Northampton Town manager Jon Brady was pleased with his side’s performance in their 1-1 draw at home to already promoted Exeter City in Sky Bet League Two on Saturday.
Mitch Pinnock opened the scoring in sensational fashion but Sam Nombe equalised for the visitors in the second half, moments after the Cobblers had a goal ruled out for a tight offside in the build-up.
Brady feels his team were so close to coming away with a win.
“We’re disappointed not to get the three points but not with the effort, application and endeavour the players gave today,” he said.
“We needed to stem their flow, started to get a foothold in the game and scored an excellent goal.
“The second half was a bit cagey, but we had the best chances and didn’t put them away, whilst they had two and one went in.
“We had some great chances and I feel a little bit aggrieved about the disallowed goal.
“They played quickly but we were off celebrating, so it’s a tough one to take.
“It’s the biggest game of the season next week, and these games are what we live for.”
Sixfields Stadium was sold out for the meeting between the division’s third and second-placed sides at the start of play.
Brady praised the Cobblers’ supporters, adding: “It was a great day, and that’s what we wanted to try to give them.
“At the start of the season, we wanted them to be together with us, and our staff, our fans and our team all felt as one today.
“It was absolutely brilliant and you couldn’t have asked for any more.
“I’m so pleased we gave a great performance, but we didn’t quite get the result we were after.”
Brady’s side end the season away to Barrow next week, with everything still to play for.