Hoskins calls for more quality and creativity as Cobblers look ahead to Rovers trip

In a game of few chances, Town competed well but mustered up just one shot on target and that was a stinging free-kick from Joseph Mills.

Hull were hardly prolific in the creativity department themselves, but they did produce two clinical finishes before the break to get their noses in front, and the Cobblers didn't have it about them to get back into the game.

It means the Cobblers have opened their Sky Bet League One campaign with a win, a draw and now a defeat, and although Hoskins feels that is a 'good start', he feels it could have been better.

"Having four points after three games isn't too bad, although we were a bit disappointed with Saturday," said the 27-year-old.

"The main thing against Hull was a lack of quality from us, and we didn't create too many chances.

"I don't think Hull created bundles either, but they did take their chances when they came and that was obviously the difference.

"Overall, four points was three games is a good start and we just have to look forward to the weekend now."

The Cobblers return to action on Saturday when they travel to rock-bottom Bristol Rovers, with the Gas having claimed just one point from their opening three matches.

Hoskins isn't reading too much into that as he is well aware how strong league one is this season, and he insists the Cobblers will be prepared for the challenge at the Memorial Stadium this weekend, and for the ones they will face any other day as well.

"This division is really strong this year, there are a lot of teams that have been in the Championship and the Premier League in the not too distant past," said the Town attacker.

"But they are in league one, and in the same league as us, for a reason.

"We back ourselves in every game and we know we can compete and beat any team on our day.

"What we have to do is rectify the problems we had against Hull on Saturday, assess that, and just put it behind us this weekend."