Keith Curle thrilled with Northampton’s comeback victory over Salford

Posted Sunday, January 12, 2020 by PA

Keith Curle was delighted with his Northampton side after they came from behind to register a 2-1 win at Salford.

Jack Baldwin had given the Ammies a 20th-minute lead before Sam Hoskins and Andy Williams scored in each half to secure the three points and Northampton’s second successive league win.

Cobblers manager Curle said: “It was a proper League Two game of football.

“There were bits of quality within it, and our two finishes from Andy Williams and Sam Hoskins were excellent.

“On the balance of play I’d say it was deserved.

“We started the game very well, but then after 15 minutes I thought we dropped off because we opted for different options than what we did in the beginning – getting on the front foot, getting them turned, putting the ball in good areas and chasing after it.

“We started thinking we can take another touch or find another option, so at half-time we said we needed to get back to what we did and maintain that, and be ruthless and relentless at what we do well.

“That is about getting on the ball and showing forward-thinking play.

“We started to do that in the second half, so the result is very pleasing.”

Salford went in front when on-loan Sunderland defender Baldwin met Craig Conway’s cross and headed the ball beyond Cobblers goalkeeper David Cornell.

The visitors equalised nine minutes later when Nicky Adams sent in a pass to Hoskins, who smashed it into the far corner of the net.

Northampton spurned two great opportunities at the start of the second half.

Vadaine Oliver hit the side netting, before Williams skipped around Salford keeper Kyle Letheren but was forced wide.

But their efforts were rewarded when they took the lead just after the hour mark.

Paul Anderson saw his shot blocked by Baldwin but the rebound fell to Williams, who fired the ball home.

Graham Alexander, whose Salford side suffered their third league defeat in a row, said: “We know we have good players that create chances but it is about that final bit of quality in the final third.

“That is down to our technique, which we need to improve and which will make the difference.

“We had good possession and we were getting some great balls into the opposing areas.

“Northampton’s keeper made a couple of fantastic saves but we have to make sure we are getting the ball into places where he doesn’t make those saves.

“We are 12 points off the play-off places but we are not giving up and it is about getting that momentum going.

“I would hope for more signings because I think that is what we need.

“My players are giving everything but the results show that we are not quite where we want to be, so sometimes you have to help them by bringing more players in.”