Rob Kelly says there are positives to take from Saturday’s 2-1 defeat to Blackburn Rovers at Highbury.
Bradley Dack opened the scoring in the first half for Rovers, but it was a spirited second half for Town as substitute Conor McAleny levelled the scoring just before the hour.
Cruelly for Town, Richard Smallwood’s late strike won the game for Rovers, who are now unbeaten in 16 league matches.
“In the first half we were outplayed,” said Kelly.
“We can’t have any complaints there, but after a busy Christmas period I felt that just caught up with us. This does show that we are doing something well with being in competitions.
“The players couldn’t get going against a very good side, a well organised one and against a team who have good players.
“As I said, we are disappointed about their second goal as it came from individual mistakes, but we need to go away and put it right.
“With no game now in midweek, we can fresh up.”
Uwe Rosler made two changes at the break, which saw McAleny and George Glendon replace Marcus Schwabl and Devante Cole. Kelly felt his side were more themselves for the second 45 minutes.
“It was important we only went in 1-0 down at half-time,” added Kelly.
“We made a change at the break and that saw us play more like people know in the second half.
“I think we saw more much of a match up after the break, and it was pleasing to see Conor back on the pitch.
“We all know he has had his injury problems, so people know he hasn’t played much, and hasn’t scored more goals.
“He is working his way back to full fitness, and with the more match time he gets he will get fitter and fitter.
“It was very pleasing to see him get on the score sheet.”