After the euphoria of Tuesday’s magnificent win over Premier League Luton Town, the Grecians were brought back to earth with a bang by Northampton Town.

The Cobblers have long been a bogey side for City and it seems that even a squad overhaul this summer cannot save us from more Cobblers misery.

The last 14 meetings between the two sides have only yielded 1 win for City, with Northampton winning 10 of those.

The trend continued at SJP yesterday with Northampton dominating physically, as always seems to be the case, and City suffering a case of, “after the lord mayor’s show”.

City never really got going and lacked any rhythm. The injury absentees are starting to be even more strongly felt now that we are regularly playing on Saturday/Tuesday. The double game weeks now continue right through to November, with 2 away league games and 2 home Cup games over the next 4 midweeks.

With Demetri Mitchell suspended for the game after Tuesday night’s harsh red card, City struggled to show any threat in the attacking third, with a frontline lacking any real direct pace. While Sonny Cox & Yanic Wildschut didn’t lack effort, they failed to provide a good outlet for City and needed to impose themselves on the game more. The lack of pace was very evident.

Vincent Harper was asked to play in the unfamiliar right wing back role and gave an energetic display and was one of City’s better performers on the day. It was clear to see though that his strengths are more clearly suited to playing on the left.

Jack Aitchison did return to the fold from the bench later in the match in what was a welcome sight to City supporters, and City boss Caldwell. I did spy that he was stretching out his groin when taking the kick off after the Cobblers 2nd goal. Hopefully there are no further complications after returning from his hernia operation.

James Scott was rotated after playing the full game against Luton and the Scot was missed up front. Reinforcements are needed, we can only hope that we see sight of Admiral Muskwe soon.

Will Aimson was again strong in the middle of the back three and Vil Sinisalo was awarded the Man of the Match despite City losing 0-2. That tells you everything you need to know. Zak Jules also had a decent game but did seem to tire as the game went on.

Northampton took the lead in the 20th minute after some sloppy City defending. A through ball channelled between Hartridge & Aimson was ran onto by Sam Hoskins, who was baring down on the City goal with just Sinisalo to beat. He duly slid the ball under the Finnish international to give Northampton the lead.

City failed to really muster up any prolonged spells of attack. Things did improve slightly when the additions of Scott & Aitchison were made, but when City finally managed to get into some sort of ascendency, Northampton were able to counter from a loose Tom Carroll pass. It was 3 on 1, with Jack Fitzwater the lone defender. Reece Cole was busting a gut to get back and help, but Fitzwater made it easy for Northampton when he stepped out to try and win the ball. The ball was then pushed wide to Kieran Bowie, on loan from Fulham, who had the simple task of laying the ball across to Patrick Brough to slot home the winner, game over.

City manager Caldwell was clearly very frustrated in his post match interview, suggesting that some players are not taking their chances when called upon. He has challenged the players to put this result right against Charlton on Tuesday night, and demanded that he sees a reaction from the squad.

While Charlton have not started the season the best (currently sat in 15th position with 11 points) they most definitely have the potential to beat anyone on their day and the Addicks ploughed significant funds into the playing squad in the summer.

Another tough game on the horizon and one we will not want to lose having lost back to back league games over the past week.