Hogg happy with the 'intent and attitude' of Cobblers on opening day
Chris Hogg praised his side’s ‘attitude, effort and intent’ and said they have given themselves a solid platform to build on for the rest of the season after Saturday’s opening day 0-0 draw with Swindon Town.
Cobblers snapped their losing run which carried over from the end of last season with a positive and encouraging performance at Sixfields. Chances were at a premium throughout but the final statistics - 11 shots to 4 and 3 to 0 on target - reflect the fact that Northampton shaded much of the content.
“It’s a good point to start the season,” said Hogg. “It wasn’t a classic, free-flowing game of football but it was never going to be that on a hot first day of the season. I was really pleased with the team in terms of their attitude and effort and some of their intentions.
“We all wanted a perfect start and to come here and win the game and score lots of goals but realistically that was never going to happen and we knew it was going to be a challenge. Swindon were a top team last season and I expect them to be up there again.
“ They scored a lot of goals and have a lot of threat so the out of possession stuff and the clean sheet was a big positive and it’s a building block for us. There were times we got it right on the ball and we were brave enough to play and we cut through them and it all connected and we looked a threat.
“It’s just that little bit at the end but the lads are trying and giving their all and the intent was where we want it. It’s now about how we execute.”