Cobblers boss Keith Curle rued his side's failure to take their chances as he looked back on the 1-0 loss to Port Vale, Northampton Town's first league loss of 2020.
“We didn’t get into our flow in the first half which was partly down to the conditions but you have to give Port Vale credit for the way they defended in the second half,” he said.
“Their goalkeeper made some very good saves and they took the chance they created. We created chances but we didn’t score and that was the difference.
“We put enough balls into the box but we just didn’t have that extra yard, we need to make first contact in the box and we needed to get onto the second ball.
“I was disappointed with the goal we conceded, we weren’t ready for the throw-in and we need to make sure we are in the right position for those situations.
“We needed that first goal, it was a frustrating afternoon but we don’t let luck be a part of where we want to go, we need to be better and we will continue that upward curve.
“We know and accept we are nowhere near the finished article but there are plenty of games left to go. We will focus and re-group and we need to work on that desire and hunger to get onto the ball in the opposition box.”