As the fixtures are out we take a look back at the Cobblers’ last seven traditional league openers to see how Town have fared on day one in recent seasons.
2026/27 – Wigan Athletic 3 Northampton 1
The Cobblers’ latest opening-day test ended in defeat at the hands of Wigan Athletic, with the hosts proving clinical in key moments.
Wigan’s early dominance paid off on the half-hour mark when Joseph Hungbo’s cross was volleyed home by Fraser Murray on his debut.
Northampton nearly found a response when Cameron McGeehan headed against the outside of the post, but Wigan doubled their advantage just before the break as Jensen Weir nodded home from a Hungbo corner.
Lee Burge prevented further damage before half-time with a superb save, but Wigan struck again just 15 seconds into the second half when Murray grabbed his second of the afternoon to make it 3-0.
Michael Forbes pulled one back for the Cobblers with 20 minutes remaining, heading home from close range, and Elliott List came close to reducing the deficit further, only to be denied by a brilliant save from Sam Tickle.
Wigan finished strongly and could have added more, but Town escaped further punishment.
2025/26 – Northampton 0 Wigan Athletic 1
The Cobblers began the new campaign with a narrow home defeat against Wigan Athletic at Sixfields.
Despite a determined display and plenty of endeavour, Town were undone by a second-half strike as Wigan took all three points. It was a frustrating afternoon for Kevin Nolan’s men, who will feel they deserved more from the contest.
2024/25 – Bristol Rovers 0 Northampton 1
Northampton made the perfect start to the League One season with a valuable away win at the Memorial Stadium.
A disciplined defensive performance and a decisive goal saw the Cobblers kick off the campaign in style, earning their first opening-day victory in nine years.
2023/24 – Northampton 0 Stevenage 1
Stevenage recorded their first-ever win at Sixfields thanks to Carl Piergianni’s scrappy late goal.
The Cobblers looked set to take a point from their League One return, but a late set-piece proved decisive and left Town empty-handed.
2022/23 – Colchester United 0 Northampton 1
Sam Hoskins’ second-half strike was enough to give the Cobblers a winning start in Essex.
Jon Brady’s side were solid throughout and deservedly took the points, continuing their strong momentum after the previous campaign’s disappointment.
2021/22 – Northampton 1 Port Vale 0
Northampton opened their League Two season with a hard-fought home win.
Danny Rose scored the only goal of the game in front of returning supporters at Sixfields, as the Cobblers started life back in League Two on a positive note.
2020/21 – Northampton 2 AFC Wimbledon 2
A chaotic opening-day encounter saw the Cobblers fight back for a point.
Wimbledon raced into an early lead after just 20 seconds, but Town responded well and looked on course for victory before being pegged back late on in an entertaining draw.
Opening day has certainly brought mixed fortunes for Northampton in recent years, with four wins, one draw and two defeats across their last seven curtain-raisers. Supporters will be hoping the next one brings better luck.