Adding more firepower remains the priority for Cobblers in the transfer market

Town have not scored in any of their four friendlies against higher-ranked opposition, although they did net three times in the win over Southend United with strikers Harvey Saunders and Matty Warhurst both on target at Roots Hall.

Hogg was pleased with aspects of his side’s attacking play in the 0-0 draw with Cambridge on Tuesday, but while Cobblers did create several good chances at the Abbey Stadium, a goal again remained elusive.

“We had some success playing through them and around them and we created a few good moments but we need to put more pressure on the opposition goal,” said Hogg. “I felt we did that at times but we have to keep working and we need to keep adding to that top-line to give us more success in that area of the pitch.

"It's going to be a constant work in process in terms of where we want to get to because we can't do it in one window and we can't do it in five weeks. Rome wasn't built in a day is the old saying.

"But we have to keep taking these green shoots of progress, cling onto them, believe in them and then keep building and iron out those little creases.

“Part of the reason I came to Northampton was because I wanted to build something and build a way of working and playing and something the fans can get behind. It's baby steps but we're making progress and hopefully we see more progress on Saturday and build the boys towards the first game of the season.”