Cobblers boss Dean Austin was obviously disappointed as he reflected on the 3-1 loss to Cheltenham Town.
“I’m obviously disappointed with the result and it’s clear we need more of a cutting edge in both boxes,” he said.
“The first 35 minutes, box to box, is probably the best we have played here and we created a number of openings but from their first chance we don’t defend well enough from a set piece and they score.
“Some decisions went against us, it’s not why we lost but that’s what happens when things aren’t going your way.
“Between the two penalty boxes for the first 35 minutes we were superb but the game is won and lost in the penalty boxes and we were not good enough in those areas.
“We need a stronger backbone when we are defending and in the opposition box we need to be more ruthless.
“The players gave everything that they had and while they do that they will get my backing. They are hurting right now but we are in this together and no one is more disappointed than me.
“We need to reflect on this and make sure we come out fighting in the next game.”