Colin Calderwood: Northampton ‘nowhere near good enough’ during Wigan defeat

Northampton interim manager Colin Calderwood admitted his side were “just nowhere near strong enough or competitive enough” after defeat to Wigan left them on the brink of relegation to League Two.

The Cobblers lost 3-1 at Sixfields on Easter Monday – their 10th defeat in 11 games across all competitions – and could be relegated without playing this coming weekend.

Callum Wright set Wigan on their way before Jon Guthrie’s own goal made it 2-0 at half-time and then Will Aimson made sure of the points after Jake Evans had briefly given Northampton hope.

“It’s very deflating when we repeat what we saw on Friday,” said Calderwood. “Wigan had a good threat and they moved the ball really well but we obviously have to defend better in that moment for the first goal and make it harder for them to get through us.

“Those moments are why you end up in this position and we found it tough in the first half.

“We did have a couple of half-chances and there were some nice moments but you have to keep grafting away and the two goals we concede from corners just deflates the whole stadium and it deflates the team and leaves everyone feeling flat.

“We’re not competitive in terms of getting close to winning games because we’re losing too many goals early in the first half and they’re soft goals.

“But whether it’s a soft goal or a great goal, we’re just nowhere near strong enough or competitive enough or good enough and it’s very, very poor.”

Wigan are up to 18th but remain only three points above the drop zone.

Latics boss Gary Caldwell said: “We knew we had to play well because we were up against a team fighting for their lives.

“The way we started was really pleasing, we took control with the ball and we played in their half and created some good moments.

“I felt we probably should have been further in front at half-time but it was only 2-0 and they came at us and put more physicality and went a bit more direct.

“That caused us problems and we can still be better in those moments, but I’m really pleased with the players because it’s a huge win for us.

“We need to improve and play with more belief because the players play in the past instead of playing in the present too much, so we have focused on trying to play freer.

“When the pressure comes on, we revert back to past habits.

“The first goal is a brilliant goal and it’s something we worked on and we looked a threat from every corner and we were rewarded for that.

“It’s a big win and it has to give the players belief but we have to win every game between now and the end of the season.”