Notts County produce impressive performance to hold Northampton Town to 2-2 away draw

Notts County have held table-topping Northampton Town to a 2-2 draw in Saturday’s League Two clash at Sixfields, Thierry Audel and Jon Stead bagging the goals for the Magpies.

The hosts were first to threaten as Ricky Holmes' cross found Marc Richards before the loose ball was struck towards goal, but Scott Loach was able to make the save.

Mark Cooper’s side enjoyed the odd foray into the Cobblers’ final third but the home team was on top in the opening stages, Nicky Adams coming close on the quarter-hour mark.

Northampton then went on to take the lead 32 minutes in when Holmes struck a clean volley past Loach, sending the Sixfields crowd wild.

Their joy lasted just four minutes because the Magpies pushed forward, with Liam Noble sending a header towards goal, and despite Smith’s save, Audel persevered to get to the ball and nod home.

After the restart Notts threatened through Noble’s corner to Stead, which was blocked en route to goal, while 54 minutes in the latter felt the visitors should have had a penalty, though this was denied.

Stead did eventually win a penalty midway through the second half after he was bundled in the Cobblers box, and he chose to take it himself, powering the ball into the roof of the net.

Just a few minutes later, however, Northampton won a spot kick of their own, which Holmes – who won the penalty – slotted down the middle to make it 2-2.

This is how the game finished, Notts fans in high spirits and voices at the final whistle to praise their side for another impressive performance, while Northampton's promotion champagne had to be put on ice.

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