ANDY KING insists he has nothing to answer for after tangling with Northampton boss Martin Wilkinson in the closing stages of Town's 1-0 defeat at Sixfields Stadium.

The County Ground boss branded the Cobblers' actions 'unprofessional and childish' after an unsavoury exchange, sparked by the Northampton bench's unwillingness to return the ball at a throw-in in the dying seconds.

King's attempt to retrieve the ball from Cobblers' goalkeeping coach Jim Blyth angered Wilkinson and the two became embroiled in a scuffle.

Both King and Blyth were banished to the stand for the last few seconds.

It is not clear whether referee Tony Leake will include the incident in his report but King feels he is the innocent party.

He said: "I went to ask for the ball back, pushed him and unfortunately, and I won't forgive him for it, their manager reacted and grabbed me by the coat and neck.

"He wouldn't have done it in my local pub. I won't have it.

"As far as I'm concerned I did nothing.

"All I wanted to do was get the ball back in play.

"The fourth official was aware of that. I find it totally unprofessional and childish.

"The ball came to me earlier in the game and I gave it straight back.

"I treat others as I would wish to be treated."

King said it was an unfortunate end to the game as he had been preparing to congratulate Wilkinson on his team securing three crucial points.

Through the Northampton Town official web site, Wilkinson apologised for his actions, stating: "My involvement is not something I am proud of."

Town chief executive Mark Devlin said the club was waiting to hear whether the incident would be reported by the match referee before making any comment.

Tickets prices for Saturday's trip to Mansfield Town are as follows: £14 (adults) and £7 (juniors and senior citizens). It is pay on the day.