Dave Gilbert scored within the first 36 seconds to set Northampton Town on their way to a fourth win in a row as the Cobblers beat Fulham 2-1 this evening.
The midfielder’s close-range header gave the home side the perfect start – and it was fourth goal in five games since being submitting a transfer request. Fulham’s defence failed to react either to a strong run from Steve Berry to the byline or the presence of the smallest man on the pitch at the far post, with Gilbert ghosting in to head past a furious Jim Stannard.
The home side had plenty of chances to increase their lead after making an energetic start but couldn’t construct a commanding lead. New signing Darren Collins turned Doug Rougvie inside out before testing Stannard’s reflexes with a low drive, Dean Thomas went close from the subsequent corner before shooting over from just inside the box.
Fulham levelled just after the half hour mark when referee Bob Hamer pointed to the penalty spot after Keith McPherson had appeared to win the ball fairly from Gordon Davies. The home crowd and players were incensed, but Skinner kept his cool to dispatch the spot-kick low to Peter Gleasure’s right.
Parity lasted only eight minutes before Thomas stooped to head home a cross from Tony Adcock after brilliant play again by Berry down the right flank had breached the visiting defence. Fulham pushed for an equaliser after the interval with Ray Lewington’s side looking most threatening from set-plays, but struggled to create clear-cut chances to test Gleasure, whose only save saw him deny Rougvie with his legs.
Northampton survived a nervy last ten minutes to claim a precious three points that lifted them to fourteenth place in the table.
NORTHAMPTON TOWN: Gleasure; McPherson, Bradley, Wilson, Williams, Quow, Gilbert, Berry, D. Thomas, Adcock, Collins. Subs (not used): Sandeman, Donegal.
GOALS: Gilbert (1), D. Thomas (39).
FULHAM: Stannard; G. Thomas, Elkins, Rougvie, Langley, Marshall, Kerrins (Sayer 70), Scott, Skinner, Cole (Gordon 75), Davies.
GOAL: Skinner (pen 31).
REFEREE: Bob Hamer (Bristol).
ATTENDANCE: 3,948
