Curle impressed by young pair during Exeter victory

Callum Morton, 20, and Scott Pollock, 18, both impressed in different ways as the Cobblers ran out worthy 2-0 winners over their title-battling visitors to get back on track following four straight defeats.

Morton didn't manage to add to his three goals since signing on loan from West Brom last month but he was a handful for Exeter's defence throughout, particularly in the second-half when he constantly threatened on the counter-attack.

He missed a couple of half chances before brilliantly winning a late penalty, tripped by Pierce Sweeney after a superb lung-busting run down the left flank. With Sam Hoskins converting from 12 yards and adding to Vadaine Oliver's quickfire opener, it helped complete a priceless victory.

"I thought Callum was excellent with his work-rate, his willingness to work, his desire to close down their back three and his hold-up play," said Curle.

"The thing with Callum is that he's got a real hunger. He missed a long period of time with a knee injury last year and he's come back into league football and is now desperate to do well.

"He's a quiet lad and he's unassuming but he has a great work ethic and he wants to learn and he wants to do well and he's willing to work, for both himself and the team.

"That's why the players have taken to him so quickly since he came to us - because the kid wants to learn and he wants to work."

And Morton was not the only young player to catch Curle's eye during Saturday's win as Pollock made the most of a rare opportunity off the bench.

The 18-year-old was a regular at the end of last season and then again in October when he made three successive appearances, but his game-time has been limited of late, playing just 45 league minutes in 2020.

But the teenager impressed when he replaced Ryan Watson an hour into Saturday's game, and Curle was particularly happy with his off-the-ball work.

"It was pleasing to get Scott Pollock on the pitch and when he came on, we saw that extra yard that we've been trying to get out of him," added the Town boss.

"He won a few tackles, he broke play up and he set us going forward and that's what we need to see more of.

"I had a word with him when we were walking off the pitch afterwards and I told him that I like to see my midfield players tackle and he was quick to point out the tackle he made on the far side!

"I told him I every single tackle, even some of the ones you haven't made because tackling is part and parcel of the game and when they've got the ball, we want players who will tackle them.

"Then, when we've got the ball, we want to move it quickly so we don't get tackled ourselves."