Cobblers boss Keith Curle reflecting on Tuesday night’s 1-0 away win at Swindon Town, Andy Williams' second half strike backed up by some resolute defending.
“The players accepted the criticism from Saturday and they showed tonight what hard work can earn you,” he said.
“We had a game plan which we executed, our shape was good and we were well organised.
“Some people might have questioned Andy Williams starting after what happened on Saturday but we all make mistakes and it’s how you react to that. He had one chance tonight and he took it.
“He was doing what I call the graveyard shift because it’s a lot of hard work for very little reward at times but he earned his goal tonight for the work he put in. He understood his role and he took his goal really well. Maybe it was off-side but the harder you work the luckier you get.
“There is still improvement to be had but there was a real unity within the group tonight that was built on hard work. Hard work has got to be part of a players DNA and tonight has to be a benchmark for us.
“The travelling support was fantastic and right from minute one they were right behind us. That was massively important and when you come away from home you need that, we could really hear their support. Everyone wanted that first win but now we have to build on it.”