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As one of the most vociferous of Curle's critics on Thursday, I'm certainly one of a number of posters on here you should be eating humble pie right now.
I still stand by argument that we were predictable and primitive on Thursday and that we have been in quite a few games this year.
However, what Curle managed to deliver yesterday was a masterclass in intense and exciting direct football to go alongside the Bristol Rovers home play-off in the history of great Cobblers comebacks.
So why was it so different? Well, from a tactical point of view I think the return of Hoskins and the deployment of Harriman in a seemingly more advanced position made all the difference.
Hoskins' capacity to run at pace with the ball at his feet made us less predictable and opened up some crucial space for Morton and Oliver by giving the defence another threat to think about. Harriman's excellent forward runs made us much less lopsided and dependent on Adams' flank alone. His anticipation set up the third goal and Morton should have played him in to get a fourth himself late on.
Another interesting tactical change was that Goode appeared to be encouraged to get forward on the flanks as a Wilder-style 'overlapping centre' back. Goode's crosses were dangerous in the first half and Oliver nearly scored from one.
Equally as importantly to the tactical side, Curle got the psychology absolutely nailed on for this one. From the mind games of '2-0 is the most difficult score in football' to the watching of the Arsenal-Liverpool documentary, he clearly had everyone fired up and playing the game of their lives.
McCormack, Oliver and Morton were obvious stand outs, but the whole team played with an intensity and desire which was breathtaking to behold.
I thoroughly enjoyed every moment and I hope Curle uses this as the benchmark for his future at the club.
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