Brady saw encouraging signs in defeat to Burton but rues contentious refereeing decision

Cobblers caretaker manager Jon Brady saw some encouraging signs from his first game in charge despite starting with a 2-0 defeat at home to bottom-of-the-table Burton Albion.

Town were the better team for a lot of the contest and rarely looked in any danger but gifted Burton the crucial opening goal 13 minutes from time.

Michael Bostwick smashed home after Jonathan Mitchell picked up Cian Bolger's back pass before Ryan Edwards scored a second in stoppage-time.

"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 today - it was exceptional in my opinion."

Brady was not happy with Scott Oldham's decision to award Burton an indirect free-kick for Bolger's apparent back pass.

He added: "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.

"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 groundstaff for their hard work in getting the game on. The pitch survived two inspections before being given the green light.