A degree of normal service was resumed at The EBB Stadium as Aldershot Town stole a late victory in thrilling and controversial circumstances.
Largely bereft of creativity, and fortunate to still be in the game with ten minutes left, it took a debatable, twice-taken penalty and a superb strike from Marvin Morgan for The Shots to commit floodlit robbery. Defensive solidity and flowing football were conspicuous by their absence as Northampton pressed hard to stifle their opponents, and took a deserved 18th minute lead through Guttridge. Aldershot did little to suggest a comeback until referee Mr Graham awarded a penalty as Anthony Charles fell under challenge from Rodgers as a long ball flew towards the dead ball line. Donnelly’s first kick was weak and easily saved, but his second was far more confident and sent Dunn the wrong way. A draw would have been harsh on Northampton but when McCready pulled up chasing a ball into his own right-back position, Morgan added insult to injury. Having nipped in and stormed into the box, he drilled a low shot underneath Dunn to spark disbelieving delirium on the East Bank. After three consecutive goalless draws, this was the true initiation ceremony for Kevin Dillon: tumultuous, nerve-wracking and never knowing when they are beaten.