Manager gives match reaction after late loss at Sixfields
Grecians boss Paul Tisdale admitted that losing 1-0 away to Northampton was a bitter pill to swallow, with the teams at parity until Marc Richards’ strike in the 89th minute.A long throw by Ben Tozer was flicked on twice before Richards acrobatically improvised a volley, causing heartbreak for the City team and the travelling fans. Exeter had been defending stoutly throughout the second period, and had until then looked like they had done enough to secure a point.
The Grecians had also been dynamic and cutting in attack – albeit sometimes misplaying the final ball – and the 213 travelling City supporters stuck around at the final whistle to show their appreciation for a determined attempt at Sixfields.
Tis had no criticisms of the team, but was left frustrated that their efforts had been left unrewarded in the points column.
“We are very disappointed because it’s a late goal,” he said. “No matter what the game or the performance, when you get that close at the end to a point or a result, it’s difficult to take.
“The ball was coming in our box a lot more regularly at the end of the game and I suppose that scenario is more and more possible.
“But I thought we held out really well and had some really big performances; I’m very proud of how the players were committed. They were fantastic today – I’m delighted with how they played.
“We did really well and I feel disappointed for the players and the supporters because it was a really big effort and we came really close against a very, very strong side.
“That’s what we’re going to be up against this season – we’re going to go into games where I’m asking players to stick it out, no matter how tired they get.
“There are plenty of positives – although the biggest positive in football is winning games, getting points and getting confidence, and we know that. But we’ve got to hold firm and keep going.”