it is safe to say he has found a permanent home.
He is currently joint top scorer with Bradford’s Andy Cook, the pair currently sit on 13 goals apiece and Hoskins will be looking to add to his tally for the season this weekend. Especially with Mitchell Pinnock, who is currently ranked 4th in the League for assists, joining him in midfield.
Manager: Jon Brady:
Following managerial spells with Brackley Town, the Australia U17s and the Northampton Town youth setup, the 47-year-old Australian was given charge of the first team in 2021, putting pen to paper on a two-year deal.
Brady was offered a spell as caretaker manager following the sacking of Keith Curle in February 2021, becoming the permanent manager less than 4 months later. Despite his best efforts, Northampton were immediately relegated from League One but his side have fared better upon their return to League Two this season.
After an extremely positive start to the season, Brady and his side will be hoping to continue their push for an immediate return to League One with a victory against Rovers this Saturday
Match Coverage:
As a result of the ongoing FIFA 2022 Qatar World Cup, our games will be streamed live on iFollow throughout the tournament with all UK supporters having access Rovers’ games with a match pass.
You can also follow all the action through our social media pages that can be found below. Each game will have side-by-side full text coverage during and will be followed by a match report.
Twitter: @tranmererovers
Facebook: @trfcofficial
Instagram: @tranmererovers
Match reaction from Micky Mellon and a player will also follow on both here and on our YouTube channel.