Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink wasn't overly pleased as he looked back on Tuesday night’s Checkatrade Trophy game against Southampton under 21s.
The Cobblers came from 3-0 down to draw 3-3, booking their place in the next round before winning the game 4-2 on penalties.
“The first 70 minutes wasn’t good but it’s nice to see we have the capability to come back,” he said.
“You need that and that is important but I want us to be on the front foot more no matter who we are playing or what the competition is.
“Southampton scored three good goals but for the first 70 minutes tonight we were slow, we didn’t play with intensity and we didn’t compete.
“Lewis McGugan is very good technically and it’s no surprise to me that he can score goals like that but there is so much more in his game.
“Hopefully the goal will give him a boost and he can keep on improving and getting sharper for us.
"It’s nice to still be in the competition and we are still in the FA Cup as well but Oxford is the most important game for us now.”