The Town boss will have been delighted with the return to action after injury for forward Colin Larkin and midfielder Abdul Osman who both managed 90 minutes, and also the first appearances in Cobblers colours of loan men Ron-Robert Zieler and Kurt Robinson.

Goalkeeper Zieler wasn't expected to join up with the squad until next week, but the Manchester United man played yesterday and impressed between the sticks.

Zieler won't be involved in Saturday's Coca-Cola League One clash with Leyton Orient at Sixfields as Frank Fielding plays his penultimate game before returning to Blackburn Rovers, but there is a chance that both Osman and Larkin will be involved against the Os.

"Abdul and Colin both got through 90 minutes without any problem," said reserve team boss Ian Sampson.

"Ron-Robert and Kurt also got through the whole game as well and it gave them a chance to get to know a few of the lads.

Both of them did well, and they will have benefited from the game."

Posh scored the only goal of the game with 12 minutes remaining through Scott Ginty.

Cobblers midfielder Tom McBride has been called into the Northern Ireland under-17 squad for a training camp. McBride will link up with his national squad on December 29 and 30.