The Cobblers concluded their Checkatrade Trophy involvement with a home game against West Ham United under 21s.
With both sides unable to qualify from the group, boss Rob Page made a number of changes to the side that started in the previous league fixture. Injury ruled out Jak McCourt while Kenji Gorre and Gabriel Zakuani were both away on international duty.
On a cold early November night at Sixfields and after a quiet opening to the game Harry Beautyman broke the deadlock midway through the first half, riffling a half-volley into the bottom corner from a Lewin Nyatanga knock back.
West Ham equalised on 39 minutes, Marcus Browne setting up Djar Parfitt-Williams following a pacey attack from the visitors. The goal lifted the Hammers but when presented with a chance Alex Pike couldn’t keep his shot down and the teams went in all-square at the break.
The attendance of 762 confirmed at half-time, was the lowest ever in the club’s history for a competitive fixture.
Raheem Hanley and Rod McDonald came on for the second half as the Cobblers made a double change, David Buchanan and Zander Diamond making way.
Emmanuel Sonupe had a shot blocked at close range and Beautyman headed wide as the home side started the second half on the attack.
David Cornell did well to deny Hector-Ingram before saving comfortably an Alfie Lewis shot from distance.
Only a goal line clearance prevented Sonupe from restoring the Cobblers lead on 69 minutes with Alfie Potter’s follow-up effort blocked.
Academy striker Joe Iaciofano came on to make his Cobblers debut as Rob Page made his third and final substitution, the locally born frontman replacing Alex Revell.
Joe Powell went close to winning it for the Hammers in stoppage time but the game ended 1-1 and a penalty shoot-out followed.
PENALTIES
Harry Beautyman – crossbar 0-0
Marcus Browne – saved 0-0
Alfie Potter – scored 1-0
Alex Pike – scored 1-1
Joel Byrom – scored 2-1
Alfie Lewis – scored 2-2
Emmanuel Sonupe – missed 2-2
Noha Sylvestre – scored 2-3
John-Joe O’Toole – missed 2-3
West Ham won 3-2 on penalties