Cobblers boss Keith Curle said there were positives in the performance as he reflected on the New Years Day defeat at Forest Green Rovers.
Sam Foley’s second half header looked to have secured Northampton Town's fifth draw on the bounce until Theo Archibald netted a late winner for the home side deep into injury time.
“I felt we dominated possession in the second half and territorially we were on top, we just needed that break,” he said.
“I thought we were going to get it with the chance for Sam Hoskins and that would have been the perfect outcome. We looked fresh and we set up well and apart from the first two or three minutes we settled into the game.
“We still need more quality in the final third and there were still times when we could have worked the ball better. Overall it was a very competitive game but I felt we more than matched Forest Green who are developing a reputation as a good passing side. We upset their rhythm and we made it very difficult for them.
“There is nothing worse than conceding a goal in the last minute but there are lots of positives we can take out of today.
“Jay Williams came in and put in a very good solid performance and the back three did their jobs and gave us a platform.
“We are still in a transitional period and anyone we do bring in has to be the right player and the right character for this football club.”