Deegan…trialist
Two games, eleven goals scored and fitness improving by the day…a solid pre-season on the pitch for the Cobblers but as we prepare for the next friendly, at home to Peterborough United, you get the sense that things are stepping up a gear. With two local non-league teams disposed of we will now see how those trialists who have made an impression so far will cope with a massive step up in quality of opposition.
After JJ Hooper hit a hat-trick against Sileby Rangers it was fellow trialist Lateef Elford-Alliyu in the centre of the action on Tuesday night as Cogenhoe United were beaten 6-0 at Compton Park. Elford-Alliyu scored four times to add to goals from Gary Deegan and Darren Purse and all four are on the brink of deals ahead of the Posh friendly.
With other signings also possible and a smaller squad expected for the start of the season it looks set to be a scramble for spots in the next couple of weeks. Purse could well be the closest to a deal after it was revealed that Kelvin Langmead needs a knee operation and could well miss the start of the season. The former Birmingham defender fits the bill as a worthy stand in for Langers and certainly wouldn’t be the worst back up in the world once the skipper is back in action.
As for Deegan, he seems to be a battler of a midfielder and is likely to fit the mould of an Aidy Boothroyd player. That and he used to play for Coventry makes him a perfect signing!
So it is that we head into the Peterborough friendly on Saturday with a fight for places going on that can only be a healthy headache for the Town boss. It’s been a long summer but things are finally taking shape with just over two weeks to go until the big kick off!
A Load Of Cobblers 