 He had a bright start to his Cobblers career and established himself in the first team under new manager Justin Edinburgh.However he featured in only one further match following a 2–1 defeat to former club Oldham at Sixfields on 28 February, and was released in May 2017.After a trial at Port Vale in July 2017, Eardley joined Lincoln City, newly promoted to League Two, on a short-term contract until January 2018.