In the wake of Saturday’s 4-1 defeat at Northampton, Crewe Alexandra midfielder Paul Green says that we will have to improve in defending set-pieces if we are to get back on track.

Green admits that the players knew what to expect at the Sixfields Stadium having gone through the set-piece drills and watching DVD footage of Northampton in action but that we didn’t stand up to them enough.

Green told crewealex.net: "During the week the gaffer drilled us on set pieces, because that's what (Northampton) are strong on - set-pieces and free-kicks and things like that.

"We didn't take our chances and then they snuck a couple of set-pieces and a penalty which killed the game for us really.

"It was nice to get a goal back before half time to give us a chance, but the fourth goal killed us and it's just not good enough to be honest.

"If we want to do anything in this league we have to cut those stupid goals out.

"They are a strong, physical team and we are going to come up against more teams like that so we just have to carry on."

"We have been on a great run and it is so frustrating to come to a place like this and know we have had our chances, and if we had taken them then it could have been a different outcome.

"We are very disappointed as a team but there is a game coming up on Saturday and we have to get ready for that."

He added: "But we said during the week 'no silly free-kicks' but we have done that and they scored from them, so in a way it's our own downfall."