Northampton Town boss Kevin Nolan has admitted supporters were justified in criticising his players after their dismal 3-1 defeat to Oldham Athletic in the FA Cup first round.
The Cobblers’ sixth successive first-round exit came in painful fashion, as Michael Mellon’s early double all but sealed their fate inside the opening 5 minutes at Boundary Park.
Nolan Demands Reaction After ‘Really Poor’ Performance
Nolan cut an animated figure on the touchline as his side fell apart in the first half, with defensive errors repeatedly punished by a clinical Oldham attack. Mellon completed his hat-trick shortly after half-time before Cameron McGeehan grabbed a late consolation that did little to ease the frustration of travelling supporters.
The 42-year-old manager said he could not defend the performance and accepted the criticism that followed, both in the away end and across social media.
“They have to prove the supporters wrong as well because today was the first time they’ve had a go at them and a go at us – and rightly so because it was a really poor performance from us,” Nolan said.
“We’ll take it on the chin, but when you put in poor performances like that, the fans deserve to have their say.”
It marked Northampton’s third consecutive cup defeat to a lower-league side, intensifying pressure on a squad that has struggled for consistency since dropping into the lower half of League One. Nolan said his players would have to show accountability in the aftermath.
“I don’t think the lads want to let people down,” he added. “I’ve been happy with the squad and where they’re at, but I have to question them today. What they have to do now is give me answers and prove me wrong.”
🚲 Michael relives THAT goal.#EmiratesFACup | #oafc pic.twitter.com/UCozTBAlQ8
— Oldham Athletic (@OfficialOAFC) November 2, 2025
‘We’ll Watch It Back and Learn’
The manager confirmed that the team would review the defeat in full on Monday, insisting every player must confront their mistakes and respond in the right manner.
“The players have to react the right way now and they’ll be watching the game back when we come in,” Nolan said. “All the fans had to watch it, I had to watch it, and now they’ll have to watch it and see what went wrong.
“I’ve been in those moments as a player, and there’s nothing worse than seeing another player want it more than you. They’ll have to go through it and react positively this week.”
The former West Ham captain’s tenure at Sixfields has so far been defined by flashes of progress punctuated by frustrating setbacks. Northampton’s recent league form had offered optimism, but the collapse in Greater Manchester has reignited questions about consistency, mentality, and whether this squad can handle high-pressure occasions.
Nolan, however, urged calm and perspective, reminding fans that the team’s progress will not be linear. He praised Oldham’s intensity and admitted his side were second best in “too many duels, too many moments.”
The defeat extends Northampton’s unwanted record of failing to reach the second round since 2019, a streak the club will be desperate to end next year.
For now, the focus shifts back to the league, where the Cobblers face a crucial run of fixtures that could determine whether Nolan’s early promise as manager translates into tangible progress.
