'It's the most annoying thing in football' - Nolan calls on Cobblers to put it all together against Plymouth

Northampton were impressive in defeat to high-flying Cardiff last time out, beaten 3-1 by the previous league leaders despite registering more shots, more possession and a higher expected goals total.

"I was really proud of what the lads put out last weekend but performances don’t get victories and we have to go and get wins and I’m certain we will do that if we play with the same intensity and quality,” said Nolan.

"It’s definitely more gutting when you play well and lose. It’s the most annoying thing in football when everyone says 'oh you played so well, you deserved to get something'. The best one is when you play really badly and win and everyone questions how you got away with it. You really enjoy those ones, probably more than when you play well and win.

"It's topsy turvy being a manager but I really enjoy it and I love it and I love the fact I've been given the opportunity to do it here.”

Cobblers are currently 17th in League One but in a very congested division – six points separate Huddersfield in eighth and Doncaster in 19th – things can change quickly if Nolan’s side can turn promise into substance more consistently.

"It's good to be positive about the performance but you've also got to learn,” Nolan added. “We can't afford to lose three goals like we did last week.

"As much as everyone will pat the lads on the back for being really competitive and doing the right things, ultimately we didn’t execute at the top of the pitch so again there are things to work on and we have worked on those things in training this week.”