Cobblers boss Keith Curle felt his side needed a break in front of goal as he reflected on the 2-1 home defeat to League One side Bristol Rovers in the Checkatrade Trophy area quarter-final.
“We played some good stuff in the first half we just needed that little break in front of goal,” he said.
“There was lots of effort and commitment and we finished the game well we just couldn’t get a clean strike at goal.
“I didn’t think Rovers opened us up in general play but when you lose a game you have got to learn.
“The substitutes came on and made an impact and they were a threat, we just needed that little bit of anticipation and willingness to go in where it hurts.”