Cobblers boss Keith Curle felt the game turned on a ten minute spell in the first half as he reflected on Tuesday night’s 3-1 defeat away at Newport County.
"We came up short tonight," he said.
“Newport showed good awareness with the goals they scored and we didn’t match their willingness or aggression.
“We showed good character after we fell behind but the ten minute spell in the first half where we conceded two goals was the real disappointment. Ifelt we were naive.
"We had some good chances and the second half petered out a bit but it was that spell in the first half that cost us.
"We were lacking in certain areas tonight and that is something we need to look at.”