Julian Darby hailed Wanderers’ spirit as he guided the Whites to another three points to enhance their play-off prospects, writes Pete Oliver.
Darby made it back-to-back wins for his time as temporary boss as a 3-1 victory over Northampton Town lifted Wanderers up to seventh place in the League One table.
Only goal difference is keeping the Whites outside the play-off places after they chiselled out a first home win of 2025 sealed by Aaron Collins’ superbly-taken 15th goal of the season.
“We had to dig in. It wasn't pretty, especially in the second half, but the lads stuck in,” said Darby.
“That showed spirit because things weren't going fantastic for us but they dug in and then Aaron pulled something out of nothing and what a finish. At 3-1 they weren't coming back into the game.
“You'd take a few more of those before the end of the season. There will be times when we will play much better and get nothing, but that's what happens throughout a season.
“You win some when you play poorly and you lose some when you play well. But three points is three points and we're dragging everyone closer to us.”

Wanderers are now within four points of Huddersfield Town in fourth place after Darby’s men followed up Saturday’s win over the Terriers with a seventh home success of the season after a George Thomason strike and a Liam Shaw own-goal had given the Whites a half-time lead.
Darby may now hand the reins over to a permanent manager as Wanderers continue the process of pursuing a new boss.
But he couldn’t have been happier at signing off with a win which helped further lift the mood around the Toughsheet Community Stadium.
“I don't know what's going to happen but I just thank them (the players) from the bottom of my heart. They’ve created memories which will never go away for me,” added the former Wanderers’ midfielder and current Youth Team coach.
“I think we've probably done our job. I keep saying it's a fantastic club and someone will be very fortunate.
“I keep saying to the boys, believe in yourself and back yourself. There are some good players in there and if they play with endeavour, with passion and with energy, which I think we ran out of a little bit………….
“That was an eighth game this month, but they dug in and got another three points which sticks us into seventh position and it’s clawing everyone back.”
Watch Julian’s full post-match interview on Wanderers TV