Ricky Holmes on tonights game...

[lovedeanblue]

Ricky has no doubt Chris Wilder’s side will present a tougher test than the teams we have met so far and sees them as strong promotion candidates.

Northampton have picked up four points from their first two games, as well as knocking Wolves out of the Capital One Cup away from home.

The Pompey midfielder believes that tells his team everything about the challenge they will face.

‘They have an experienced manager who knows the team and knows the league,’ said Holmes. ‘He gets everything he can out of his players.

‘That game will be our toughest test yet.

‘It will be a tougher game than when we played Peterborough.

‘The Capital One Cup and the league are totally different.

‘They’ll come here and be a very strong side to face.’

Northampton survived in League Two on the final day of last season thanks to a strong end to the campaign.

They have strengthened over the summer after Wilder’s arrival in January.

A familiar face will be in their ranks in Dan Alfei, who spent a period on

[Corkhead]

I agree. This will be a tough test. I am hoping for a narrow win but expecting a draw. No more stupid reds would help immensely.

[lovedeanblue]

Indeed Indeed.

[lovedeanblue]

1st half was as good as I can remember for ages at FP, Deservedly went in 2 up having played some sparkling football. 2nd half we didn't really fire although Big Nigel deserved his 1st goal for us when he hit the post. We kept a clean sheet and in the second half our ball retention was much better than on Saturday. The commitment was superb and to be honest I can't remember the Cobblers creating a clear cut chance. Oxford here we come
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[ForeverPompey]

Awfs 'bigged-up' Northampton,but they didn't show much IMO..thought they were cobblers
having said that,i agree with others,thought we were tremendous first half.