Opposition view: 'Embarrassed' Taylor slams Exeter's 'limp' second-half display against Cobblers

Exeter City manager Matt Taylor slammed his side's 'limp' second-half display and labelled some of their defending as 'mentally weak' following Saturday's 2-0 defeat to Northampton.

The title-chasing Grecians slipped to a deserved defeat at the PTS as Northampton got their own promotion challenge back on track.

Vadaine Oliver scored after just 54 seconds and then Sam Hoskins stroked home a late penalty.

"It was a shocking start to concede so early but for the rest of the first-half we were right in the game even though we didn't create enough," said Taylor.

"You're up against it when you go behind early at a place like Northampton so we had to quickly put that to one side and somehow try and get a foothold in the game.

"I felt we did that for the rest of the first-half but I'm really disappointed with the second-half performance because it was limp from us.

"I don't want to say a lack of effort but there was a lack of knowhow and sharpness in our game and we were second best throughout that second-half."

Taylor was especially unhappy with his side's defending for Town's second goal as Callum Morton was tripped in the penalty box, allowing Hoskins to score from the spot.

He added: "As much as I'm disappointed with the first goal, I'm embarrassed by the second goal because as poor as we had been, we were still in the game and it only takes one moment.

"There was a long time left in the game at that point but that was just mentally weak from our view to concede that goal. It's so unbelievably weak in all aspects and in fairness they could probably have had another penalty.

"Both goals had a big impact on us and it probably highlighted our lack of real desire to go a bit further than we needed to in terms of the overall performance.

" As for their first goal, you can say it was a good finish from the lad but again it's poor defending from us and I'd love to see our forwards get a chance like that in a game.

"We've now not kept a clean sheet for seven games so that defence needs to tighten up. Teams can score goals against us but that was too easy.

"To a man Northampton were more willing than us today. We didn't have a chance and my frustration is that I didn't see any personality.

"I've got no problems losing games but you've got to lose by giving it everything."