‘We needed somebody to rise to the occasion’ – Northampton’s Hasselbaink thrilled with Grimes’ free-kick

(Photo: Media Image)

By Alex Beard

Northampton Town manager Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink was delighted with midfielder Matt Grimes’ fantastic free-kick winner against fellow League One strugglers Gillingham on Saturday.

The victory means the Cobblers are one place and one point better off than their opponent’s after 15 games, thanks to a magnificent moment of inspiration from Grimes.

With the scores locked at 1-1, Lee Martin having earlier equalised for Gills after Daniel Powell put Northampton ahead, Grimes stepped up and delivered a sumptuous set-piece that hit both posts on its way in from 25 yards out.

Hasselbaink was thrilled with the goal and the three points: “The goal to make it 1-1 was a little disappointing because I think we could have done better, but then Matt Grimes pops up with a brilliant free-kick,” the Dutchman told The Northampton Chronicle & Echo.

“It was brilliant goal which we needed at that time. We needed somebody to turn up and take responsibility and rise to the occasion.

“We need individuals like that, players and characters to stand up and be counted and Grimes did that at the right moment.

“Did he have his best game? No. But it’s a moment that he needed to show what kind of player he is. I hope it’s a turning point but I think it’s important to keep two feet on the floor.

“It’s a week of battling. We battled really well on Tuesday where we came away with a point when we deserved more, but we didn’t cry and we went to Gillingham and started again.”

The Cobblers will look to keep the momentum going when they welcome newly promoted Blackpool to Sixfields on Saturday.