As the Cobblers prepare to face Wigan Athletic once again, Cobblers Past takes a look back at the historical meetings between these two sides. Though not traditional rivals, meetings between Northampton Town and Wigan Athletic have delivered their fair share of drama, memorable results, and intriguing player crossovers. From late equalisers to bold away-day victories, there’s plenty to revisit in this fixture.

Last Time We Met – Final Day Drama in May 2025

Northampton Town 1–1 Wigan Athletic
Date: Saturday, 3 May 2025 – League One, Sixfields Stadium

The most recent encounter between the Cobblers and the Latics came on the final day of the 2024/25 League One season. With both teams safe from relegation and out of the promotion hunt, it was a match that could have drifted into forgettable territory — until a dramatic ending.

Tariqe Fosu lit up the first half with a stunning solo goal in the 33rd minute. Breaking from a Wigan corner, Nesta Guinness-Walker surged downfield and played in Fosu, who chopped inside and arrowed a shot into the far corner.

The Cobblers looked in control, especially after Mitch Pinnock cleared a Jason Kerr header off the line. But deep into stoppage time, Dale Taylor struck — bundling home a James Carragher cross to rescue a point for Wigan. Will Aimson was sent off moments later for a reckless challenge, capping off a surprisingly lively finale to the season.

A Memorable Win – Triumph at Springfield Park, 1988

Wigan Athletic 1–3 Northampton Town
Date: Saturday, 5 November 1988 – Division Three
Venue: Springfield Park
Attendance: 2,472

One of Northampton’s most satisfying wins against Wigan came back in 1988, a commanding away performance that showcased clinical finishing and solid defending.

Goals:

• Berry (12′) – Blasted home after a neat setup from Dave Gilbert.
• Adcock (38′) – Nodded in a Berry cross to retake the lead after Wigan had briefly equalised.
• Culpin (47′) – Sealed the win after shrugging off his marker and rounding the keeper.

The match was notable for Peter Gleasure’s 250th league appearance and Dave Gilbert’s 100th. Despite Wigan’s 10 shots off target and a flurry of corners, the Cobblers stayed resolute and left Springfield Park with all three points. Frustrations boiled over in the home end as Wigan fans protested against manager Ray Mathias and chairman Bill Kenyon.

Players Who’ve Worn Both Shirts

Several familiar names have represented both the Cobblers and the Latics over the years:

• Leon Barnett – A solid defender who turned out for both clubs during his career.
• Ian Benjamin – An attacking force during his time at Northampton, who also featured for Wigan.
• Pat Gavin – A forward with stints at both sides. A legend that needs no description. 
• Charlee Goode — the Cobblers’ club-record sale — played a key role at Sixfields before moving on, including a loan stint at Wigan
• Lee Nicholls – Developed at Wigan and later made appearances for the Cobblers between the sticks.
• Richard O’Donnell – Another goalkeeper with time at both clubs.
• Ivan Toney – Before rising to Premier League prominence, Toney’s early development included time at Northampton and a loan spell at Wigan.
• Charlee Bishop– has worn the claret and blue and the blue and white of Wigan.

Currently in the two squad: Michael Jacobs and Dara Costelloe — both with past or present ties to the sides— help continue the historic player connection between the clubs.

From the Dugout – Nicky Adams’ Coaching Connection

While best remembered for his on-pitch exploits for the Cobblers, Nicky Adams was appointed Wigan’s First Team Head Coach last year. Adams, a fan favourite at Northampton for his energy and creativity, played a key role in two promotion-winning campaigns with the club.

More Than Just Players – Historic Links Between the Clubs

One of the earliest and most notable links comes from the pre-war era.

• George O’Dell, a player for Northampton Town between 1927 and 1932, made 147 Football League appearances before becoming part of Wigan Athletic’s very first squad in 1932 — featuring in the club’s inaugural league match.

Fan Memories – Flags Flying in 2000

Additionally, fans might recall a poignant image from Saturday, 23 September 2000, when Wigan beat Northampton 2–0 in a Nationwide League Division Two fixture. A photo from that day captured NTFC flags in the crowd — a small but vivid reminder of the unwavering away support that travels with the Cobblers.