As the Cobblers prepare to face Lincoln City once more, Cobblers Past takes a glance back at the meetings between the two sides. While not historic rivals, fixtures with the Imps have often been close-fought, with late goals, promotion battles, and memorable away days leaving their mark.
Last Time We Met – Sixfields Stalemate
Northampton Town 0–0 Lincoln City
Date: Tuesday, 13 February 2024 – League One, Sixfields Stadium
The most recent meeting between the sides ended goalless under the lights at Sixfields. Both teams had chances, but neither could find the breakthrough in a tight encounter.
Northampton came closest when Mitch Pinnock’s curling effort forced a superb stop from Lukas Jensen, while Louis Appéré saw a header flash wide. At the other end, Ethan Erhahon and Reeco Hackett threatened for Lincoln, but Lee Burge was equal to their efforts.
It was a game that reflected the two clubs’ resilience that season — both sides pushing for mid-table security and proving difficult to beat.
A Memorable Win – Away Success at Sincil Bank, 2006
Lincoln City 1–2 Northampton Town
Date: Saturday, 14 January 2006 – League Two
Venue: Sincil Bank
One of the Cobblers’ most satisfying victories at Lincoln came during their promotion-winning campaign under Colin Calderwood.
Scott McGleish struck early with a poacher’s finish before Lincoln levelled through Jamie Forrester. But Northampton showed their promotion credentials when Josh Low surged down the flank and delivered for Andy Kirk, who calmly slotted home the winner.
That win proved a springboard as the Cobblers pushed on and sealed automatic promotion to League One later that season.
Classic Encounter – Sixfields Thriller, 1998
Northampton Town 3–2 Lincoln City
Date: Tuesday, 3 March 1998 – Division Two
Venue: Sixfields Stadium
One of the most thrilling matches between the two sides came in the late 1990s, when both were scrapping for valuable points in the third tier.
Corazzin gave Northampton the lead with a sharp finish, only for Lincoln to equalise through Thorpe. The Cobblers restored their advantage before half-time when John Frain converted a free-kick, but once again Lincoln hit back through a Battersby strike.
With time ticking away, the game looked destined for a draw until substitute Ray Warburton rose highest from a late corner to head home the winner, sending the Sixfields crowd into raptures.
Players Who’ve Represented Both Clubs
Several familiar names have worn the colours of both Northampton Town and Lincoln City over the years:
Jamie Forrester – Prolific striker at Lincoln who also had a spell at Sixfields, remembered for his sharp finishing.
Derek Asamoah – A pacey forward who made his name at Northampton before later joining Lincoln.
Richard Butcher – A hardworking midfielder, popular at Lincoln across multiple spells, with a stint at Northampton too.
Laurie Dudfield – Journeyman striker who turned out for both clubs during his Football League career.
Nick Wright – Forward who featured for both sides in the early 2000s, adding depth in attack.
Shared Ambitions and Tight Encounters
Northampton and Lincoln have frequently crossed paths in League Two and League One campaigns, often with both teams eyeing promotion or consolidation. The meetings tend to be tight, with fine margins and decisive goals.
From crucial away wins at Sincil Bank to fiercely contested clashes at Sixfields, it’s a fixture that continues to deliver hard-fought football and plenty of storylines.