Northampton boss Austin thrilled for players after first win of the season

Posted Sunday, August 26, 2018 by PA

Northampton Town manager Dean Austin said he was delighted for both players and supporters after they won 2-1 at Colchester United to claim their first League Two victory of the season.

Matt Crooks gave the Cobblers a 48th-minute lead with a low 25-yard strike and Billy Waters doubled their advantage in the first minute of stoppage-time, flicking home from close range after fellow substitute Andy Williams helped on Sam Hoskins’ cutting pass.

Aaron Pierre’s own goal in the fifth minute of stoppage-time, after goalkeeper David Cornell had denied Sammie Szmodics, gave Colchester hope but Northampton deserved victory.

Austin said: “We’ve played better than that in our two home league games but we were very dogged, determined and resolute.

“I’m delighted for my players, because they deserve it and I’m delighted for the supporters.

“When teams play different shapes, it’s a learning curve for us. You have to be able to adapt and when they changed, it gave them a little foothold.

“Colchester are a decent side but we’re pleased to get the points today. We’ve got good ability in the team and we are capable of opening teams up.

“Before Tuesday night’s game (against Morecambe), we’d had more shots than any other team in League Two which is pleasing.

“We just needed to up the conversion rate and it’s nice to score a couple today.

“I’m disappointed that we didn’t keep the clean sheet which I felt we’d have deserved but nonetheless, it’s nice to have the three points.”

Colchester head coach John McGreal admitted his side were second best, after their unbeaten league start ended.

McGreal said: “It was a little bit after the Lord Mayor’s Show – we did ever so well (beating Crewe 6-0) but it’s not just us that find it difficult (following up results).

“You have to give the opposition credit as well and I thought for the first hour, Northampton did a good number on us.

“They came here with a good plan and they are a good footballing team.

“I said that potentially that this could be our hardest game and it proved that.

“Northampton are a big team in our division – they’ve found division two tough at the minute but it was only a matter of time before they turned the corner, with the quality players they’ve got with a good budget in this league.

“Even though we’ve been flying, we’ve still got to try and bridge these gaps with teams like this and we weren’t able to do it today.”

Crooks, Hoskins and Kevin Van Veen all went close for Northampton, in the first half.

After Crooks had netted, substitute Luke Norris headed against the bar for Colchester but Waters’ late goal proved crucial.