Jon Brady and his players have offered plenty of early encouragement after picking up four points from their first four games. It’s early days of course but here are some of the things we’ve learned so far...
5. Take your chances
Cobblers have scored four goals in four games so far, a respectable return, but they were punished for failing to take their chances against both Stevenage and Wigan and even in the draw to Lincoln they could have won the game with more clinical finishing. On-loan striker Tyreece Simpson has looked lively but is yet to find the net and at the moment there continues to be a reliance on Sam Hoskins to score goals. The fact they are creating chances does though bode well. Photo: Pete Norton
6. Cobblers were right to bring back loanees
As expected it has proven the right decision to bring back Kieron Bowie and Marc Leonard on loan. Both have contributed in the opening four games, particularly Leonard who has been a class act in the middle of the park. He could easily be playing a division higher such is his quality in and out of possession. Bowie was a handful against both Lincoln and Posh and should only get better as the season goes on. Photo: Pete Norton
7. Injuries remain a source of frustration
Cobblers are trying to get on top of their injury problems but it is proving frustratingly difficult. Danny Hylton, Tyler Magloire and Ryan Haynes are out for the long-term while Ben Fox, Lee Burge, Ali Koiki and Shaun McWilliams have all picked up early-season injuries. Aaron McGowan also missed Saturday's game with what was described as a knock. Even some of those who are currently playing are having to be managed. It's a frustrating time but Brady is determined to play the long game and he's hoping he will reap the rewards for his patience later in the season. The likes of McWilliams, McGowan, Fox, Burge and Koiki should not be out for too long. Photo: Pete Norton
8. Fitness is improving
Despite those injuries, there's no doubt Cobblers have looked much fitter in the last couple of games. They started the season on the back foot due to a staggered pre-season but, after fading against Stevenage and Wigan, they finished in the ascendency against Lincoln and Peterborough. There's no Tuesday game this week so that should allow players to rest and recover and with others expected to return from injury soon, Brady's squad is in a much better place now than it was only 10 days ago. Photo: Pete Norton