Stuart Gray praised the effort of his Northampton Town team after Saturday's 1-0 defeat to Southend United, but was left to rue a number of missed opportunities.

"I thought we played well but we needed to get our noses in front," he said.

"Possession is no good unless you take advantage of it. We said to the players to keep the back door shut and make sure we did not get caught but Southend got one set play and scored from it. One lapse of concentration cost us the game and we have spoken about that in the dressing room.

"I thought we were in control of the game but we did not get ourselves ahead. All credit to Southend, they are a good team who will be in the promotion picture but I thought we matched them without being clinical enough.

"We put them under pressure but credit to their goalkeeper and defence. It took them 60 odd minutes to have a set play but we lost concentration and they scored from it and from then on we were chasing the game. We responded but we needed a break in front of goal.

"I thought Andy Kirk struck his penalty well and I thought it was going in off the post but it came back out. Had we got our noses in front at any stage it would have opened the game up for us, but as it was Southend could hold what they had.

"I could not ask for any more in terms of effort or commitment or from the fantastic support. I hope the fans were entertained and I hope they will be back.

"I thought we showed we can be a match for the top teams in this league and we are heading the right way. Now we have to take this on the chin and get ready for Bristol Rovers on Tuesday."

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