Curle all smiles after Cobblers sink Grecians and progress in EFL Trophy

Keith Curle was all smiles after his side booked their place in the next round of the Papa John's Trophy with a 2-1 victory over Exeter City on Tuesday.

Danny Rose and Benny Ashley-Seal were on target at St James Park either side of Nigel Atangana's strike.

"It's always pleasing to get a win and I think we got some vital minutes into players who have been champing at the bit to play a competitive game and this was a very competitive game," said Curle.

"The first goal is something we've worked on because we're aggressive at attacking the ball in the box and we're creative and inventive with some of our movement. We've worked on crossing it into an area where the goalkeeper can't come and get it so that was excellent for the first goal.

"I didn't think we gave the opposition enough to think about in the first-half with balls over the top and in behind them but as soon as we did it with Michael Harriman, it gets them turned and it's a good turn and good finish from Benny. I think it took the goalkeeper by surprise.

"It's good for two centre-forwards to score because all they want to do is score goals and I thought Harry (Smith) led the line well. Caleb (Chukwuemeka) was a breath of fresh air - although he'll be hoping that miss at the end won't make the Christmas bloopers video!"