Fan Power

[Marvo]

Yes, they had great support but three sides of the ground were Cobblers and more than 80% of the support was for NTFC.

Well that's the same at almost every ground in the country, 80% home fans.

You're arguing against yourself again, your saying fan support makes a difference and then use Gillingham as an example who haven't won since we were in League 1!

[Chamois]

I'm saying that having the majority of the ground against you seems to affect some players.

[The 12th Marquis of Sixfields]

Despite how quiet the West Stand can be, it's won a few free kicks and handballs over the years.

So much so that back when Atkins was here they wouldnt have linesmen running the South end of the West stand because they were always influenced by the crowd. Remember the brummie gypsy moaning about it once in the paper

[Marvo]

I'm saying that having the majority of the ground against you seems to affect some players.

Interesting. Well surely that would be a possible affect on every player in all 92 clubs when they play away from home!

[Chamois]

I think the truly great players - like Drogba, Bergkamp etc - don't fall for the psychological disadvantage argument of playing away. It really shouldn't matter whether you are home or away. Only in cricket should it make any difference.

[Chamois]

Of course there may be another reason for yesterday's penalty. Matt Lawrence, who held Beckwith at every corner, is a Northampton man and Cobblers fan.

[Marvo]

It really shouldn't matter whether you are home or away.

It shouldn't but it does. Go figure.

[Iest_ntfc]

If fans have no effect on a game, explain Gillingham's away form or some teams' long unbeaten home records. The pitches are the same. The only big difference, surely, is the support.

Maybe it's because there s***.

Fans do have an influence on teams when playing at home but also teams tend to play a different way when away from home which makes a difference.

but this thread was about our penalty and the influence of the fans in wining it.  As much as it's nice to think we helped the ref in his decision making, i'm sure he's bigger enough to make up his own mind.

[abington_cobbler]

Agree. Anyone notice that at Old Trafford the shocking Nani 'goal' v Spurs last night was given by same ref who missed the Spurs 'goal that never was'. Just me and my mate Gary Lineker then.

Did you also notice that all Spurs players were waved away when the ref went over to speak to his linesman but Ferdinand was almost invited into the conversation?

[Iest_ntfc]

Did you also notice that all Spurs players were waved away when the ref went over to speak to his linesman but Ferdinand was almost invited into the conversation?

be careful what you say about Ferdinand on here, certain posters are part of his fan club

[Tyro]

Rio is on Twitter & often speaks his mind

[Bingers]

Did you also notice that all Spurs players were waved away when the ref went over to speak to his linesman but Ferdinand was almost invited into the conversation?

It was one of the Spurs players who was taking the players away.  Whereas Ferdinand just barged over as they all seem to be trained to do at Manure.  Spurs playing the game in the spirit it was intended, Ferdinand and Nani most definately not.

Still, at least I could make the point to Boy Bingers that you should always play to the whistle.

[TbananaG]

I think the Spurs players understand about playing to the whistle, but when a player dives and is then lying there with his hand on the ball, I think the least you would expect is a free kick. I think Gomes made it worse by responding once Nani started to go for the ball - rather than just standing back and letting him do it - but it was absolutely the kind of thing that could only happen at Old Trafford.

[Positively Mad Mark]

Going back to the topic of this thread, I am amused considering we have some of the quietest fans in the league.  Remember Fortress Sixfields anyone?

[Sid]

Back to the original point....

There were 2 set pieces directly before the penalty decision, where Lawrence "physically assaulted" Beckwith, I made a point of watching these tussles. Beckwith told the ref to look out after the first time, and straight away Beckwith headed the next set piece whilst lying on the ground in front of Lawrence, after being bundled over, no pen given. Ball went out for a corner and you all saw Lawrence refuse to let go of Beckwith at this set piece, down he went.

So whoever decided on the pen - referee or linesman - both came to the correct conclusion, probably heightened by the previous tussles which Beckwith alerted the ref to.