Derek Asamoah Impress

Cobblers' boss Kevin Wilson was full of praise for Derek Asamoah after the Ghanaian's first start against Notts County on Saturday.

Asamoah, who signed for the club in pre-season, had impressed in a number of substitute appearances and after making his bow on Saturday, he has shown Wilson that he is ready for the first team.

Wilson said: "Derek did very well on his first full debut. He most probably could have finished off with two goals. It didn't happen for him but to his credit he kept going."

Wilson was also keen to give his backing to Sam Parkin, who has not got off to the best of starts at Sixfields.

"Things are not going quite right for Sam at the moment," added Wilson. "He's got to keep going and believe in what he's doing.

"Sometimes it doesn't happen and you've got to keep working that little bit harder."

Wilson emphasised the work ethic, admitting that even when a player is on form it's important to keep on working harder: "It's a saying that when things are going well and you're on top of your game you've got to work that little bit harder."

After blaming individual mistakes for the side's failure to win a point in their first three games, Wilson had this message for his players after Saturday's performance.

"The ones who aren't performing and it isn't happening for them, have got to work even harder. We've got no excuses. But we most probably should have got a little bit more than we did."