Cobblers held by Pirates

Northampton had to be content with a point after they failed to get the better of Bristol Rovers in a 0-0 draw.

Bristol Rovers earn goalless draw at Northampton

Northampton had to be content with a point after they failed to get the better of out-of-form Bristol Rovers in a goalless draw. Rovers had won just once in nine attempts going into the game but in the end they could have won it following a much improved second-half display. Northampton's best chances came at the start and at the end of the game with Adebayo Akinfenwa hitting the woodwork inside the first minute while substitute Leon Constantine headed wide from a great position late on. The home side bossed the first half and beside Akinfenwa hitting the post from the edge of the box, Danny Jackman saw his free-kick turned away by Steve Phillips, Giles Coke shot over and Scott McGleish had his volley well saved. Akinfenwa and McGleish also had the ball in the net but each time the effort was ruled out. At the other end, Chris Lines headed tamely at Chris Dunn and also shot over while Craig Disley fired into the side-netting. Rovers created several good chances in the second half. Disley miskicked from close range, Dunn tipped over Rickie Lambert's fierce drive and Jason Crowe cleared off the line from Jo Kuffour. Disley and Lambert also saw close-range efforts hacked off the line but Constantine should have won it in the 81st minute but he headed wide from Jackman's free-kick with the goal at his mercy.