Formation not to blame for Town's lack of goals - Curle

Cobblers boss Keith Curle does not believe the 3-5-2 system is to blame for his side's struggles in front of goal this season.

Town are the lowest scorers in Sky Bet League One with just 20 goals in 24 games, three fewer than anyone else. They have only scored one goal in five games across all competitions in 2021 - Danny Rose's stoppage-time overhead kick at Lincoln City.

After an encouraging performance playing 4-3-3 against Lincoln recently, Curle has reverted back to 3-5-2 for the last two matches at Fleetwood and Blackpool.

However, his side failed to score in both games and are now back in the relegation zone ahead of Saturday's fixture against Accrington.

"We've come to a difficult place against a team that have been free-scoring and I don't think there was anything in the game," said Curle.

"Now is not the time to be talking about systems. Apart from the goal, I can't really remember Mitch (Jonathan Mitchell) making a save in open play so I've not got a problem with the structure.

"It's about our decision-making on the ball when we're getting into the final third because that's something we have to continue to improve.

"Our selection of pass has to get better and we have to retain possession better. There were times when we got into the final third but we gave it away too cheaply - keep the ball and work the opposition until we get an opening."

Curle has a few injury concerns for Saturday's trip to Accrington Stanley after Benny Ashley-Seal joined the treatment room.

"We're hoping Benny will be back available on Saturday but I think Mickel (Miller) will be between a week and 10 days until he's back," Curle added.

"Steve Arnold should be available but I think Scott Pollock is a long-term project. He's back on the grass but he needs to get over the next hurdle now of striking balls over distance.

"We're thinking about getting him to join in with the youth team because the rigours will be slightly less and that will hopefully allow him to get back into his football movements without any pressure."