Wilder '˜privileged' to watch his '˜outstanding' Cobblers stretch their lead

Northampton are now a massive 14 points clear of second-placed Accrington Stanley having passed the 90-point mark thanks to goals from Ricky Holmes and John-Joe O’Toole on Tuesday evening.

The margin of Northampton’s victory flattered Crawley, who scored a late consolation, with the visitors outplayed throughout by the champions.

Wilder said: “I think everybody should be happy; coming back to the town as champions and then producing a performance like that, especially second half.

“I thought we were outstanding and as the professionals we are, we’re a little bit disappointed with their goal, but generally the team performance on the night was really, really good.

“After the euphoria after the Bristol game and then going down to Exeter and winning the league, it was about what we were going to produce tonight and they’ve not let me down or let the supporters down with a performance full of energy and desire and good football.

“At times I thought our football was outstanding tonight – we moved the ball around well, hit the bar twice and had three or four other good chances against stubborn opposition.”

Now 21 games unbeaten, Cobblers remain on course for 100 points if they win their final three games.

“We’re the best team and that’s the top and bottom of it,” added Wilder.

“We’ve stretched the lead yet again and the desire, the work ethic is there – we’re chasing things down in the 90th minute and I’m privileged and proud to watch and lead this team.

“We’re not an arrogant bunch but you look at that tonight and see a proper, proper performance.

“We could have won by more but it’s been a real good night for us.”