Northampton Town’s first game of 2026 saw them play out a goalless draw with Stockport County.

Neither the Cobblers nor their promotion chasing guests could land a breakthrough at Sixfields in their New Year’s Day bout, as the game ended without a goal.

A draw means Northampton avoided falling to a third straight defeat. They now sit 19th in the League One table, just a point above the relegation zone but in a cluster of clubs between 13th and 21st split by just three points.

The Cobblers had been hoping for a lift as they came back to Sixfields after back-to-back away defeats in their final games of 2025.

Despite missing players through injury and suspension, Northampton had some early chances against a Stockport side in the play-off places, with Kamarai Swyer firing wide from Kyle Edwards’ cross.

A low quality game saw Northampton creating the better chances, with Edwards and Max Dyche having strikes blocked.

Ben Hinchcliffe in the Stockport goal then made stops in the late stages of the first half, with the keeper making saves to keep out strikes from Edwards and Dean Campbell.

Dave Challinor made four half-time changes to a side that he felt hadn’t got going, but it took until 65 minutes for Stockport to properly test home keeper Ross Fitzsimons.

A good chance would fall for the visitors, however, with Cobblers keeper Fitzsimons making a good save to deny Malik Mothersille.

Ben Osborn would then miss the target from close range, while Northampton nearly struck at the other end as substitute Joe Wormleighton was denied by Hinchcliffe.

But the game would ultimately come to a close with no winner or goal, as each side began 2026 with a point.

Northampton are next in action on Sunday, with Kevin Nolan’s side taking on play-off chasing Bolton away from home.