Notts County manager Neal Ardley was frustrated by his side’s defending as their FA Cup journey came to an end at Northampton.
The Cobblers ran out 3-1 winners at the PTS Academy Stadium to book their place in the third round and a potential dream tie.
Keith Curle’s side took the lead after just 90 minutes through Scott Wharton and doubled their lead through ex-Notts striker Vadaine Oliver.
Harry Smith then made it three after Notts had squandered several gilt-edged chances to put Northampton on the back foot.
Kristian Dennis did grab a consolation for Notts, but Ardley admitted his side’s defending had ultimately cost them.
“We had to bring our A game and defend our box properly if we were going to get anything out of the game,” he said.
“We worked harder than ever pn set-pieces, not that we don’t anyway, because we knew what threat they would bring.
“We covered every facet of them and after 90 seconds, a player doesn’t do his job and we concede.
“That was tough. The second goal was a cross and header in the middle of our box.
“Between the boxes I didn’t think there was a bundle between the teams.
“When they went 2-0 up it’s a dangerous scoreline and we had chances at 1-0 and at 2-0 to make a cup tie of it.
“When you don’t take them the inevitable happens and a third goes in and kills the game off.”
