Key lapses disappoint Nolan after loss to Huddersfield

Cobblers kept the Terriers at arm’s length for most of the first half at the Accu Stadium but succumbed right on the cusp of half-time as an unmarked Joe Low headed home, and then just as Town were starting to apply some pressure of their own, Bojan Radulovic’s breakaway second secured the home side’s victory.

"It couldn’t have got any worse after Boxing Day but I’m disappointed that we conceded right on half-time because that changed things,” said Nolan. “We weathered a lot of pressure from Huddersfield in the first half and you’ve got to expect that when you go away to places like this. I thought the lads did it well but if you switch off you get punished.

"I spoke at half-time about what we wanted to see and I thought we saw a bit more of it in the second half but not as much as I would have liked. Our decision-making in moments was disappointing.

"The second goal, you can say brilliant from Huddersfield and Dion Charles and Radulovic, but I thought it was really poor on our behalf. We wanted to stay in the game until the end because you never know what might happen.

"It’s something the squad has to learn from and that’s what we’ve spoken about because I’m disappointed. We didn’t show quality in possession in the first half and there were opportunities to do it.

"But fair play to Huddersfield, they’re a good side and you fully expect they’ll be in the top six come the end of the season so it was never going to be easy. That doesn’t mean I’m not disappointed.”