Trio impress Curle but Cobblers boss is still demanding more

Cobblers manager Keith Curle does not want to see Ricky Korboa, Harry Smith and Matty Warburton rest on their laurels after all three impressed against Cardiff City on Saturday.

Smith's first-half penalty gave the Cobblers a deserved lead at the break before Warburton made it two with a deft finish and Watson's pinpoint strike clinched Town's spot in round two of the Carabao Cup.

Striker Smith had a mixed first 12 months at the PTS with his best moments in a Cobblers shirt offset by inconsistency and injury, but he was excellent in the victory over Cardiff.

He had a hand in winning the first-half spot-kick before confidently converting from 12 yards, and then also did well to tee up Watson for the third.

"Harry was playing against three big, strong physical competitors and he knew he had to go and compete with all three of them, but I thought he did it well," said Curle.

"He led the line and he gave us a focal point and Harry is a player that is understanding the fundamentals of his role in terms of what we've been working on.

"He's a threat, he's a competitor and he brings others into play, as he did with the third goal, but there's still more to come from Harry Smith."

Warburton, meanwhile, struggled to establish himself last season after making the jump up to professional football, however his performance against Cardiff was a reminder of his potential.

"We brought Matty to the club because we believed there was an untapped talent there," Curle added. "It was a great finish from the lad, great composure, and there wouldn't have many others players that would have finished that chance.

"Matty's a work-in-progress and we understand that. We've had a conversation with him and he's working hard and he's been exemplary in his attitude, but when he gets his opportunity, he has to take it."

Korboa has followed a similar path to Warburton after making the leap from tier seven side Carshalton Athletic this summer, and he produced a debut display full of promise on Saturday.

"There's more to come from Ricky but his application, his attitude and his willingness to work are all exemplary and I like his character," continued Curle.

"I like his hunger and I like his desire to take onboard information and have that willingness to work. He will make mistakes but I don't mind that because if he's making mistakes while trying to do the right thing, you can forgive that.

"He's bought into what we're trying to create and that's massively important."