Chris Hogg named close to a full-strength line-up and they conceded very little in the way of chances or even shots against a strong Coventry side, which included ex-Town loanee Matt Grimes. Hogg replaced his entire team midway through the second half and a very makeshift XI continued the good work of those before them until full-time. Here are ten takeaways from a positive afternoon at Sixfields...
1. Jeacock stakes his claim
This was further evidence that Zach Jeacock will start the season in goal. He played 67 minutes and was very assured despite not having a save to make. Proactive and quick off his line and decent with the ball at his feet Photo: Pete Norton
2. Tactical tweaks
Cobblers were 4-4-2 out of possession with List and Hoskins up front and Saunders and Briggs in wide areas. That morphed into a 4-2-3-1 on the ball as Saunders stayed wide right, Briggs drifted more centrally and Hoskins dropped into the 10 role behind List Photo: Pete Norton
3. Back to basics
As Hogg has said himself, there's been a clear focus on off-the-ball work so far in pre-season and that was evident against Coventry. Cobblers need to go back to basics after last season's horror show and become hard to beat again. They were disciplined, organised and very well-drilled in this game, limiting their Premier League visitors to almost nothing for 70 minutes. That must continue, in addition to obvious attacking improvements Photo: Pete Norton
4. Fornah's deeper role
Fornah came to Sixfields 12 months ago as a central midfielder but he spent much of last season playing further forward, either off the left or in a 10 role. But here he played as a genuine central midfielder alongside Campbell and his off-the-ball work was largely excellent, winning tackles and getting his foot in. Might we see him there more? Photo: Pete Norton