Richards on the mark as Cobblers draw reserve team friendly against Luton Town

Richards led the line in the clash played at Hitchin Town FC, and got through 80 minutes as he strives to get himself up to full fitness.

Other players involved in the match included David Cornell, Rod McDonald, Aaron Phillips, Raheem Hanley, Joel Byrom, Lawson D’Ath, Alfie Potter, Sam Hoskins and Emmanuel Sonupe, who scored Town’s other goal.

“Rico came through fine,” said assistant boss Paul Wilkinson, who was in chafge of the team.

“It was a good work out for him and he got a goal as well.

“He was looking to get some minutes under his belt out on the field and it was good to see him come through strongly.

“Most of the lads played 90 minutes and it was a good competitive work out.

“The game was played at a good tempo and both teams approached it in the right way and were fully committed.”

The match was arranged with manager Rob Page keen for players on the fringes of first team action to get some proper game time.

The Town squad was given Monday off following Sunday’s Sky Bet League One win over Milton Keynes Dons, and those not involved against Luton were back at work at Moulton College on Tuesday morning.

John-Joe O’Toole is the only injury concern as he has an ankle problem, with the midfielder doing some light work today in the hope he will be fit to join in full training on Thursday.

Gaby Zakuani is also set to report back for training on Thursday following his exploits with the Democratic Republic of Congo.

The central defender was in the DR Congo team that saw off the Central African Republic 4-1 on Sunday night to book their place in the 2017 African Cup of Nations finals, which are to be staged in Gabon in next January and February.