'We were too soft'

Last updated : 30 January 2012 By County Ground

Aidy Boothroyd thought his Cobblers side ‘too soft’ as they slipped to a third straight defeat with a loss at Torquay United.

Torquay are a top-six side because they are consistent, they dig in and keep clean sheets,” he said. “They can be battered but still win games.

"We’re too soft but we’ll change that.

"I’m annoyed about it (losing the game) because we’d done so well, to come down here, stop them playing and create chances.

"The game plan had worked and we’d had a real good go at them."

Boothroyd handed a second debut to returning midfielder Luke Guttridge following his return to Sixfields on Friday, and he did not disappoint, although he was substituted off as a precautionary measure after feeling some discomfort in his hamstring.

Cobblers game with Crawley Town on Saturday Febuary 18th will now have to be re-scheduled due to Crawley's win at Hull City in the FA Cup and the reward for their victory being a home draw with Premier League Stoke City.

On the loan front, Blair Adams has extended his stay from Sunderland by one month while striker Akwasi Asante has returned to Birmingham City.