Wigan Athletic made us 'dig in' - Cobblers boss

The Cobblers raced into a 2-0 lead inside 20 minutes through Ryan Watson and Sam Hoskins, but were pegged back when Joe Garner slotted home a penalty just after the hour mark.

Caleb Chukwuemeka quickly restored the two-goal lead, but Tom James' header ensured an exciting last 15 minutes.

Kyle Joseph hit a post for Wigan in the closing stages, but the Cobblers held on for a much-needed three points.

"It's an important win for us," acknowledged Curle.

"I think in the first half there were a lot of pleasing things.

"In the second half we looked like a team that hasn't got that winning habit, but you start that by getting your first win.

"We had to dig in during the second half, but we had a couple of chances to put the game to bed.

"And I was pleased for Caleb, because he had a very good impact and took his goal well.

"Harry Smith and Danny Rose caused them a lot of problems in the first-half, there was great movement from Ryan Watson and Sam Hoskins, and we looked an attacking threat.

"It's pleasing to see it out because 2-0 is always a difficult score.

"But you'd obviously take leading 2-0 than having to chase 2-0.

"It's about having that calmness and that belief and that game understanding, because you don't want to sit back and invite pressure too much.

"But also you don't want to go gung-ho and leave yourself exposed."

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