Keith Curle hails Northampton commitment after narrow Tranmere win

Posted Wednesday, February 06, 2019 by PA

Keith Curle lauded the commitment of his players and their fans after his Northampton Town side secured a 2-1 victory over Tranmere at Prenton Park.

The Cobblers led after less than two minutes thanks to Sam Hoskins’ clinical strike but were pegged back midway through the second half when James Norwood netted his 19th league goal of the season.

But deep in first-half injury-time, Hoskins struck again and Northampton held firm after the break to clinch a first win in four matches and condemn Rovers to a third-straight defeat.

Curle said: “I think you would probably say that it was the result that the changing room needed.

“The travelling fans that we had today – they would have seen a committed performance and it was a committed crowd as well. They were vocal throughout the game.

“Sam Hoskins was a threat and caused them problems. You wouldn’t suggest on his finishes that he was a player that some would have said is out of form statistically.

“(It was a) very honest endeavour from the lad. Good character, good bravery – he’s got his opportunities and stuck them both away excellently.

“You come here and the one thing you need to do if you’re going to get a result is to battle, to fight, scrap and stand your ground. If you don’t win the battle, you’re in for a difficult evening.

“We started off a little bit tentative but we grew into the game and expected the challenges more and more as the game went on. That was pleasing.”

Northampton led early doors when Hoskins outpaced Tranmere’s defence and stroked the ball home, before Rovers equalised when Jake Caprice’ low cross was expertly turned in by Norwood.

But when Hoskins speculatively looped the ball over Scott Davies in first-half injury-time, it proved to be the decisive moment.

Rovers boss Micky Mellon said: “We’re very frustrated. You’d have to say that we’ve lost goals at the worst possible times in order to try and get any way into any rhythm or routine in our performance.

“That’s has a massive factor in the way the game was played. We kept trying to pass it.

“There’re loads of things that I could say that we could’ve been better at but giving away an early goal changes the mentality and everyone wants to force it.

“It would’ve taken that wee bit of quality in vital areas or a wee bit of magic and imagination to try and open up a whole body of defensive players on their 18-yard box.

“We lose the goal when we do – just before half-time – which obviously is the worst possible time to lose it, if you’re getting back into it again. I think that was pretty much the story of the game.”