Cobblers boss laments missed opportunity against Dons

Keith Curle said his side were not good enough at the sharp end as they limped out of the Papa John's Trophy against MK Dons on Tuesday night.

Ste Walker scored both goals for Russell Martin's side as Dons cruised into the quarter finals of the competition in a trouble-free performance.

The Northampton manager spoke of his disappointment afterwards, saying his side were eager to progress at the PTS Academy Stadium.

"It's disappointing because it was an opportunity for us to progress in the competition," said Curle.

"We had a period in the game in the second-half when we got a strong foothold. We changed the shape and changed the formation at half-time to stop the rhythm of their play and we had a good 20 minutes.

"But we weren't good enough when we were entering the final third. We gave the ball away too cheaply and that was disappointing.

"It was pleasing to get Joseph Mills back out there again and that was probably one of the few plusses to come out of the game.

"It was important to get a game in because players need games so hopefully we've got that ring-rust out of them after 10 days off and now we have to focus on the job in hand and that's gaining points in the league."