Kevin Nolan was pleased with his side following the 0-0 draw against Wycombe Wanderers.
The Magpies were unable to find a breakthrough against the Chairboys, hitting the post twice through Shola Ameobi and Elliott Hewitt, but a stern defensive display earned a first clean sheet in five games and secured a point.
And, following on from last weekend's 3-1 defeat at Chesterfield, the manager thought his players bounced back from a disappointing display at the Proact Stadium.
"We certainly got a response from last weekend," he said.
"The lads were disappointed with what happened but the response since then has been magnificent, as it always has been when we have had that type of performance.
"We could have put them under a bit more pressure, I thought we could have done a lot more in possession and in the final third.
"We had the better chances but Wycombe came with a game plan which worked really well."
With six games remaining in the Sky Bet League Two season, the manager believes the point earned this afternoon could prove to be a vital one come 5 May.
"We've been fantastic all season and will continue to work hard," he said.
"We have six games left and we have to get as many points on the board as possible to keep the momentum going.
"Wycombe are the best team away from home in the league for a reason and you saw that today. They don't give you an inch.
"We're disappointed but this point could go a long way come the end of the season."