Northampton Town manager Keith Curle has his sights on the top seven ahead of their home clash with Leyton Orient. The 55 year old celebrated a year in charge of the Cobblers this week and is eyeing a run towards the top of League Two. Speaking to northamptontown.co.uk “it doesn’t seem like a year to me, we’ve been on an exciting journey with a lot of changes that have continued at the club”.

• Sit 13th on 15 points
• Only lost two of their last eight games – W3 D3  L2
• One defeat in last six league games – W3  D2  L1
• League Record – P11  W4  D3  L4  F14  A12

The Cobblers blew a two goal lead for the second consecutive game in a 2-2 draw at Morecambe last weekend. Jordan Turbull struck two first half goals to set them on their way before Adam Buxton and Kevin Ellison fired home in the second half. Midfielder Nicky Adams stated to northamptontown.co.uk “we’re all disappointed in the dressing room, all of us. Because we let a two goal lead slip after playing so well”.

Northampton’s Last Six Results

Curle took over at Sixfields back in October 2018 and after guiding them to a mid table finish last season, he has his sights nearer to the top. The former Carlisle man feels his side are far from their best but are slowly gaining momentum. Speaking to northamptontown.co.uk “we have become tough to beat over the last month and while we obviously have areas to improve on, we are gaining momentum. We are pleased with certain areas but we know we are nowhere near the finished article”.

• Home Record – P5  W2  D1  L2  F8  A6
• Only lost one of last five (all competitions) – W2  D2  L1
• Unbeaten in last three league games

The Cobblers have lost seven points from winning positions in the past five games and Adams highlights his side have to improve because they will get punished. Speaking to northamptontown.co.uk “it’s fine margins today, we are disappointed because the standards we have set for each other. We are a good side but we can’t keep letting leads slip. Probably brought it on ourselves sitting in, same as last week, playing well and sat back”.

• Kept three clean sheets 
• No clean sheet in last two
• One clean sheet in last 11 home games
• 8/12 goals conceded have been in second half
• Conceded five in last 15 minutes of games
• Last six goals have been conceded after 70th minute

Curle feels his side need to play on the front foot more and are designed to play in the opposition’s half. Northampton have seen out games this season already and the 55 year old acknowledged his side are continuing to learn and develop. Speaking to northamptontown.co.uk “we are gaining that winning mentality and being able to see games out. If you saw us at Swindon we defended our goal well, same at Stevenage with a man less. We need to defend from the front, higher up the pitch with individuals knowing their roles and responsibilities”.

• Failed to score in two league games
• Scored in last five 
• Scored in seven of last eight in all competitions
• Scored in nine of last ten league games
• Netted in five of last six home games

Northampton could go five unbeaten with a positive result against Orient tomorrow. The O’s arrive sitting 21st and Curle is aware of what they will bring tomorrow. Speaking to northamptontown.co.uk “Leyton Orient can score goals but likewise they can concede goals. They like to get forward and have different style of play. They are an attacking team but sometimes they can leave them exposed at the back”.

• Last went five unbeaten back in March

Northampton’s Next Six Fixtures

Team News

Midfielder Jordan Turnbull is suspended after collecting his fifth booking of the season at Morecambe with Matty Warburton expected to come in. Alan McCormack and Steve Arnold remain injured while Ryan Watson continues his recovery from injury.

Head to Head – Northampton 30, Draw 21, Leyton Orient 28

Last Meeting – 13/02/2016 – Leyton Orient 0-4 Northampton Town

Last Seven Meetings Between Sides

• Northampton have only lost two of the last nine meetings – W4  D3  L2
• Northampton have not lost any of the last seven league meetings – W4  D3
• Northampton have only lost one of last ten league meetings – W5   D4  L1
• The Cobblers have scored two or more goals in five of last six league games

Last Time Out – 28/09/2019 – Morecambe 2-2 Northampton

Starting 11 vs Morecambe

Prediction – Northampton 3-2 Leyton Orient