Gray was full of praise for match-winner Adebayo Akinfenwa

Northampton boss Stuart Gray said his side were well worth their 2-1 Carling Cup victory at Bolton.

"We thoroughly deserved it and the biggest disappointment is we didn't get as many goals as we deserved," he said.

"I said to the players before the game that it is a fantastic stadium and a fantastic pitch so make sure when you get on the bus you have no regrets.

"People will now look up and down the country and see that Northampton have won at a Premier League side."

Adebayo Akinfenwa was the Cobblers' hero with both goals, including one with his head despite sporting a bandage to protect an injury that required 12 stitches.

The striker had a steel rod removed from his leg in the summer, the legacy of a shin injury during his time at Swansea.

"Adebayo is disappointed he didn't get a hat-trick but he is a big brave boy and when you come to Bolton you have to stand up and be counted," added Gray.

606: DEBATE Fantastic win tonight, well done the Cobblers Leukippus

"He has physical presence and is a big player for us. He suffered a head wound against Cheltenham and it re-opened last Saturday.

"We just keep stitching him up, bandaging him up and putting him out there.

"He is still not 100% as he is coming to terms have the steel rod taken out but is making progress.

"We just shut him down during the week and roll him out for games. He bullied Danny Shittu and Gary Cahill."

Kevin Nolan pulled a goal back for Bolton, ensuring a nervous final eight minutes for Northampton.

But Gray said: "They put the big guns on and we had to defend but the most important thing is for us to get back on the bus with happy memories, enjoy it and we now have to concentrate on Tranmere on Saturday.

"When I was manager of Southampton I won here. It's a lucky stadium for me."