A venomous free-kick from Micky Adams condemned Northampton Town to their first defeat at their new Sixfields Stadium – as Fulham headed back to London with all three points.
In a bizarre start to proceedings, kick off was delayed by 25 minutes after huge holes were discovered in the goalmouth as the teams ran out to get the game underway. It was apparently a legacy of Town sharing their new home with a rugby league side – but there was little cultured football on display once referee Alan Flood deemed the pitch playable.
Fulham were resolute in defence as Ian Branfoot’s side largely dealt with Northampton’s direct approach. Jim Stannard made a couple of good saves from Neil Grayson and Garry Thompson, whilst Nick Cusack and Gary Brazil went close for the visitors. Adams eventually rifled home the winner – with a rasping drive from the right wing, making light of an acute angle with another astonishing set-piece special.
FULHAM: Stannard; Finnigan, Herrera, Marshall, Moore, Blake, Mison, Morgan, Cusack, Brazil, Adams. Subs: Harrison, Bedrossian, Cork.
GOAL: Adams.
REFEREE: Alan Flood.
ATTENDANCE: 7,366
