Cobblers boss Keith Curle was pleased as he reflected on Saturday’s pre-season friendly with Sheffield United.
“It was another excellent work out,” he said.
“We thank Chris Wilder and Alan Knill for bringing the team and it was another great opportunity for us to test ourselves against the elite.
“I thought we started the game quite well and got ourselves on the front foot but there were still things within the game that, because we are a new group, we still need to work on.
“I like challenges and I like challenging the changing room. I want us to be stretched and I want us to be exposed.
“We’ve had two great tests this week and I’m pleased with where we are. If the first game of the season was now we would be ready.”