With manager Jon Brady opting to rest the bulk of his senior players, the spotlight was switched to the future of the Cobblers.
No fewer than seven teenagers were in the Town starting line-up, including 18-year-old first year professional Jack Connor who made his full debut for his hometown club.
The striker was joined by five other youngsters taking their first team bow from the bench across the course of the evening, and it total 11 homegrown teenagers took to the pitch.
And the youngsters did themselves proud, putting in a disciplined and organised performance against a strong Cambridge side, who needed two goals in the final quarter of the match to claim the victory.
Here are Jeremy Casey’s ratings… all pictures by Pete Norton.
9. Josh Eppiah
Let's face it, the Leicester City loan man only started to help Town meet the competition regulations for fielding first team players. Eppiah was committed during his 23 minutes on the pitch though, and will that little bit sharper for the run-out ... 6 Photo: Pete Norton
10. Jack Connor
The first year professional made his first team debut and can be pleased with his efforts. Up against a quality defender in Lloyd Jones, Connor will have learned so much in his time on the pitch. Didn't see a lot of the ball, but worked hard and was a key cog in Town's defensive effort ... 7 Photo: Pete Norton
11. Miguel Ngwa
What a livewire! The 18-year-old has a low centre of gravity and pace to burn, with more than a few tricks up his sleeve - even if decision-making in the key areas still needs a bit of sharpening up. One moment in the first half, when he swivelled sharply and fired off a good shot from the edge of the box, was eye-catching ... 7.5 Photo: Pete Norton
12. Kai O'Keeffe
The 17-year-old was trusted to come on and replace Eppiah midway through the first half, and he didn't let anybody down. Showed bags of energy and a willingness to work and get on the ball ... 7 Photo: Pete Norton