Nolan aims high after super Sam hits double

By Alan Frift

PETERBOROUGH U 0

PETERBOROUGH: Steer 6, Dornelly 6, Wallin 5, Katongo 7, Edun 6, Kyprianou 6 (Susoho 46, 6), Collins 6 (De Havilland 46, 6), Poku 6 (Hayes 46, 6), Mothersille 5 (Johnston 31, 6), Odoh 6, Jones 6 (Lindgren 73, 6). Subs not used: Bilokapic, Fernandez

NORTHAMPTON T 4

Hoskins 15, 34 (pen), Costelloe 41, Eaves 90

NORTHAMPTON: Burge 7, Eyoma 7, McGowan 7 (Odimayo 64, 6), Mbete-Tabu 7 (Dyche 72, 7), Guinness-Walker 7, Perry 8, Taylor 7, Pinnock 7, Hoskins 9 (Fosu 72, 6), McGeehan 8 (Eaves 63, 7), Costelloe 8 (Roberts 64, 6). Subs not used: Tzanev, Hondermarc

Att: 9,782 Rating: ★★★★★ Ref: Simon Mather 7/10

KEVIN Nolan wants to push for as many points as possible after Northampton eased their relegation fears with this thrashing of big rivals Peterborough.

The Cobblers ended their four-game winless run by putting Posh to the sword at London Road, opening up a welcome seven-point cushion over the dreaded drop zone.

Sam Hoskins struck at the double, while Dara Costelloe and Tom Eaves both got on the scoresheet to ensure Northampton’s biggest win of the campaign.

The Cobblers overturned their 3-0reverse to the Posh last time out, and Nolan said: “We’ve got five games left and I want to get as many points as possible fromthese games.

“We’ve been a bit inconsistent and that is something that has to change but the reaction from the players was terrific. They have listened to what we’ve said and the game plan was executed.”

The Cobblers, who went close early on when Cameron Mc-Geehan’s effort was cleared off the line, broke the deadlock when Hoskins fired home his first in the 15th minute.

Set up by McGeehan’s quick pass, Hoskins fired a right-footed shot from the centre of the box to the top right corner. Tayo Edun was shown red in the 28th minute for lashing out at McGeehan.

Hoskins hit his 88th league goal for the club with a 33rd-minute penalty after Ben Perry drew a foul, the striker firing the ball to the keeper’s left.

It was three when McGeehan intercepted James Dornelly’s attempted clearance and slipped in Costelloe to slot home before the break.

After the restart, McGeehan’s strike was spilled by Jed Steer before Costelloe’s effort was scrambled off the line. Steer did well to keep out Tom Eaves’ effort before Tariq Fosu failed to bundle the rebound home.

The fourth came at the end as Tyler Roberts headed home his second goal of the season from a Mitch Pinnock cross following a set-piece.

“Sam Hoskins was magnificent,” added Nolan. “He’s been fantastic since I’ve come in. It was nice too see smiles on faces from the fans.”

Posh suffered their first home defeat of 2025, and boss Darren Ferguson admitted: “It’s a horrendous day for us. “First and foremost when you play a derby you need to do the basics right.

“You need to do the horrible side of the game right, and we just didn’t do that.”