Derby County v Northampton Town behind closed doors practice game
Northampton Town enjoyed their first pre-season work out in a behind closed doors practice game with Derby County on Thursday.
A strong Derby side, containing a lot of the players who made the Championship play off final in May, won 4-2, and Chris Wilder was very pleased with the performance of his squad.
"Most of the players played 45 minutes and it was a tough, competitive work out," he said.
"Everyone came through fine. We left Ben Tozer out as a precaution as he has a minor dead leg and Alex Nicholls didn't play but he will be fine for Saturday.
"I was really pleased with what I saw. We were up against a strong side, but our fitness, application, attitude and spirit was excellent and really encouraging.
"This was Derby's fourth game already so they are a little ahead of us in their match practice and they had a very strong side out and I am really pleased with where we are at this stage."
Derby's goals came from and Jeff Hendrick (2), Conor Sammon and John Eustace, while Darren Carter and David Moyo were on target for the Cobblers.