Boss rues goal which saw us slip to defeat on opening day.
Manager Paul Cox was unhappy with our defending in the build-up to Northampton Townâs goal in todayâs 1-0 defeat at the Sixfields Stadium.The Cobblers earned maximum points on the opening day of the new Sky Bet League Two season courtesy of Kaid Mohamedâs close-range header from Darren Carterâs corner-kick on 26 minutes.
âIâm disappointed to lose the game from a re-start,â said Cox. âItâs something that we work on in training and is usually one of our strengths. It was ultimately that goal that decided the game.â
When asked if shot-stopper Sascha Studer was fouled in the build-up to the goal, our boss continued: âNo. We didnât defend it properly and the lad had a free header.
âItâs unlike us because weâve got our roles and responsibilities and we switched off. At that point I thought we were on top in the game and not under any pressure whatsoever.â
He added: âThereâs a lot of food for thought. I thought we looked a little bit âleggyâ in the last third, but thatâll come with Liam Hearn getting more game-time and getting Matt Rhead back.
âWe played some good stuff in the first half, but we became a little bit erratic near the end. It was that grey area in the final third which cost us.â
A miserable afternoon for us was made even worse shortly after the re-start when Ollie Palmer limped off with suspected ankle-ligament damage.
Cox has confirmed that the young striker is set to be out of action for approximately two to three weeks.
âIt was a big shame to lose Ollie,â continued our boss. âI think [he injured] his ankle ligaments, so it looks like heâll be out for two or three weeks, but itâs something that weâve just got to get on with.â