Curle delight as teenager Chukwuemeka keeps his cool to seal Trophy progress for the Cobblers

Alan Sheehan had been nominated to step up and take Town's fifth penalty in the shootout, however after Femi Akinwande blazed his effort over the crossbar, the experienced defender made the decision to give Chukwuemeka the chance to win it.

And the teenage striker didn't disappoint, coolly converting from 12 yards to secure Town's place in the knockout stages of the EFL Trophy, albeit only after an uninspiring goalless draw at the PTS.

"It's good to get through and important to keep a clean sheet, and it was good to see the lads take the penalties as well because it shows a little bit of confidence after the league form we've been in," said Curle.

"It was a great opportunity for players to show what they're about to step up and take a penalty. We scored four, we're through to the next round and now we wait for the draw.

"Alan Sheehan was actually down to take the final penalty but he realised their lad had missed his effort so Shees said to Caleb 'go on, go and take it and win it' and that's good experience for Caleb.

"It shows what the group is about and the integration of the experienced players down to the younger players because it was an opportunity for Caleb to step up and take the winning penalty.

"The players care about each other and it was a chance for a young man to step up and win the game so that was excellent from Alan and good work by Caleb to put the ball in the back of the net.

He had a good cameo appearance and showed flashes."