Curle insists this week will not define Cobblers' season

Keith Curle insists Cobblers' season will not be defined by what happens this week but admits his side need wins and quickly with Wigan Athletic and Burton Albion both due to visit the PTS Academy Stadium.

Wigan have just one victory in nine games going into tonight's game and sit 23rd in the table, a place below Town. Saturday's visitors Burton are in slightly better form having won two of their past three, including beating high-flying Hull on Saturday, but they continue to prop up the division.

"Every game is a chance for three points," said Curle. "People will say these games are six-pointers but the reality is that this (Tuesday) is a game we need to win because we're playing someone around us.

"But will it cement us staying up? No. We need to win and then get another win and then another win - that's the mentality.

"It's a vitally important week but the season won't be over whatever happens - there's still a lot of games and a lot of points to play for.

"It would put us in a better position and a better mindset but the mentality within the group is that we don't shy away from challenges.

"If you go and win the next two, the season isn't over. There's still so much to play for and a lot of respected teams in this division.

"You can't guarantee where you will pick up the points. Only this week we saw Burton beating Hull and there will be more twists and turns all the way through to the end of the season.

"We are in the thick of it and we'll be challenging for points in every game we play whether we're up against a team at the top of the table or near the bottom."

Cobblers would be back out of the relegation zone with two victories this week but, alternatively, fail to win either game and they'll be firmly in the mire.

"It's all about what we do and that's our focus," Curle added. "We focus on our preparation, our gameplan and our mindset and how we execute on the pitch.

"There's nothing to be scared of and everything to look forward to and that's the attitude of our changing room - we face the challenges together.

"We know what's at stake. It's a game of football that we need to win and want to win."