Change of formation might not be permanent, suggests Curle

Cobblers boss Keith Curle has explained his reasons for changing formation at Lincoln City on Saturday and why it might not be a permanent switch.

Town played 3-5-2 in their previous two league games but set-up 4-3-3 at Sincil Bank with new signings Mickel Miller and Ryan Edmondson playing alongside Sam Hoskins up front.

Fellow January recruit Bryn Moris slotted into central midfield and he enjoyed a good game as Town played well in defeat to the title-chasing Imps.

Asked why he changed formation, Curle explained it was a game-specific decision rather than a long-term switch.

"I thought with the way that they play, they usually like to dominate possession of the ball and the lad (Liam) Bridcutt through the middle makes them tick," said the Town boss.

"We wanted to stop them having that flow in their play and stop them having dominance of the ball and being able to get into our final third because they do have good quality and good combination play.

"We wanted to disrupt that and in the first-half I thought we did that and we nullified a lot of their forward play.

"There was a spell after Mickel went off when they combined a few times down the right side and Mitch (Jonathan Mitchell) made a good save from one cross but we adjusted to that and I didn't think they were a threat other than that.

"Getting the first goal allowed them to be more expressive and the second goal comes from that but we still had chances to get into their box."

All three debutants caught the eye at various moments but Morris, on loan from Portsmouth, was the pick.

"Bryn has slotted in well," Curle added. "He understands the game and he has good awareness and he's aggressive and he has a forward-thinking mentality.

"He has qualities that we need and I think he will be an integral part of the fight we have on our hands.

"There are plenty of good things to take out of the game. We brought three players into the squad and they've fitted in very, very well.

"We know we're in a fight between now and the end of the season but we are still very much alive and kicking."