Progress pleases Page but Cobblers boss says players are still disappointed

Rob Page says he's delighted with the progress his side have made so far this season despite the disappointment of some players after Saturday's 2-0 win over Walsall at Sixfields.
Rob Page gives out instructions from the touchline on Saturday. Picture: Sharon LuceyRob Page gives out instructions from the touchline on Saturday. Picture: Sharon Lucey
Rob Page gives out instructions from the touchline on Saturday. Picture: Sharon Lucey

After five successive draws to start the campaign, the Cobblers have now won back-to-back games as goals from Matty Taylor and Alex Revell saw off Walsall on a rain-sodden day at Sixfields.

The three points take Northampton up to eighth in Sky Bet League One, although Page revealed that not everyone was pleased in the dressing room post-match.

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He said: “I’m really pleased. It was a frustrating start to the season but we knew we were close to getting that first win and thankfully it came last week.

“Today we thoroughly deserved the clean sheet and now we’ve scored five in two games and that was an area we had to address and the boys have been absolutely brilliant on the training pitch.

“They’ve taken on board everything we’ve said to them and they’re still disappointed at the end which says a lot about them and is a great sign.

“They set high standards for themselves and yet they’re disappointed after beating a team who got into the play-offs last season.

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“I thought we played some good football at times and we were in total control of the game.

“Overall, I’m over the moon with the last two games and we’re really pleased with the progress.”

Page stuck with the same team that beat MK Dons last week and he reserved praise for midfield trio Harry Beautyman, Matty Taylor and Jak McCourt, particularly the latter who again impressed in the holding role.

He added: “Why would you change it after last week? If it’s not broken, don’t fix it.

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“Jak breaks play up for us and starts it off. He created Beautyman’s goal last week and he’s always on the front foot. He’s smashing people on the halfway line and winning tackles and that’s why I brought him in.

“Not only does he break play up but he’s got quality on the ball and can find passes.

“Matty Tayor was again outstanding and thoroughly deserved his man of the match.

“We went with that three in the middle and Jak gives the other two a bit more licence to break forward and support Revell.

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“Beautyman got his first goal from doing that and in the first 10 minutes he created a couple of half opportunities, and Matty scores with a header, so it gives them licence knowing they’ve got Jak behind to make the tackles.

“They complement each other and they’ve dominated in the middle of the park.”