Cobblers wrap up Croatia training camp with defeat in friendly

Cobblers boss Aidy Boothroyd fielded a mix-and-match side of experienced professionals, trialists and youngsters, and was delighted with the workout the team was given by a strong local side.

The conditions were sweltering, and Boothroyd told www.ntfc.co.uk: “It has been a terrific week.

“The lads have worked hard and I am really pleased with the work they have done, with the facilities here and with the staff here who have been a massive help.

“I wasn’t concerned about the result of the game.

“The side we played were a big step up in class from the team we played here last year and I wanted the game to let me have a good look at the trialists and some of the younger players we have with us here, such as Connor Roberts (Academy defender).

“I learned a lot from the game and I was pleased with the work the players put in, considering most of them are really tired at the end of a punishing week.

“We mixed and matched things a little bit and I will have a think about where we go now with the trialist players.

“One or two of them might move on while we might invite one or two of them in again to train with us again next week.

“It is back to Sixfields now and another busy week as we look forward to Sileby next Saturday and continue our work to add to the squad.”