Brady rallies behind Hoskins after penalty miss

Jon Brady has given his full support to Sam Hoskins after the forward's last-gasp penalty miss against AFC Wimbledon on Saturday.

Hoskins was presented with an unlikely opportunity to salvage a potentially priceless point for the Cobblers after Joe Pigott broke the deadlock with only two minutes to play.

Referee Ben Toner pointed to the spot for a foul on Peter Kioso six minutes into stoppage-time, but Hoskins was denied by Dons goalkeeper Nik Tzanev with what was the very last kick of the game.

"I'd rather talk about it from the perspective that he's been brave enough to step up and take the penalty," said Brady.

"What can you say? There's not much to be said. We need that young man because he'll be so important for the remainder of the season and beyond.

"Penalties are missed, it happens. Probably the hardest thing right now is to get a perspective on it, whether you're a fan or a player or a coach, because it's hard to take - really hard to take - but we're in a dogfight and there will be many more twists and turns."

Brady had been full of praise for Hoskins in the build-up to Saturday's game following his winner against Oxford United on Tuesday. Speaking last week, he said: "I was really pleased for Sammy. Fans have said whatever they wanted to say but we know what he can do and I'm glad he proved it on Tuesday.

"The one thing with Sam is that his work-rate is exceptional for the team. He knows his quality needs to be better at times but we are so happy with him and I will reinforce that message.

"The other thing I would say is that he's now played 235 games for this club and in any walk of life, people find it easier to criticise than be positive, but he's given great service to this football club.

"If you want to be negative, go and have your opinion, but if you want to be positive, get behind the players and give them everything you've got and please do because we welcome that."