Cobblers boss Keith Curle felt his side got exactly the test they needed from Tuesday night’s pre-season fixture against Sheffield Wednesday.
“It was a great work out and a good opportunity for the players to have a good look at a team two levels above ourselves, how good they are and the levels we need to strive to reach,” he said.
“Mentally and tactically as a test it was exactly what we needed, we wanted a test and we want to see the players stretched to the maximum.
“There were lots of positives for us to take from the game even in defeat and we finished the game with six academy players on the pitch and that shows the trust and the belief we have in the younger players we have here.
“At times we got exposed but we were playing a team two levels above us and their movement off the ball was excellent.
“Physically, technically and tactically we were stretched and tested but that is exactly what we want from these games.
"Some managers choose pre-season games to win and to build momentum but I see things differently, I want to see us against teams like Sheffield Wednesday to give us the sternest possible test."