Curle not giving up hope despite first leg defeat to Cheltenham

Cobblers boss Keith Curle has not given up hope of reaching the League Two play-off final despite losing 2-0 at home to Cheltenham Town in the first leg on Thursday night.

Charlie Raglan's first-half header was added to by Conor Thomas just three minutes from time to hand the Robins a significant advantage going into Monday's second leg at Whaddon Road.

But Northampton created numerous opportunities and would have taken something from the game if not for Cheltenham goalkeeper Owen Evans, whose early penalty save from Ryan Watson was the highlight of an outstanding performance.

And Curle believes his side can cause more problems on Monday.

"I think everyone has seen enough games and knows enough about football to understand that 2-0 is a difficult lead to defend and that's the message to the players," he said.

"Score the first goal on Monday night and it will change the course of the game."

Watson's penalty miss on 17 minutes was undoubtedly a key moment, all the more so when Charlie Raglan scored nine minutes later.

"Tonight we had a great opportunity to score the first goal," added Curle. "But things didn't quite drop for us.

"But on Monday I believe they will. Their goalkeeper did well but we put the ball in the box and we ask questions and we won't change in the second leg because we'll ask them more questions.

"There are goals to be had and I believe there will be more goals on Monday night."