'It's what we play football for' - Holmes and Curle thrilled to welcome back Cobblers fans

Keith Curle and Ricky Holmes were both delighted to welcome Cobblers supporters back to the PTS Academy Stadium for the first time in nine months on Saturday.

Just over 1,000 fans were permitted entry for the visit of Doncaster Rovers as the club hosted a pilot event in the anticipation of welcoming a further 1,000 supporters to the ground for their next home game against Lincoln City.

Whilst it was a disappointing day on the pitch as Town lost 2-0, off it there were plenty of positives.

"It's so much better with the fans, it gives you a right lift," said Holmes. "It's just a shame the game was ruined by the red card so early on.

"But I loved seeing them and it's what we play football for. We've missed them dearly - it's no good scoring in front of seats!"

Curle was also thrilled to see fans back on seats again and now he has stressed the importance of 'unity' with Cobblers set for a crucial run of games over the festive period as they battle to move away from the League One relegation zone.

"It was great to have them back," said Curle. "It's obviously disappointing that we couldn't keep 11 men on the pitch and get the result for them, but the results will come and fans will play a massive part in what we're trying to achieve this season.

"This is a season where we need that unity and that's not only the changing room or the staff, the supporters are a vital part of our DNA because we want to do everything together and that starts with players performing on the pitch and the supporters getting behind them at every opportunity.

"With the supporters we have at this club, I know that's there in abundance."

Michael Harriman added: "It's just fantastic and they were brilliant. We've missed them as much as they've missed us. When we came out for the warm-up, they cheered us and that gave me goosebumps.

"It's great to have them back and hopefully we can give them plenty of positives now that they're back full-time."