Cobblers boss Keith Curle was frustrated by his team's failure to take some of the second half chances they created as he reflected on Saturday's 2-1 loss to Macclesfield Town.
“The result hurts and the manner of our performance hurts,” he said.
“If you create chances you need to take them and we need that ruthlessness. The chance for Andy Williams from Nicky Adams free-kick that hit the post has to be a goal. I thought Vadaine Oliver came on in the second half and did very well but we need more from Harry Smith and at the other end we need to defend better.
“We’ve got a new group and we are still learning about each other.
“There is a very disappointed group in the changing room right now because they know they haven’t performed and today we didn’t do enough to win a game of football.
“We’ve got good players who can deliver and now is the time we need to come together as a group and start delivering.”