Both managers satisfied with a point after Northampton’s draw with Swindon

Northampton boss Chris Hogg and Swindon counterpart Ian Holloway were both content with what they saw from their teams after a goalless draw at Sixfields.

The home side edged the first half and generally had the more threatening moments, but clear-cut chances were at a premium throughout.

The best two openings came in the final 20 minutes when Swindon goalkeeper Connor Ripley denied Logan Briggs before Northampton striker Harvey Saunders dragged wide in stoppage time.

“It’s a good point to start the season,” said Hogg. “It wasn’t a classic, free-flowing game of football but it was never going to be that on a hot first day of the season.

“I was really pleased with the team in terms of their attitude and effort and some of their intentions.

“We all wanted a perfect start and to come here and win the game and score lots of goals, but realistically that was never going to happen and we knew it was going to be a challenge.

“Swindon were a top team last season and I expect them to be up there again.

“The out-of-possession stuff and the clean sheet was a big positive and it’s a building block for us.

“There were times we got it right on the ball and we were brave enough to play and we cut through them and it all connected and we looked a threat.

“It’s just that little bit at the end, but the lads are trying and giving their all and the intent was where we want it. It’s now just how we execute.”

Holloway added: “It was pretty stressful. It wasn’t what we expected from them. What we’ve seen them do in pre-season, they didn’t do that today.

“I’m more than happy with a point. They could have scored at the end, their lad had a chance, and you could see we weren’t smooth enough, but it’s a point and that’s all that matters.

“We had to work for the clean sheet but it’s tough at the moment with the injuries, so I would have taken that before we came here.

“Of course we want to win, of course we want to take more shots and entertain more, and there were some spells where we could have done something, but we need to sharpen up.

“A lot of our focus has been without the ball and I thought we looked pretty solid.

“We lost 15 games last season and we have to change six or seven of them into draws and maybe that’s one today.

“It will take a bit of time to settle down and it’s about gelling together, but the fight and the willingness was there.”