Cobblers under 18s coach Jon Brady spoke of his pride as he reflected on Wednesday night’s 2-0 FA Youth Cup third round defeat at Arsenal.
“It was a great all round performance from the boys and they can take huge confidence from this,” he said.
“I’m extremely proud of them and I thought it was a very good disciplined performance.
“We created one or two good chances and on the whole I think we denied Arsenal, I certainly don’t remember many clear cut chances for them.
“There was a period at 1-0 where we were right in the game, we had some opportunities and we were in the ascendancy. We got in behind Arsenal but just couldn’t get that goal.
“Arsenal have lost in the final two years in a row and they will possibly get there again this year. That was our final and we can hold our heads high.
“The boys should be immensely proud of what they have done this year and all the staff have done a great job driving this group forward. It’s time now maybe for some of these players to go out on loan to play senior mens football.
“The away support at this football club is fantastic and the lengths the fans go to, to support the club, is incredible. They have really made the academy and the youth team feel a big part of the club and we have been overwhelmed by the support.”