"For the first hour we were OK and created chances but the game was lost in the last twenty minutes," was Gary Johnson's verdict on the game.
"We have to take each game as it comes at the moment as we are an inconsistent group and this is something I have to address.
"The players have got to think to themselves whether they have done enough for themselves and the team today.
"We are short on numbers in the squad but the Chairman has supported me and I'am hopeful of one or two additions before the Dagenham game. Arron Davies is close to a return and as he is one of our most experienced players we hope he will be back for next Saturday."
Marlon Jackson equalised for the Cobblers after Ben Tomlinson had given Macclesfield the lead only for the visitors to concede two goals on 84 and 88 minutes.