While it’s all doom and gloom for some in the Imps fan base, there is a similar theme across other clubs.
One League One side’s boss claims his team lacked desire, while another thinks their EFL Trophy game is now massive.
Levels.
Northampton Town: Nolan Slams ‘Lack of Desire’ After Oldham Cup Exit
Kevin Nolan criticised Northampton Town’s application following their defeat at Oldham, calling the display “unacceptable.” Town struggled in the first half, conceding twice to Michael Mellon before the break, and were unable to recover despite improving after the interval. Nolan focused on effort and mentality rather than decisions.
“They ran harder than us and that’s unacceptable,” said Nolan. “It’s not about decisions or anything else. It’s about mentality because they wanted it more than us.”
He highlighted second balls and fifty-fifty challenges as key battlegrounds that Oldham won more frequently. There was a brief positive when a worked routine to the back post produced Town’s goal, which Nolan confirmed had been practised.
“When we did do some half decent work, we got into some good positions and we got a goal from it,” he said. “But we didn’t do it anywhere near enough.”
Striker Tom Eaves agreed with his manager’s assessment after coming on in the second half.
“I think we all know it was mainly a desire thing today,” he said. “We know it’s not good enough.”
Nolan refused to lean on injuries, noting that eight players were unavailable, and urged those stepping in to show more across the full ninety minutes.