Cobblers 'have to learn how to win again' but Hogg 'adamant' they are on the right track

The three points once again eluded Town against Crawley in midweek as the visitors took advantage of Lee Evans’ red card to draw 1-1 after falling behind to Nathan Opoku’s first half opener. Hogg’s men have drawn three and lost one of their four league games.

He said: "It's a mentality thing and we have to learn how to win again because it's a long time since the fans have seen their team win. Hopefully they saw a team on Tuesday that was battling and that fought against adversity and we need to harness that.

"I can see with the group that it's coming, some more new additions have come in this week and they'll add a bit more quality on the pitch. I back the lads and I believe in the lads massively. I know they're going to come through these little spells.

"There's nothing like winning football games. We're here to win. I don't want to draw games and I don't want to lose games. I want to win and I want to give people that good feeling again.

“We're trying our hardest to make sure we get a product on the pitch that people can get behind and we can actually get some happiness back, We'll keep growing and getting better and better as a club. I'm adamant we will.”

Looking to play a more expansive style this season, Hogg is urging his players to trust themselves when the pressure’s on.

He added: "We need a bit more belief on the ball and the players need to back themselves technically. I see it every day in training and I see the quality of the players.

"It's different in a game because opposition teams can press you but then it's about how we keep our belief and our confidence and create the right the angles and keep our quality under pressure to progress up the pitch.

"There have been flashes in every game but it's how we turn those flashes into consistent moments and for me that will come with time and confidence and belief. We have to grind and graft when needed but we also need to stay calm when the chaos hits.”

On facing Newport, who have the lowest average possession share in the league, Hogg continued: "It's a tough league and we're all trying to find our rhythm and our way. Newport will make it difficult for us but we focus on what we can do.

“There were times on Tuesday where I felt really comfortable, especially at the start of the second half, but now I want to see that all the way through on Saturday and it starts from kick-off.

"We need a good energy and a good atmosphere in the stadium to help the boys believe in themselves.”