Curle reveals referee 'apologised' for key mistake during Peterborough defeat

Keith Curle revealed referee Brett Huxtable 'apologised' for an error of judgement that proved costly for the Cobblers during Saturday's 2-0 loss to Peterborough United.

The incident came just past the half-hour mark when Huxtable awarded a throw-in to Peterborough despite the fourth official, who had a much better view, clearly pointing in the opposite direction, and within 60 seconds Nathan Thompson had the ball in the net.

Curle did not use that as an excuse for his side's defeat at the hands of Posh but nonetheless it was a frustrating decision at a key moment in the contest.

"Their first goal came from what should have been our throw-in," said Curle. "The referee, to his credit, has apologised and admitted he got it wrong.

"I spoke to the fourth official and he was saying 'it's Northampton's ball, it's Northampton's ball' and he was right in front of the incident.

"The referee was behind and couldn't see but gambled and gave a throw-in to them. Credit to the fourth official, at least he was professional enough to admit he got it wrong and he made a mistake.

"He's apologised but football is about mistakes. As a player, I made a few and as a manager, I've seen players make mistakes.

"But you don't chastise people for it. Hopefully, you learn from it. He's got a fourth official there mic'd up to help and give him information so hopefully he'll improve from it."

Curle also confirmed he asked midfielder Christopher Missilou to man mark United dangerman Sammie Szmodics, however he did not agree with Posh boss Daren Ferguson who claimed his side 'tactically exploited' Town for the first goal.

"We needed Missilou to do a job on their lad Szmodics because I think he's a very good player at this level," added Curle.

"I took him off at half-time because I felt we needed to get on the front foot and be a bit more physical and I thought Ryan came on and did that.

"Their first goal was frustrating but it's about how it happens - they manipulate the ball well and they move you around as a team to find that opening.

"That's something we need to do more of because their ball retention in the middle of the park was better than ours and that's something we need to learn from."