Curle confirms Arnold was dropped after 'disappointing' display at Plymouth

Goalkeeper Steve Arnold was dropped for Tuesday's League One clash with Swindon Town for his part in the two goals Cobblers conceded against Plymouth Argyle at the weekend, manager Keith Curle has confirmed.

Arnold has been Town's number one between the sticks since the play-offs at the end of last season despite the arrival of Jonathan Mitchell on-loan from Derby County in the summer.

However, the 31-year-old was partly at fault for both goals at Home Park when unable to keep out Frank Nouble's header before he tried and failed to punch clear the corner that led to Kell Watts' late winner.

Subsequently, Curle made the decision to drop Arnold for Tuesday's visit of Swindon and hand Mitchell his league debut for the Cobblers.

"I think Arnie will feel disappointed with both goals on Saturday and he'll understand that," said Curle. "But Arnie is a good professional.

"He knows he's got strong competition now to be playing regularly and he needs to be performing. He will be disappointed about Saturday but I have no problem with playing Arnie next week if I think it's the right thing to do.

"Tonight I made the decision to play Mitch and it was a challenge I set to Mitch. The team hasn't been doing well and he could be busy so make sure you're ready for it. That's the challenges the players have got to accept now.

"It was Mitch's first opportunity of the season in the league and I thought he made some good saves."

Christopher Missilou and Danny Rose were on target for Town as they beat the Robins 2-1. Asked why he swapped Benny Ashley-Seal for Harry Smith at half-time, Curle said: "He was annoying the life out of me because he kept slipping over! But he's been nursing a slight injury and he's had to wear moulded boots because of that."