Opposition view: Kewell happy with a point and felt Magpies edged Cobblers in goalless draw

Harry Kewell and counterpart Dean Austin took it in turns to vent their frustrations at the fourth official during Saturday's game. Picture: Sharon Lucey

The Mapgies had just two points and a -14 goal difference going into the game but they proved stubborn opponents for Town who were forced to make do with a disappointing draw.

Matt Crooks, Kevin van Veen and Leon Barnett had the home side’s clearest chances but Kewell believed the better opportunities came County’s way as Kane Hemmings struck the bar and veteran striker Jon Stead headed over.

“We’ve had to start again,” said Kewell, who replaced Kevin Nolan as Magpies boss last month. “Last week (against Stevenage) showed we can score goals but we also leak them too.

“On Saturday we showed we’re starting to be compact and hard to beat. I knew Northampton would create one or two chances but overall I feel we had the better of the chances and we were just unlucky - the ball didn’t quite drop.

“It was going to be a scrappy goal that won it and I think we had more of the scrappy chances but I’m happy to take a point.

“It’s a difficult time for us but we’re working hard every day and looking forward to the challenge. We’re progressing and we’re taking these steps forward and hopefully we can build momentum.

“It was always going to be a tough game but confidence is growing in the group. It takes time and you’ve got to nurture it and you’ve got to be careful and make sure the players have the right mindset.

“We’re in a position where the football goes out the window and we’ve got to fight for everything but I don’t think that first win is far away.”