The Cherries dropped their first points since 13 April with a 2-0 defeat at Northampton.  The Cobblers took their chances well, whilst it was a frustrating day in front of goal for Bournemouth, with Brett Pitman hitting the woodwork and also being denied a penalty as was Alan Connell in the second half when the ball appeared to be handled.

Ryan Garry missed the game after suffering from concussion in the the last two games and his place was taken by Scott Guyett.  There was a worry late on when Steve Fletcher pulled up with what appeared to be a hamstring problem.

Northampton started brightly and took the lead on six minutes.  The lively Ben Marshall crossed the ball in to the danger zone where Adebayo Akinfenwa was on hand to slot the ball home in front of the 594 travelling supporters from Bournemouth.  It was the first league goal that the Cherries had conceded this season, and the first on the road since 11 April at Barnet.

After the slow start, Bournemouth started to create chances with Sammy Igoe the first to come close when his effort was tipped round the post by Chris Dunn.  Brett Pitman then went even closer on 27 minutes, smashing the ball against the crossbar from close range.

Mark Molesley was next with a chance, his effort from distance going just over.  Before the break, Pitman went on a surging run in to the box and despite being held back, got a shot away that was well held, but some officials would have deemed it a foul as he went in to the box.

Northampton produced a great move early in the second half when Marshall provided a pass for Billy McKay, but his effort ended outside the stadium.  At the other end, Pitman went far closer, again being denied by a fine save.  Shwan Jalal made a great save from Andy Holt and on 79 minutes, made another fine stop from Steve Guinan, whose effort was parried in to the path of McKay, who netted, but was in an offside position.

Alan Connell replaced Fletcher and he was convinced he should have had a penalty.  He acrobatically hooked the ball goalwards, but was denied when the ball struck an arm, but nothing was given.

As so often happens in these situation, the Cobblers went up the other end and scored.  Jalal did well to block McKay's shot, but Marshall was on hand to knock the ball in and end the Cherries winning start to the campaign.