Only two league fixtures took place on Saturday, giving Town a good chance to move up a few places. But it was not taken, as a poor first half saw the Us go in two goals ahead, with former Sixfields skipper Paul Reid heading the second.

Danny Jackman had a free-kick deflected in during the second half as the home side raised the tempo.

But Colchester weathered the storm to leave the Cobblers marooned in 13th in the table, and denying them a third straight victory.

"It's disappointing because we were on the back of the Leeds victory. This was the same side, confidence is high, and we've started the game so sloppily," said Gray.

"Physically we were overpowered in that first 25 minutes. We got outmuscled for the first two goals. I'm a great believer that if you stop the cross then you stop the goal and we didn't do that.

"Against strong, physical players you've got to stand up and be counted. One or two of them were perhaps just a bit shocked by the size of their players."

After some good form at home in the first 10 months of the season the Cobblers have started to struggle on their own ground, something Gray knows he must put right – fast.

"Suddenly we've lost three out of four home games and we've got to make sure this a place that is not easy for teams to come to and play at," added Gray.