THE Cobblers have Jamie Forrester's goals to thank for their healthy position in Division Two.

The former Leeds United man has bagged 14 goals in 19 starts for the club.

They lie in ninth place but should the little striker's goals dry up then there may be cause for concern.

Northampton have netted 21 times in the league but 12 of those have come from the boot of Forrester.

Town travel to Sixfields to face a side looking to bounce back from successive heavy defeats.

A 3-0 reverse at home to Bournemouth was followed last week by a 3-0 hammering at Walsall.

Kevin Wilson's side have exceeded pre-season expectations and the Cobblers fans have genuine expectations of a play-off place.

Home form has been a little erratic. Three wins, two draws and two defeats suggest a lack of consistency but the Cobblers have looked impressive on their travels, securing five victories away from Sixfields.

Steve Howard is likely to partner Forrester up front. The former Hartlepool United man has netted five goals during the current campaign.

Another North East connection at the club comes in the form of veteran striker Marco Gabbiadini.

The former Sunderland, Derby and Darlington man arrived at Sixfields in the summer but has struggled to make a real impact.

Further experienced players include skipper John Frain, the former Birmingham City full back, and goalkeeper Keith Welch.

Northampton boss Wilson, who enjoyed a distinguished career with clubs including Chelsea and Ipswich, still merits a place on the bench and with 199 career goals to his name, he is anxious to notch at least one more.

In a bid to boost his attack, Wilson has brought in Grimsby striker Daryl Clare.

The player spent two-and-a-half months on loan at Northampton last season.

The 22-year-old is likely to slot in behind the front two.

He said: "When I came here last year I really enjoyed myself and when the chance came to rejoin Northampton, I couldn't turn them down."

Another new face at Sixfields is 19-year Mark Maley. The full back has arrived from Sunderland.

While the Cobblers are sitting comfortably in the league, they also enjoyed a brief moment of success in the Worthington Cup.

High-flying Fulham suffered a 1-0 defeat at Sixfields before comfortably winning the return.

Northampton made a comfortable start to their FA Cup campaign.

Non-league Frickley Athletic were hammered 4-0, with Forrester netting twice. Frain and Hunt were the other scorers.

Gone are the days when Northampton's ground was the butt of jokes, Town travel to a club which has made impressive progress both on and off the field.

With so many experienced players on the Cobblers' books, Town will need to battle hard to gain at least some reward.