'The best form of defence is attack' - Curle addresses Cobblers' late woes

Simply 'scoring more goals' is how Cobblers boss Keith Curle believes his side can solve their problems in the final 15 minutes of matches this season.

It's become notable this season how Town have been vulnerable late on in games and that was underlined again on Tuesday when Luke Varney scored an 86th minute winner for Cheltenham Town.

Cobblers have scored 44 goals and conceded only 24 before the 75-minute mark this season, a record that only leaders Swindon Town can trump. By contrast though, they've conceded 14 and scored just six in the remaining 15 minutes, the third-worst record in that time in the division.

Curle believes he knows how Cobblers can fix that issue, however, and it will be put to the test with Saturday's tough trip to in-form Grimsby Town.

"I think there's been a few stats bandied about that in the first 75 minutes of games we're second or third in the league but in the last 15 minutes we're second or third from bottom," said Curle.

"It's another stat and it can be turned into a positive. It just means in that first 75 minutes we need to score more goals and it's the same for the last 15 minutes - score more goals.

"The best form of defence is attack, which probably sounds strange coming from a defender!

"But as a defender, the best way to defend is to keep the ball at the other end of the pitch and if you get an opportunity, put it into the back of the net."

Cobblers could easily have won, let alone drawn, at Whaddon Road on Tuesday had either Sam Hoskins or Lloyd Jones taken opportunities when they came along.

"We created opportunities but I still think we can be better with the ball when we're entering the final third," Curle added.

"Sometimes we can take a few more passes and a few more touches and be a bit more clinical.

"Frustration is the key word but now it's how we deal with it.

"There were still lots of elements within the game that pleased us but there's also areas we need to improve and we know that and we're aware of that.

"We've identified it and the players have taken onboard the analysis of the game and how we can improve. We're always looking to improve."