Football: Northampton are inspired by Parrish
Cardiff 0 Northampton 1
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.The Northampton midfielder Mark Cooper was sent off for violent conduct in the 70th minute of this frenetic Third Division promotion play-off semi-final at Ninian Park yesterday. But Northampton, who knocked Cardiff out of the Coca-Cola Cup earlier this season, as well as beating them 4-0 at home in the league, overcame Cooper's dismissal to score the winner, courtesy of the Wrexham-born Sean Parrish, seven minutes later.
Cooper was given his marching orders after elbowing Cardiff's Jason Perry in the face as they went up to contest a throw-in inside the Northampton half. The referee, John Kirkby, had already booked five players for lesser offences and appeared to have little option but to show Cooper the red card.
As so often happens, though, instead of lifting Cardiff's hopes, the sending-off inspired a Northampton side which up until then had seemed content to sit back and soak up the pressure.
Parrish collected a loose ball just inside his own half when Northampton broke up another Cardiff attack. The defence backed away from him, allowing him to run straight through the middle before lobbing Steve Williams from just outside the penalty area.
Cardiff now have a huge task on their hands if they are to haul themselves back into the tie in the second leg at Sixfields on Wednesday, especially as Northampton have a vital away goal to take back with them.
Goal: Parrish (77) 0-1.
Cardiff City: Williams; Jarman, Lloyd, Perry, Young, Fowler, Eckhardt (White, 79), Stoker (Rollo, 87), Dale, Haworth, Middleton. Substitute not used: Philliskirk.
Northampton Town: Woodman; Clarkson, Frain, Sampson, Warburton, Rennie, Parrish, Grayson (Lee, 87), Gayle (Peer, 84), Cooper, Hunter. Substitute not used: Gibb.
Referee: J Kirkby (Sheffield). Bookings: Cardiff: Young, Fowler, Haworth. Northampton: Parrish, Gayle. Sending-off: Northampton: Cooper. Attendance: 11,369.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments