Kevin Nolan pleased with Northampton’s first point in ‘bit of a weird game’

Northampton boss Kevin Nolan declared himself “really pleased” after his side drew 0-0 at home to newly promoted Bradford at Sixfields on Saturday.

After losing 3-1 at Wigan in last week’s League One opener, the Cobblers started their home campaign with a hard-fought stalemate at Sixfields in a game of few chances.

The first half was scrappy before Northampton came on strong in the second with more of the play, but Bradford created the better moments with Curtis Tilt hitting the post and Antoni Sarcevic seeing a shot cleared off the line.

“I thought it was a bit of a weird game,” Nolan said.

“I felt we competed well but the quality wasn’t quite there for both sides. They had a couple of decent chances and our final-third play lacked quality.

“We got some corners but didn’t put them under any sustained pressure, but what I was pleased about was that we competed and we competed well.

“We probably shaded the second half without enough quality, but it’s a new group and they’re working really hard and they’re training really well and I’ve been pleased with the information they have taken on.

“We just missed that little bit of quality today.

“The pitch is a bit dry and long, and both sides seemed to struggle for fluency but I’m really pleased with a point.

“To get a clean sheet and a point after last week, it’s a good start at Sixfields – but it is only a start.”

Bantams manager Graham Alexander shared a similar view, although he was frustrated to see his side squander some good chances.

“It should have been more than a point,” he said.

“We had our chances. We hit the post and had two cleared off the line, and I can’t remember our goalkeeper having any saves to make.

“There was pressure on our box in certain situations but I thought we stood up to that really well, and we were disciplined and we didn’t give too many set-pieces away.

“We landed on second balls and used our bodies well, and I thought we were dangerous in the final third.

“There wasn’t a massive amount of chances but I didn’t think that would be the case today, and their determination and resilience to make up for last week was evident.

“We still had chances and I believe the players we have usually get their shots off and hit the target in those positions, but we made the wrong decision a few times.

“We just need a bit more composure but that will all come with time, and a big thing for us is to keep the back door shut and to keep our discipline and competitiveness, and I was delighted with that today.”