Northampton Town manager Justin Edinburgh declared himself happy with the performance of his team in Tuesday's 1-0 pre-season win over Derby County at Sixfields.
“There were some real positives and the biggest one for me was the clean sheet,” he said.
“We had less of the ball than we have in the other friendlies which is what you would expect but we looked very solid defensively.
“The players worked really hard against a very good side and it gave us a real idea in terms of our fitness levels and where we are at right now.
“The three centre halves who started and Regan Poole who came on were all outstanding as were David Buchanan and Daniel Powell at wing-backs.”
The Cobblers boss also provided an injury update on Sam Foley, John-Joe O’Toole, Alex Revell and Brendan Moloney ahead of this Saturday’s final pre-season friendly at home to Newport County.
“We rested one or two on Tuesday night but if we can keep everybody fit then there are going to be some real tough decisions to make,” he said.
“It’s important to have that competition and I’d rather be making decisions than have then being made for me.
“Sam’s injury is disappointing but the pleasing thing is it’s not too long term and all being well he will be back in six to eight weeks. It’s still too long but it could have been much worse.
“John-Joe had an operation earlier in the summer and he’s just been feeling a little bit of discomfort. We had to shut him down for a few days but he’s back training again now with the group now.
“You always err on the side of caution and that has been the case with Alex and Brendan as well but we are happy with where we are."