'Flattering' - Northampton boss gives frank verdict on 4-0 defeat at Portsmouth

The Cobblers boss rued his side’s profligacy in front of goal as Kenny Jackett's side recorded three straight League One victories.

John Marquis continues his purple patch with a second double in as many matches, while Marcus Harness and Ronan Curtis netted in the second half of the triumph.

Yet Northampton spurned a huge chance when the game was goalless in the first half. Ryan Watson was put through but dragged his effort wide when one-v-one with Pompey keeper Craig MacGillivray.

Not only was Curle disappointed with the visitors’ wastefulness in the final third but how the Cobblers allowed Pompey to net four goals.

He told the Northampton Chronicle: ‘The scoreline was flattering for them.

‘We caused them problems in the first half and had two great opportunities.

‘For the goalkeeper to not even make a save is disappointing and that's the lack of clinical finishing which you need in both boxes in this division.

‘They showed their quality when the game expanded but in the first half, we nullified them and created the better chances in the game.

‘We kept them down to one shot and one other effort where the goalkeeper made a good save.

‘We had two great opportunities but goals change games and we need to defend our box better.

‘The build-up to their goals is disappointing. The first one, we've just allowed him to come inside and it's a speculative shot, the goalkeeper makes a save and they react first.

‘We then have a similar opportunity and you have to put it in the back of the net because goals change games, but we didn't.’