Pinnock ends drought after finding 'lucky shinpads'

Mitch Pinnock's (centre) goal was his 24th for Northampton Town

Northampton Town midfielder Mitch Pinnock says being able to wear his 'lucky shinpads' was the key to him breaking his goalscoring duck for the season.

The 29-year-old netted the final goal in Saturday's 3-0 win over Crawley Town after drawing a blank in 13 previous appearances this season.

It capped a good week for the Cobblers, who took seven points out of nine from three games played.

"I was pleased to score. It's been a while for me - I had my lucky shinpads on," he told BBC Radio Northampton.

"I've worn them for the last couple of seasons but couldn't find them until this morning - that's what was missing the whole time, I think.

"(They'd been missing) Since the start of the season, I just wore them again today, so it's got to be them."

Pinnock, who has played 148 league games for Northampton since joining them in 2021, was also involved in the second goal, his corner diverted into his own net by Crawley defender Jay Williams.

Jon Brady's side are in action again on Tuesday with an away game at Lincoln, before facing Kettering Town in an FA Cup derby at Sixfields next weekend.

"We've had loads of games so we need the whole squad to chip in and see if we can carry on this form that we've picked up in the last couple of games," said Pinnock.

"I want to play every single match, whether it's the cup or whatever, I want to be out there playing."

Boss Brady said the upturn in results meant he had no concerns about the team coping with such a busy period.

"You find some purple patches and long may that continue," he said.

"Lincoln is probably as tough as it comes in the league. Their home record since we last played there has been exemplary, but we're in a good rhythm so let's face it head on."