The two clubs swapped places at the end of last season, Rovers heading back into the Football League while Cheltenham were relegated but it was the hosts, managed by ex-Cobblers boss Gary Johnson, who ran out 2-1 winners.
Aside from the result, however, Clarke was scathing about an 'awful' performance from his side and, quoted in the Western Daily Press he said: "There were no positives to take out of that game whatsoever."
One player who looks to have impressed Clarke is Billy Bodin.
The former Torquay United attacker, who played four times as a substitute for Northampton at the end of last season before being allowed to leave Sixfields, has been on trial with Rovers and a short-term deal is now thought to be on the table.