Keith Curle criticises Northampton’s ‘loose decision making’

Northampton manager Keith Curle questioned some of his side’s “decision-making” after their 2-2 draw with Grimsby.

The Cobblers were bidding to extend their winning home run to five games and they twice looked on course do to just that through Andy Williams’ early opener and then a late free-kick from Kevin Van Veen.

But Charles Vernam initially brought Grimsby level towards the end of the first half before Harry Cardwell scored with 10 minutes to go to earn the Mariners their first away point in nearly two months.

“It was a very good start from us,” said Curle. “We were on the front foot, we got territorial advantage and we had opportunities to score a second goal but didn’t manage to do so.

“We could have killed the game in the first half-hour. We started very well and put the ball in the box but then we didn’t do the simple things well to again gain territorial advantage and some of our decision making was loose.

“We didn’t get on the front foot in the second half, we didn’t get into final third and we didn’t put enough balls in the box.

“They were wobbling at the start of the game and every time there was a set-piece or the ball went into their box, we were dangerous and looked a threat, but even then we still had opportunities to show more quality and more understanding of the areas we want to exploit with the quality we’ve got.

“Some of the movement was good, some of the time it was slightly off but these are things we will work on and will continue to do so.”

Grimsby boss Michael Jolley was pleased with a point, especially after captain Danny Collins was sent off late on.

“It was a game that had everything and a real roller-coaster,” he said. “They started like a house on fire and got their noses in front, which was really frustrating because we knew what they’d try to do but we didn’t deal with it.

“I think we were fortunate to go in one each at half-time. We got better as the first half went on but there was no question they were the better team in that half.

“We made a small tactical switch and that enabled us to get more possession of the ball but ultimately it was the players that started to get us more of a foothold in the game.

“I thought we were much the better team in the second half. We played our football and we created chances so it was frustrating to go 2-1 behind when it felt we were more likely to get the next goal.

“But credit to the players because they’ve come back and we’ve gone away with a very hard-earned point.”