Cobblers boss Keith Curle said his side got their rewards for their pre-match planning as he reflected on Saturday’s 2-1 away win at Stevenage, an injury-time winner from Andy Williams securing a dramatic three points.
“We came with a game plan and we knew first off we needed to compete,” he said.
“We stood up to the challenge and the result today was a real squad effort.
“Joe Powell showed good composure for his first ever professional goal and it was a sublime finish from Andy Williams who showed real strength and understanding.
“Andy has been chomping at the bit and I want to see that hunger and desire from players. You should be disappointed when you are not in the team but there is no better way to react.
“I was disappointed with how we started the second half but the pleasing thing for me was after Stevenage equalised there was no change in mentality.
“We’ve got a mentality now where we need to nullify the opposition and earn the right to play. I felt we did that today and within the individual battles I think we just about shaded it throughout the game.”