Solid defensive display and hard-earned point against Sunderland pleases Curle

A solid defensive display and a hard-earned point against League One giants Sunderland meant Keith Curle came away a satisfied man following Saturday's goalless draw.

Striker Charlie Wyke missed a couple of decent chances for the visitors but Town goalkeeper Jonathan Mitchell had just two saves to make throughout the contest, both from long-range.

The Cobblers were disciplined and organised at the back and whilst they didn't create much in attack, half chances for Sam Hoskins and Jack Sowerby in the last 10 minutes almost snatched victory.

However, that's now four points from their last two games, a marked improvement on Town's form before Christmas.

"That's four points from two games this week and I'm pleased," said Curle. "It was a hard-fought encounter and we were very competitive in the game.

"I can remember they had one header in the first-half when our defensive line dropped too soon and Charlie Wyke had a clear header at goal but apart from that, I didn't feel as if they opened us up at all.

"We had one skirmish at the end when Sam Hoskins had a snapshot in the box and that could have ended up in the back of the net, but I don't think either team dominated in the opposition's 18-yard box.

"We can take great credit for that because I thought we defended very well. There's a willingness to defend our goal and protect our goalkeeper and both defences came out on top.

"We conceded 10 goals in our previous four matches but I think the experience of Alan Sheehan and the addition of Lloyd Jones has certainly helped us and Shaun McWilliams did an excellent job of protecting the back three."