Barnsley a benchmark for Cobblers, says boss Page

Rob Page is looking forward to seeing his Cobblers players test themselves against Barnsley (picture: Kirsty Edmonds)

Rob Page says his Cobblers players are excited by the challenge of facing a Barnsley team he describes as '˜the story of the season last year'.

Town travel to Oakwell tonight (Tuesday) in the first round of the EFL Cup.

And Cobblers will be hoping to add Sky Bet Championship side Barnsley’s scalp to that of other higher level clubs they have seen off in recent years.

Bolton, Liverpool and Wolves are among the teams upset by Northampton in the League Cup.

And Page, who saw his team draw 1-1 with Fleetwood Town in their Sky Bet League One opener on Saturday, is looking forward to trying to topple Barnsley on their own turf.

“You want to play against Championship opposition, it gives us a benchmark to see where we are and how we can compete so we’re looking forward to the challenge,” he said.

“I know the boys will be as well, the games come thick and fast but it’s against good opposition and they’re all excited.

“I played against them last season a couple of times (as Port Vale manager), we know what they’re all about and I thought they were the story of the season last year.

“They were bottom of the table come November, then went on an unbelievable run, gathered confidence and got promoted, so credit to them.

“We respect what they’re about, they’ll be a good outfit but it’s a good challenge for us as well.”