Northampton's slump continues after defeat to Reading

Northampton Town continued their slump after a 2-0 home loss to Reading, which was a fourth straight reverse.

Two goals in three minutes by Jack Marriott and Will Keane won the game for the Royals, who picked up a first win in four games and condemned Northampton to their latest match without a win.

The Cobblers have not won a league game so far in 2026, and results elsewhere saw Kevin Nolan’s side slump to 23rd in the League One table. They are two points from safety with 18 games of the season remaining.

Northampton had a few early opportunities, with Jack Perkins saw a half-volley blocked and the ball bounce off the post in a goalmouth scramble.

Reading turned up the heat as the half progressed with Ross Fitzsimons denying efforts by Haydon Roberts and Kamari Doyle, the latter via a deflection.

Perhaps the chance of the half fell for Northampton’s Elliott List, who was played through by Dean Campbell only to see his effort saved by Reading keeper Joel Pereira in a one-on-one scenario.

The breakthrough came ten minutes after the restart. A through-pass by Lewis Wing set Marriott on his way and the experienced striker raced forward before beating Fitzsimons.

Three minutes later, Reading would make it two. Wing’s cross picked out Keane, and the striker’s header found the back of the net to extend the Royals’ lead.

The Cobblers would see a few opportunities to get a goal back, as Tom Eaves headed one effort over and saw another denied by Periera.

But it was not enough for the home side as they made it eight league matches in a row without a win. The Cobblers’ next opportunity comes on Tuesday, when they make the trip to Barnsley.