Striker Jon Walters was the star as Town came from behind to beat Rushden and Diamonds 2-1 at Nene Park. The former Chester man impressed throughout and netted Town's first goal, Gary Roberts scoring the winner.
Town went behind in the 36th minute when the home side broke quickly and Lee Tomlin outpaced Jason De Vos before beating Shane Supple.
Rushden could have been two up soon afterwards but Dean Howell missed a good opportunity, although there was more than a shade of offside.
Despite being behind at the break the Blues hadn't played badly but upped a gear in the second half. Recent re-signing Pablo Couñago combined well with Gary Roberts and Jon Walters, who was briefly used in an unfamiliar wide right role before switching back into the centre when Billy Clarke replaced the quiet Alan Lee.
Walters put Town back on terms in the 54th minute with a solo goal, one of several chances the January signing eked out for himself throughout the match.
Roberts scored the winner in the 65th minute after Couñago had played in Lee only for a defender to dispossess the Irishman. The ball broke to the Spaniard who laid it to Roberts, more impressive than on most recent occasions, who converted.
In addition to Couñago, new keeper Neil Alexander took over from Shane Supple at half-time and Tommy Miller was also introduced after the break and made one or two tidy passes.
Rushden brought on former Town academy defender James Krause in the second half, while his fellow FA Youth Cup winner Danny Haynes picked up a yellow card for a daft late tackle.
There was a bizarre incident late on when Rushden keeper Paul Bastock cleared the ball against defender Tom Bonner from around three feet, leaving his hapless team-mate unconscious on the floor. Fortunately it appeared no serious damage was done, although Bonner was unable to carry on.
Town left Ian Miller and Matt Richards back in Suffolk due to minor injuries suffered earlier in the week, while Dean Bowditch and Gavin Williams are continuing their recoveries from groin surgery and a pelvic problem respectively.
Overall, a decent enough pre-season display from the Blues with Walters outstanding.
Town: Supple (Alexander 46), Wright, Harding, De Vos, Naylor (Wilnis 80), Legwinski (Miller 65), Garvan (O'Callaghan 80), Haynes (Couñago 60), Lee (Clarke 73), Walters, Roberts. Att: 1,060. Town att: 271.
Thanks to Alasdair Ross for the report.
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