Cobblers boss Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink says the current run of games and the team’s busy schedule has presented challenges.
The Cobblers prepare to welcome Bristol Rovers to Sixfields on Saturday for their ninth game in 28 days and Hasselbaink says that such a schedule has presented a challenge.
“We have had a heavy schedule over the last few weeks but i thought we played well in patches on Tuesday,” he said.
“We are making progress and we are always looking at what we are doing well in certain areas and certain aspects of the game and what we can improve.
“It’s a little bit unfortunate that because of the schedule we haven’t been able to work properly on the training ground, we are trying to put in minutes where we can coach the players but we are also having to look after them because of the amount of games.
“At the moment it’s game, recovery, game, recovery and in the middle of all that we are trying to look for some way forward."
Hasselbaink also spoke about Lewis McGugan’s match fitness and bringing through younger players after naming two Academy players on the bench on Tuesday night.
“Lewis has still got a long way to go and he needs to get a lot fitter," he said.
“The know how is there and when he gets his match fitness back we could have a very exciting player on our hands.
“It’s up to him how much he wants to suffer and if he wants to really suffer then he will be back quickly.
“We named two Academy players in the squad on Tuesday and there has to be an opportunity for the younger players and if there is not that opportunity then there is no point in having an Academy.
“Even though we have got good investors and good owners I think it’s still important for us to develop our own players.”