ALB 7 : Flapped at one cross but managed to get it out of the danger zone. didn't have much to do but when he was needed was fine

McCunnie 7 : One of his better games at the back. Steady, decent passing. didn't provide the options bombing forward that sweeney does, but nevertheless looked comfortable

Clark 8 : Poor first half by his standards with too much possession kicked away. Much better in the secdond half when he also got tighter and was snapping at the Northampton forwards' heels non-stop. Excellent in the air.

Nelson 7 : See Clark's distribution. Dominant in the air throughout, and seems to have been told to defend first and let those around him who can pass, do it.

Humphries 7 : Suffered from the general passing malaise in the first half but the half time rocket seemed to work. Steady and unspectacular in the second although did link up well at times with Monky and Matty

Matty 6 : Quiet one for him. Never seemed to get the measure of their right back 'rocky' gilligan !! Willing to run at people because of renewed confidence and that can only be a good thing.

Liddle 8 : One of his better games in there and looks a lot happier to get forward under turner. strong in the air and in the tackle, looked more like the player we thought we'd signed.

Jones 8 : Can't believe the criticism he gets. Great engine, willing runner, retains possession well. Didn't have his greatest first half, but covered every blade of grass over the ninety.

Monky 8 : Another player having one of his better games last night. Looked interested throughout and produced a great incisive run and pass for Joel's second goal. Looks much happier with life under turner.

Porter 9 : Unfit, injured, possibly in his last season with us and playing in a side finding their second wind, but still the best striker in this division on his day. Shields the ball like a weeble and links play up beautifully. Two textbook finishes that should be used at academies all over the country. wish he was staying.

Mackay 9 : Gonna get hammered for this mark, but i thought last night was his best game for us. he is always going to be lightweight and will not win many physical battles, but last night his awareness and his availability for the ball matched his enthusiasm. Deserved a goal, having laid on Joel's first with a lovely tuen and short pass. Fast as fook, and seems to be improving his decision making. I've not given up on him yet.

SUBS

Power 8 : '8 ?' I hear you cry. 'Fookin 8 ?' Yes, 8. Looks like he's lost a load of weight, and when he came on he was a pain in the arse. Harried, fouled and outmuscled their midfield and forward line like a rabid terrier. Really do like the look of him.

Liam 'Washed Up at 19' Henderson 7 : tried his hardest to get involved and showed some Daly-esque touches and lay-offs. Clouted one beauty that the keeper had to tip over. far too early to say either way but an encouraging cameo. Send him back.

Rowell 5 : No time to influence the game.

GAFFER(S) 10 : Great to see such enthusiasm from the bench from both of them. Butterworth looks like he's had a personality transplant, and what pleases me most is the constant communication with the players. Defenders are defending first (clean sheet !), forwards are swapping constantly and dragging the opposition all over the shop. Liddle and Jones sitting too deep was quickly remedied at half-time and we looked a better team in the second when we got closer to them. Turner in ?!!

VERDICT : Ultimately a comfortable win without ever really hitting top gear. Allowed a very poor Northampton side too much time on the ball in the first half but that changed in the second. defended very well when they had their spell, with everyone contributing. Turner and Butterworth have quite obviously briefed every player on their part in the game plan, so even when things don't absolutely click, everyone still knows what their part is and it shows.

at Nelsons comment. He hit more aimless pointless long balls to the opposition than ever last night.

I didn't honestly see this good performance from Mackay, he might have done ok by his standards but for me they aren't anywhere near League One, he was visibly boiling Joels piss!!

You can't knock the lad for effort I'll say that.

Actually not a bad assessment but some questionable scores

ALB nothing much to do so 6 at best

Humps - also 6 still caught ourt of position far to often

Mackay -7 better than ususal but not that good,

Jones - never an 8 still chasing shadows and powder puff in central midfield one run up the right in second half, as for retaining possesion about as good as Nelson - that was it 6

Power agreed - great midfield terrier and a better bet in the centre than Jones - did more than him in the brief time he was on the pitch

Nelse - see Trees comments main culprit in lumping it forward looking for Kyle I think or a greyhound up front hoofed loads into touch or for goal kicks especially in the first half

Hendo - not sure you can actually rate the guy with a score after only ten minutes in which he had a shot saved and was caught offside once

Whats he being saying like?

i think mackay was a bit off last night and prob feeling pressure of new signing.

still - i thought it was a good win but in general disappointing fayre and a poor game

but porter is just a class above and hopefully he'll sign off with 25-30 goals this term

every game that passes from now until end of the season will highlight even more how class he is

howay joel - just one more year

you are all my children, i love you and forgive you

Didnt see it either, cant hold the ball up so we lose it everytime he has his back to goal. Too weak. Seems to run the wrong way constantly, offside too much and for me did very little but run.

He aint good enough for League 1 in my opinion.

or even that wilson bloke

Lee-Barrett- 6
McCunnie- 7
Humphreys- 7
Clark- 7
Nelson- 7
Monkhouse- 7
Robson- 6
Jones- 6
Liddle- 6
Porter- 8
Mackay- 7

Agree with most of them Ripper but Mackay should have been a 5 as what did he do?

Run behind defenders and when he got the ball he lost it

No good for League 1 and is a Blue Square North player if that

Jones was shiitte last night! As was mackay.

I fail to see how you could award players such high scores. We did not play well but fortunately we got a result. Northampton were dreadul.

Were you wearing two pairs of rose tinted specs last night?

Helped set up the first goal, worked his bollox off so their defenders didn't have time on the ball, helped our midfield out when needed cos of their extra man in there etc etc.

I'm still not convinced he's good enough for this level but I would say that is probably his best league performance that I can recall so maybe...

Fully agree dunno what people were seeing to rate any of these players above a 6