'Embarrassed' Page apologises to supporters as Cobblers suffer FA Cup nightmare at Stourbridge

The Cobblers players show their disappointment following Stourbridge's winning goal (Pictures: Kirsty Edmonds)

Town were beaten 1-0 by the Northern League Premier Division side, with central defender Jack Duggan getting on the end of a free-kick to gleefully hammer home the winner four minutes from time and spark wild celebrations at the War Memorial Ground.

The Glassboys were well worth their victory, and in truth could have won more convincingly, with the Cobblers never threatening to impose themselves on the game.

Town couldn't handle Stourbridge's pace, power, enthusiasm or ability, and a visibly upset Page didn't mince his words after the game.

Rob Page saw his team lose at Stourbridge

"I am embarrassed and bitterly disppointed," said the Cobblers boss.

"The better team won on the evening, and it hurts me to say that, and credit has to go to Stourbridge.

"We had to defend our box because every ball that went in there they looked a threat, there was long throws and crosses coming in, and in the main we did that.

"But we switch off for one minute, two of my best markers are in the wall, and they stand the ball up to the far post and it is in the back of the net.

"it is a hard one to take, and I am embarrassed."

Asked if there were any kind of positives to take from the encounter, Page said: "I wouldn't say that to embarrass myself, because Stourbridge thoroughly deserved their victory.

"From the first minute they showed their intent on the game and we fell into their hands.

"We played the way they played first half, and we addressed that at half-time and tried to get the ball down.

"But that is the same 11 that played at Port Vale on Saturday and had a fantastic win, and it's the same team, without John-Joe (*O'Toole), that finished the game against Bolton, and had been camped in their half.

"We have come here and embarrassed ourselves, and we will take any criticism we get, and we deserve all we get for this, but it is important now that we move on and react to it on Saturday.

"I will take the responsibility for us being embarrassed, and I apologise to the supporters for that performance tonight. I didn't expect that at all.

"We congratulate Stourbridge on their victory, but we are all hurting in that changing room."