Curle could change his back three after branding Cobblers' defending as 'lazy' against Walsall

The Town boss was heavily critical of his side's defending for all three goals they conceded at the Bescot Stadium as Walsall roared back from 2-0 down to win 3-2.

"There were some very pleasing aspects in the first-half on Saturday but, in the second, our decision-making was poor and then, I've got to say, it was lazy defending and a lazy approach to defending," said Curle.

"Our decision-making on the ball in terms of knowing when to put the ball into good areas was nowhere near good enough.

"I thought we dealt with them quite well in the first-half but in the second we didn't come to terms with the swirling wind and we allowed too many balls to come into our box and then there's indecision in the box.

"For the free-kick defenders think the goalkeeper is coming, the goalkeeper is shouting 'away' and the ball bounces in-between everyone and goes in.

"Then, for the last goal, our distances became wrong, we don't shuffle over and cover other people. Somebody goes down the left wing, cuts the ball back and the lad is in the box with a free shot."

Injuries and suspension have forced Curle into regular changes at the back recently with Michael Harriman, Joe Martin and Lloyd Jones all filling in at various points.

But the three men who served the Cobblers so well earlier in the season - Jordan Turnbull, Scott Wharton and Charlie Goode - are all currently available and Curle could go back to them this weekend.

They haven't played together as a back three since Wharton was sent off against Leyton Orient in early January, with Turnbull slotting into midfield for the last couple of matches.

Asked if he'll make defensive changes, Curle said: "That's part of the analysis we do and it's not just from the most recent game, it's the last three or four games because the opposition are creating too many opportunities.

"I don't like teams taking shots at my goalkeeper so we'll go through it with a fine-tooth comb, myself, the analyst and the coaching staff.

"We know there are things we need to improve on defensively but sometimes that can start a lot higher up the pitch as well. "