Jon Brady was delighted after Sam Hoskins' second half strike helped seal a 1-0 home win over Oxford United under the lights at the PTS Academy Stadium.
The result lifted the Cobblers out of the relegation zone with a trip to AFC Wimbledon next up on Saturday.
“The energy and tempo needed to change tonight, after Saturday we said we needed to play better and the players delivered,” he said.
“It is hard to keep that consistency when the games are coming so thick and fast but I was so pleased we turned in a performance tonight and the players showed what they are capable of.
“The players are working so hard for the cause to try and keep this club in League 1, we’ve got a fantastic group, like everyone players have their down times but it’s up to us to nurture them through.
“I’m really pleased with the win tonight and we need to take the energy and tempo from this game to Wimbledon on Saturday. We have to go there to try and win, simple as that.”
The Cobblers boss also confirmed that winger Mickel Miller will miss six weeks with a hamstring injury.