Early kick-off presents different challenge for Hogg and Cobblers
Ensuring his players are ‘mentally ready’ will be the priority for Chris Hogg when Cobblers kick-off earlier than usual against Colchester.
Saturday’s visit of Danny Cowley’s U’s is one of three League Two games selected for live coverage on Sky Sports Plus, alongside Bristol Rovers v Swindon and Cheltenham v Newport.
Asked if the early kick-off changes his approach, Hogg said: "Yes and no. I think it's more mental. Timings will be pretty similar and we'll train at the same time but it's about having the right mindset and being up early and ready and taking advantage of that early start to be full of energy.
"The focus is the big bit. You have to mentally ready for the early start because the day has a different rhythm and you can make it a positive weekend if you attack it right.”
Colchester have only lost three of their 11 league games this season - but they’ve not won in any competition since August.
Hogg added: "I know both Danny and Nicky (Cowley) quite well and we know they will be organised and they'll play in a way that tests you in various ways. We have to have a plan for that. They'll be resolute but it's another home game and we have to react in the right way - that's me, the fans, the players, the staff. We have to make it a tough place for them to come.”
Tuesday’s defeat to Tranmere continued Northampton’s poor record in midweek matches. It is more than three years since they last won on a Tuesday at Sixfields.
"We need better quality in key moments,” continued Hogg. “It's in the group and we've had some really good moments in the last few weeks.
"I'm very aware of my role and our job as a club. We have to produce a winning team and sometimes that takes time. We also have to give people something where they get belief back in this team and back in this club and I feel that myself.
"I've had loads of good support from people around the town but we need to start turning some of these Tuesday nights into victories because it's been far too long that people have come to Sixfields and not seen their team win football games.
"It was hard to take because you always want to win but it's a good lesson, but we don't have time to learn. We have to keep pushing each other to be better every day.”