Speaking after their 3-2 defeat at Sixfields to Burton Albion, Cobblers boss Aidy Boothroyd was full of praise for his players.
"It's very rare that you get beat 3-2 and get a standing ovation at the end. That's what they deserved - they were fantastic.
"We didn't get caught up in the referee's decisions although they were disappointing. We scored terrific goals, hit the post and had three off the line.
"If the players perform like that, we'll beat a lot of teams."
With the Cobblers now having slipped into the bottom two league places they now prepare for the visit of Swindon Town on New Years. The Robins currently occupy the last play-off spot and have steadily improved under Paolo di Canio's management.