Curle diverts the credit to his players after much-needed Exeter victory

Keith Curle diverted the credit to his players after the Cobblers returned to winning ways with a sorely needed 2-0 victory over Exeter City on Saturday.

After four straight losses, Town got just the start they wanted at the PTS when Vadaine Oliver rifled home after 54 seconds.

From then on Northampton didn't really look in much trouble despite Exeter's lofty league position, and their victory was sealed by Sam Hoskins' late penalty.

The Cobblers are back into the play-off positions ahead of Tuesday's trip to promotion rivals Cheltenham Town.

"That was more like us and credit goes to the players because we had a disappointing week and we set them a challenge," said Curle.

"Our performances have been there and we've shown glimpses of what we need to do but today we had to have that mentality to go out and focus on the simple things.

"It was about nullifying the opposition and then knowing that with our team we can go and score goals.

"Exeter are a very good team with good players but we had to interrupt their way of playing because we know we can cause them problems going the other way.

"It was a fantastic start to the game and we knew Vadaine would cause them problems if we got on the front foot, but after the goal we had a 10-minute spell where we allowed them to get into their flow.

"It then became important to engage with them and get a yard closer and stop them from playing. We did that and then we were more of a threat as the game went on."