Keep the faith! Curle issues rallying call to Cobblers supporters

It was not so long ago when the optimism was flowing among fans with Cobblers just a few points off automatic promotion and enjoying their best FA Cup run for many years.

But that optimism has been severely punctured by four consecutive defeats, a run that now sees Town outside the play-off positions and well adrift of the top three in Sky Bet League Two.

The manner of Saturday's galling 3-2 loss at Walsall on Saturday was a particular source of frustration but ahead of two huge fixtures against Exeter and Cheltenham, Curle has issued a rallying call to supporters.

"This is a time when the players and the changing room need the supporters," he said.

"The supporters know what we're about and they've seen what we're trying to do and it's important that they keep the belief because we do.

"It (Walsall defeat) was very frustrating but it shows there's work to be done here and now it's about having the right mindset."

Cobblers have finally enjoyed a week with no Tuesday match this week, though Curle still insists he will not accept tiredness as an excuse.

"I'm not a believer in mental tiredness because it's an individual thing," he added.

"We're professionals, we play games, we train, we prepare and then we perform and then you recover.

"The players get enough time to recover, physically and mentally. Yes, we've played games Saturday, Tuesday, Saturday recently but that's what we're here to do.

"This week gives us more time to do more work on the analysis side of the game. We've had chance to analyse the game that's just gone and now we can work on our format for the next one."