Cobblers lacked 'quality' in Accrington defeat, admits Curle

Cobblers boss Keith Curle admitted his side lacked 'a little bit of quality' during Saturday's 1-0 home defeat to Accrington Stanley.

Jon Russell's second-minute goal was the difference at a wet and windy Sixfields but in truth Town were fortunate not to lose by more.

Whilst they struggled to create anything of note, Accrington missed a number of chances through Dion Charles, Cameron Burgess and Joe Pritchard.

"It's obviously disappointing," said Curle. "It wasn't the best of games and there wasn't a lot of quality on show from either team.

"The defining moment was a lapse of concentration or a lack of discipline when our midfield player doesn't stay with his runner and he goes through and scores.

"Both teams huffed and puffed after that and the conditions didn't help but we competed well with them. We just needed to show that little bit of quality in the final third.

"The two times we did get through, Ricky Holmes got flagged offside on both of them but they were both onside and sometimes that's what you need - those decisions to go your way.

"If we get that goal, it's a different story. But it was disappointing to concede the goal so early because it gives them something to hold onto and they've got experience and knowhow in this division and they managed the game well."