News at the PTS Academy Stadium

NEWS

ALL THE LATEST NEWS FROM THE PTS ACADEMY STADIUM

ALAN WOAN

Cobblers Past and Northampton Town Football Club were saddened to learn of the passing of former Cobbler Alan Woan. Alan started his career with New Brighton whilst working as a carpenter. He joined Norwich City in 1953 and scored within three minutes of his league debut, against the Cobblers. In two and a half seasons at Carrow Road Alan failed to win a regular first team place, although his goalscoring record for the reserves was 43 goals in 77 games. He joined the Cobblers and settled down after struggling to come to terms with the move at one stage. The 1958-59 season would be one Alan would remember for a long time as he netted 32 league goals during the season. The following season he entered the record books by being the first player to score in the newly formed Division Four when he netted the first goal in a 4-1 victory over Port Vale, who ironically went on to win the league that season. Alan was allowed to move to Crystal Palace in an exchange deal that brought Mike Deakin to the County Ground along with a cash adjustment. He stayed just over a year at Selhurst Park before moving on to Aldershot, managed by Dave Smith, the man who had signed him for Northampton. Alan spent three seasons at Aldershot where he later teamed up with Mike Deakin and then wound down his career with Chertsey and New Brighton again. We send our condolences to Alan's family and friends.

FROST COVERS PROTECT THE PITCH

Full credit to the groundstaff for their work in ensuring the recent Burton Albion game went ahead in very cold conditions. The pitch covers were in place for a number of days ahead of the game to ensure the penetrating frosts did not cause a postponement. Bags of hay and good, old fashioned hot water were also brought in to play to ensure the game went ahead.

FOUR GAME BAN FOR ACCRINGTON STANLEY’S SEAN McCONVILLE AFTER COBBLERS FIXTURE

Accrington Stanley FC’s Sean McConville has been suspended for four matches with immediate effect after admitting a charge for a breach of FA Rule E1.1 and accepting the standard penalty. The defender’s behaviour during the 85th minute of the EFL League One fixture against the Cobblers on Saturday 6th February was not seen by the match officials at the time but caught on video and constituted violent conduct. McConville has issued the following apology: "I want to apologise to Peter Kioso, my teammates, John Coleman and his coaching staff and the Stanley fans. "It was the heat of the moment but I understand it was wrong and accept my punishment."