Mark Yates is proud of his side for battling to an important win against a tough Northampton side
Mark Yates speaking to the media following this afternoon's 1-0 win over Northampton..."Every time I've seen Northampton play they ask questions of you. I thought first half we were excellent and deservedly went ahead. We didn't get hold of the ball as well as we wanted to in the second half and they gave right good go at us. We held firm and Scott Brown's made a couple of good saves and proving why he's one of the best, if not the best keeper in the league.
"Scott's not had too much to do but he looked assured when he needed to and is a rock we've built on. The lads get so much confidence from playing in-front of him. It was another clean sheet which is always good and it was always going to be tough today.
"In terms of the way we played, the first half today was really good. We created some good chances and picked up good positions but didn't quite get enough. The second half was always going to be a battle and we kept going for as long as could. In the end once they stuck Clarke Carlisle up top, they were throwing caution to the wind. We stuck at it and it was a real good team effort.
"One or two are disappointed they didn't play but we're a collective group from the starting eleven, to the subs and everyone else. They all know they play their part. We know we've got tough games to go but we've proved we can deal with teams.
"Russ Penn was outstanding on Friday but I started him on the bench to give Darren Carter a turn. He gave us a little bit of freshness especially in the first half. He didn't see a lot of the ball in the second half but he bright on the ball and at set-pieces. We've got a squad of players where I feel it's right to mix it up now and again. Just because they've won today doesn't mean it'll be the same side that starts next time necessarily.
"Our home record has been right up there with the best in this league this season which the boys can be proud of, but we've got to try and improve ourselves away from home in the last two away games.
"Friday's defeat at Port Vale set us back a little bit but there are no easy games. We knew it was vital to win today to have any aspirations of getting in the top three. We've done that and we can now build on this, and look after ourselves between now and the rest of the season."