Leicester-Cobblers: Close — Terrace Edition

Word: Tom Reed

Images: Tom Reed

Leicester and Northampton are big rivalries in rugby union. Less so in football but meetings between the two neighbours with round balls instead of oval, are always decent occasions.

City and the Cobblers met in a lesser spotted League Cup round one match with a Saturday three pm kick-off.

Continuing summer heat gave the occasion a hazy feel but Northampton brought a strong following of over 2000 supporters, 45 miles up the M1.

The King Power stadium is a short walk from Leicester’s former home Filbert Street, which offers a stark contrast between old-school and modern day football.

Northampton’s colours are claret and white, making for a confusing colourway as Leicester debuted a new maroon away kit and limited edition Adidas Spezial trainers, which is far too close to the red wine Cobblers’ colours for comfort.

It was City who progressed to the next round via a Caleb Okoli 15th minute header, a goal that wasn’t to be beaten in a match of high endeavour but low goal threat.

Leicester probably doesn't get the credit it deserves for a day at the football, having a real feel of authenticity and plenty of nods to the heritage of the club thanks to street art dedicated to the foxes dotted around the city.

Rumours of an impeding Northampton investment by a consortium involving former Brazil footballer Pato continue, so it might well be Cobblers Samba-ing next time the two meet and I don’t mean the three stripes.