Gray named Craig Hinton as captain for the Coventry City friendly

Northampton Town boss Stuart Gray was satisfied with his side's performance despite the 2-1 loss to Coventry City.

New signing Billy McKay scored an overhead kick equaliser for the Cobblers, before Sean Jeffers added to Leon Best's strike for the Sky Blues.

Gray told BBC Radio Northampton: "Pleasingly, we've dominated the game in the first half, although we've not worked the goalkeeper enough.

"But we've thrown it away at the death. Hopefully that won't become a habit."

The Cobblers were without midfielder Giles Coke, who has been at the centre of transfer controversy.

Scottish Premier League side Motherwell have presented Coke to the media as their new signing, despite Northampton's fervent claims that he had agreed a new deal at Sixfields in June.

"It is disappointing, at this stage of the season," Gray said. "But you'd hope that players like Alex Dyer, Abdul Osman, Luke Guttridge and Craig Hinton give you options in midfield."

Three Northampton trialists were used in the Jackson Grundy Cup match, defenders John Curtis and Chris McCready, and striker Seb Harris.

Having offered a deal to striker McKay before the game, Gray said that he was still keen to add to his squad - if the club's budget permitted.

"If the budget will allow us to squeeze, we just need a bit more strength at the back.

"Curtis showed his quality on the ball and McCready read the game well. They were up against quality strikers".

Northampton Town next travel to Stamford AFC on Thursday 23 July. Kick-off is 1945 BST.

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