Curle to scout Town's rivals on rare Saturday off after turning down chance to rearrange fixture

Cobblers boss Keith Curle will make the most of a rare Saturday off by taking a closer look at some of Town's upcoming opponents alongside his coaching staff.

Cobblers have no game this weekend after Curle chose not to rearrange a league fixture following his side's shock FA Cup defeat at Oxford City. As a result, he will be out and about getting a glimpse of Town's League One rivals.

Fleetwood, whom Northampton entertain next Tuesday, host Sunderland in League One on Friday night, while upcoming opponents Doncaster Rovers (away to Carlisle) and Crewe Alexandra (away to Cheltenham) both play in the FA Cup this weekend.

There's also a big game at the bottom of League One as Oxford United, who are due to face Cobblers next month, host rivals Swindon Town.

“It’s a good chance to have a little break,” said Curle. “We did have an opportunity to rearrange a fixture and bring a game forward but I made the decision to have a free week because I want us to be fully focussed going into the next batch of games.

“It gives us the chance to reorganised, recuperate and if need be, rejuvenate the players and sometimes the best thing you can do is shutdown. We do a lot of recovery work with the players and sometimes players need a break from the building.

“All the coaching team and the recruitment team will all be out this weekend. I think I’m watching Gillingham and Colin’s at Oxford so Saturday is still work for us!”