Cobblers boss Keith Curle felt there were positives to take from the performance as he reflected on the 3-1 away defeat at Bury on Easter Monday.
“For the most part it was very competitive and we matched up a very good side,” he said.
“It was a good opportunity for us today to see how far we’ve come and the level we need to get to.
“The level of performance was acceptable but one or two lapses in concentration and lapses of play cost us.
“We had good energy and determination but it was a sloppy first goal to concede. Bury have got some technically very good players but I thought we competed well.
“We managed to nullify their threat for large parts of the game and we looked a threat going forward. We didn’t move the ball as well as we should have done at times and we needed to provide the front lads with a bit more ammunition.
“We probably had the best chance of the second half with Andy Williams and I was waiting for the net to bulge but he couldn’t quite find the finish.
“Our approach to the final two games won’t change and I don’t expect any less from the players.”