Hogg 'pleased with bits' after EFL Trophy defeat to Gillingham

Hogg made eight changes for the final group game in this season’s EFL Trophy and his side fell behind early before Elliott List levelled in the second half, but a defensive error allowed Gillingham to win it.

While the defeat confirms Cobblers’ exit from the competition, one of the main goals of the night was achieved as several fringe players were given important minutes in preparation for Saturday’s tough test away at the League Two leaders.

“The performance was OK in spells,” said Hogg. “I thought we scored a really good goal at the start of the second half after a good bit of play and then you’re hoping you can ride the wave.

“But with the team we had out, we knew there would be a fatigue element tonight because a lot of the boys have not played many minutes recently and they were playing extended minutes for the first time in a long time.

“Performance-wise, there was some OK parts but probably not enough and we’re disappointed to lose the game. But I was relatively pleased with some of the bits and with certain individuals in terms of getting minutes and getting through the game.

“The squad we had tonight is all we’ve got at the moment with the injuries and players on international duty and it’ll be the same group again on Saturday.

“The team was picked to try and win the game but also to make sure we got everyone in a good place for Saturday.”