Keith Curle was pleased to make progress as he reflected on Tuesday night’s 2-1 win at Exeter City in the Papa John’s Trophy, goals from Danny Rose and Benny Ashley-Seal booking the Cobblers place in round three.
“It was pleasing to get a win and we got some vital minutes into some players who have been chomping at the bit,” he said.
“It was a good competitive game, we put the ball into some good areas and it’s good to see two centre forwards on the scoresheet.
“Exeter are a good free scoring side and we knew coming here we had to be competitive.
“It was a good header from Danny and Benny took his goal well. Caleb was a breath of fresh air when he came on, he will miss opportunities but he will create opportunities and score goals too.
“I was disappointed with the goal we conceded but we showed a good reaction and Jonathan Mitchell made a couple of good saves.
“We had some academy players involved tonight and the environment we are trying to create in the first team is a welcoming environment for the players coming through. We want to make that step up as easy as possible and to give those young players the platform.”