Cobblers looking to 'evolve' and 'mix it up' more

Striker Ryan Edmondson says Cobblers' recent tweak in playing style has not come about by coincidence.

It was noticeable against both Fleetwood and Lincoln that Town adopted a less direct approach and looked to keep the ball on the deck a bit more, having 44 and 45 per cent possession respectively. They also seemed to embrace a shoot on sight policy, racking up 24 attempts across the two matches.

Cobblers played particularly well in the first-half at Lincoln, albeit without creating too many chances, with new signings Bryn Morris and Mickel Miller impressing.

“We’re starting to gel as a team and improve game-by-game," said Edmondson after the goalless draw at Fleetwood on Tuesday.

“I think we’ve changed our style of play a little bit and we've mixed it up and looked to pass and move more.

“It’s really bringing the best out of the lads because they can show the individual quality that they've got. Maybe earlier in the season they weren't able to showcase that as much.

“I think now is the time to really kick-on, get some more goals and start climbing the table.”

Speaking on BBC Radio Northampton, Morris added: "I think the last two performances have definitely given us something to build on.

"The club is trying to evolve and it's not an overnight process. From the conversations I've had with the gaffer and other staff members, they want to build something and create something and I think it's going in the right direction.

"I remember, when Portsmouth played Northampton, the gaffer on the sidelines was shouting for the midfielders to get on the ball and that stuck in my mind and they gave us a really good game for a lot of it.

"I had mixed reviews before I came here but fortunately it's working out and we're playing some football."

However, improved performances will count for little if Town cannot turn them into points and wins and move away from the League One relegation zone.

“It was disappointing not to get the win,” admitted Edmondson. “I’m hungry to score my first goal and I think the boys put in a great shift, especially in the second-half.

“We battled hard and we’re extremely disappointed to only come away with a draw but it’s a clean sheet on the road and we’ll take the point and move on to Saturday.”

A crunch clash awaits this weekend with Wigan Athletic, currently two points below Town in the table, visiting the PTS Academy Stadium.

Edmondson continued: "I think we fancy our chances in every game, whoever we come up against. I felt we have put in strong performances in the last two games and we're looking positive.

"We'll look back at the game on Tuesday and then we'll pick out areas against Wigan that we can hopefully exploit."