Coach Shane Goddard says that Northampton Town Under 18s made 'a really positive start to pre-season' with a 1-0 win at home to Walsall on Saturday.
Miguel Ngwa scored the winner from the penalty spot early in the second half.
Speaking after the match, Goddard said: “These were our first minutes of pre-season, so to pick up a win is brilliant.
“It was an opportunity to get back playing, and we played some really good stuff.
“We worked hard and there’s some good signs there.
“The boys can be pleased with the work they’ve put in today, and it’s a really positive start to pre-season for us.”
The youth team face a challenge when they travel to Desborough Town’s first team in their next friendly.
Goddard added: “We now move on to Tuesday, which will present a completely different challenge.
“We’ll rest, recover, and manage the boys after today.
“It will be about how the boys approach the game mentally.
“Playing a senior side brings different learning opportunities for the boys, and we welcome that.
“We welcome the opportunity to go up against different opposition and face different challenges, and hopefully we can step on another level from our performance today.”