Manager Paul Cox was pleased with our players' efforts after watching his team earn a valuable point in a 1-1 draw at Northampton Town today.
Ollie Palmer fired us ahead in the first half, but Darren Carter equalised from the penalty spot just after the hour mark, following Darryl Westlake's sending off for allegedly handling the ball on the line.
We then survived over half-an-hour playing with 10 men to earn a crucial point at Sixfields Stadium, which moves us up to two places to 16th position in Sky Bet League Two.
“I thought the players worked extremely hard,” said Cox. “I never saw Northampton scoring to be honest. We weathered the storm for huge parts of the game, but to give a decision like Darryl Westlake's sending-off wasn’t right.
“After the first 15 minutes I thought we looked sluggish, but worked really hard. It was a typical, tight game like I thought it would be, and Northampton played a massive part in a very entertaining game.Â
“It was always going to be a tight game, but at the stage of going a goal up I couldn’t see Northampton Town breaking us down and I thought we would be good for a 1-0 win.Â
“When you go down to 10 men, you’re always going to be left open. They’ve got an experienced manager and experienced players so they certainly made that extra man count.Â
“I’m a bit frustrated, but it might be a point gained. The players have worked so hard on the training ground, day in and day out.”
Meanwhile, our manager praised the 744 travelling supporters who were in good voice at Sixfields Stadium this afternoon.
He continued: “The fans were brilliant today. They came down in their numbers and really got behind the boys. I just feel there is a bit of a sour taste in my mouth at the moment though.Â
“The score reads 1-1 and I’m wearing my heart on my sleeve and talking with a passion, because I care about the players and the football club and I feel like a cheap decision has cost us all three points.”
Cox was also happy with Ollie Palmer’s performance and believes there is a lot more to come from the 22-year-old.Â
He said: “Anyone who expected Ollie Palmer to come in and score 25 goals at this level is absolutely crazy.Â
“He is a young kid who has come up from non-league football. What he has at the moment is raw potential, so to play in League Two and jump a few divisions is a massive plus.
“He will get better and stronger and I believe that goal today will give him confidence to score more.”
