Manchester United loanee Ethan Wheatley reflects on his emotional rollercoaster against Cardiff

The on-loan Manchester United youngster was excellent in the first half at Sixfields and deservedly hauled Cobblers level with a superbly taken goal shortly after half-time, racing down the left flank for the umpteenth time and rifling a sweet shot into the top corner.

However, just three minutes later, his elation turned to dismay when inadvertently directing Joel Bagan’s corner into his own net as Cardiff retook the lead. That proved a decisive moment in the contest as Cobblers missed chances to level before Chris Willock sealed victory in stoppage-time.

"I thought the team were excellent throughout and I felt we dominated the game to be honest,” said Wheatley afterwards. “We stood toe to toe with a team that's expected to go up this season. They are top of the table but I thought we deserved more.

"I feel, had I not made that mistake at the other end of the pitch after scoring, we would have gone on and won the game, but the lads have said to me that these things happen in football and we just need to bounce back next week.

"I think I went with the wrong leg to be honest. The boys have tried to get my head up and keep me positive. Football moves on quickly and there's another game coming up at the weekend so hopefully I can make up for it.”

Cobblers had more possession and took more shots than the new League One leaders but came up short.

"The performance was really good and there was a lot to take from it,” Wheatley added. “But ultimately we're at home and it's another loss and that's disappointing.

"Obviously I scored a goal and that’s always nice but to be honest I'd rather not score and get three points, but we'll take the positives into Plymouth and try and get three points there.”