Page apologises to Cobblers fans for '˜unacceptable' performance in defeat to Chairboys

Rob Page has vowed Tuesday's '˜unacceptable' performance and result against Wycombe Wanderers will not happen again with the Cobblers boss apologising to fans for their 3-0 defeat in the first game of this season's Checkatrade Trophy.
NOT HAPPY - Cobblers boss Rob Page has apologised for the team's performance in the defeat to Wycombe Wanderers (Pictures: Kirsty Edmonds)NOT HAPPY - Cobblers boss Rob Page has apologised for the team's performance in the defeat to Wycombe Wanderers (Pictures: Kirsty Edmonds)
NOT HAPPY - Cobblers boss Rob Page has apologised for the team's performance in the defeat to Wycombe Wanderers (Pictures: Kirsty Edmonds)

Northampton had started well on Tuesday but once they fell behind to Danny Rowe’s 17th minute goal, they were outplayed and outfought by League Two Wycombe who were comprehensive winners on the night and deservedly so.

Page said: “I’d like to apologise to the supporters who turned up tonight and had to witness that.

“I said to the boys that it’s not acceptable.

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“Whoever gets put on the pitch for whatever reason, you go out and play for the jersey and that level of performance isn’t acceptable.

“I thought we started okay but the goals we conceded are disappointing to say the least and when you look back at them, they haven’t had to work hard to score.

“We gifted them two goals and then you’re always on the back foot and we were playing against a team who wanted a reaction from a defeat.

“It was an opportunity for others to go and show and prove that I’ve got decisions to make for Sunday, but I didn’t quite get that from them tonight.

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“It’s not about when the goals were scored, it’s about our decision-making and they haven’t had to work hard to get the goals and that’s what I’m most disappointed about because we’ve looked solid.

“I know the areas that need to be addressed and they will be addressed and we’ll make sure that doesn’t happen again because I totally get the supporters’ frustration.

“I apologise for that and it won’t happen again.”

Page also revealed that John-Joe O’Toole and Marc Richards were both down to play before withdrawing through injury and illness respectively.

He added: “We made changes because of the amount of games we’ve had.

“Revs wasn’t due to play but Rico went down ill overnight and John-Joe was down to play but he’s picked up a knock on his ankle in training.”