Cresswell not getting carried away after perfect start

Northampton made it three wins from three on Saturday when they overcame Exeter City 3-0 but, despite setting the early pace alongside four other teams at the top of League Two, Cresswell is keeping his feet firmly on the ground.

The centre-back said: “From the outside looking in it probably couldn’t have gone any better – three wins, three clean sheets and the team is looking well.

“The main thing for us is the next game. We won’t look any further ahead than that. It’s been a good start but those three games are in the past now.

“On Saturday we weren’t really at the races for most of the game but we scored good goals at vital times which stood us in good stead.”

Cresswell was the scorer of Town’s second goal on Saturday when he headed home Nicky Adams’ free-kick, although there was some debate as to whether or not the ball had crossed the line.

There was no doubt in Cresswell’s mind though as he added: “It was miles over the line. I just turned to the linesman and hoped he could see it had gone in.

“The lad was basically stuck in the net I think. It’s always pleasing to see the linesman give it and put us 2-0 up.”

Cresswell lost his centre-back partner at half-time when Zander Diamond was taken off as a precaution with what Chris Wilder later confirmed as a groin injury.

That meant Rod McDonald came on for his Cobblers debut and despite some shaky moments, the new centre-back partnership steered Northampton through to not only their third win from three but also a third clean sheet.

“Clean sheets are massive in this game,” added Cresswell. “We can build on it and really push on and hopefully there’ll be many more to follow.

“It was Rodney’s first game and I thought he came on and looked quite solid. It’s just good to get the minutes in and get a touch for the ball and a feel for first team action.

“I thought he did well. As a team we weren’t quite at it today, albeit we’ve won 3-0, and we know there’s room for improvement and we’ll look to do that.”

Newly-promoted Barnet are next up for the Cobblers on Tuesday. The Bees have endured a tough start on their return to League Two, losing both of their opening two games, but Cresswell is expecting a stern test.

“They’ll be an enthusiastic side at home under the lights on a Tuesday night,” he continued. “They’ll be full of energy and drive and we have to match that. If we do match it, I think our footballing ability will stand us in good stead and see us over the line.

“We’ll look to put a good shift in and put a good performance together and come away with the points.”