Cobblers boss left frustrated

NORTHAMPTON Town caretaker manager Jon Brady bemoaned “fine lines” after seeing his side lose 2-0 to Burton Albion.

Making a strong start to the game, the Cobblers had a goal disallowed and hit the bar within the first seven minutes but eventually failed to score for the seventh time in their last eight matches.

“I think it was clear for all to see that for the first 20 or 25 minutes, we were right in the ascendency and on the front foot,” said Brady.

“We score a goal that was very slightly offside and then we hit the bar through Ryan Watson. It’s fine margins and I think when you haven’t scored in so long, it’s in the back of their minds and they’re aware of it.

“But you saw the effort and the energy they gave – it was exceptional in my opinion.”

Perhaps unsurprisingly, Brady disagreed with referee Scott Oldham’s decision to award Burton an indirect free kick, from which they scored, when Cian Bolger volleyed the ball back to goalkeeper Jonathan Mitchell.

“I think the decision for the pass back was unfortunate because it comes off the top of Cian’s shin and Mitch had enough time to kick it away. It’s extremely harsh,” he said.

“When you’re down there, you sometimes don’t get these decisions but we can’t moan about it because we need to turn things around.

“We need to put the brakes on and start to turn the wheels back the other way and get us moving the other way.

“We’re 1-0 down and tried to chase the game, so we haven’t defended the second goal quite right but I’d rather die trying than not have a go.”

Brady also thanked the ground staff for their hard work in getting the game on in freezing temperatures.

The pitch survived two inspections before being given the green light.