Steve Evans is under no illusion that Stevenage's home game with Northampton Town will be their biggest test of the season so far.

The League Two leaders have won the last 13 fixtures at the Lamex in all competitions, part of the reason for their rise to the division's summit.

But after missing out on promotion last time out, the Cobblers are enjoying an equally positive season and sit third before Saturday's clash.

Northampton are third, five points behind Boro, and have lost three times, although only one of them was on the road.

And Evans is ready for a battle.

"Northampton are an outstanding side," he said. "Should they have got more success last season? I think Jon [Brady] will tell you yes. 

"Their recruitment in the summer has been absolutely outstanding. 

"It’s a club I know well and they are a big, strong, physical, athletic top three or top four side. 

"They went to Leyton Orient, go down to 10 men, and were still in the game and missed the best two chances to win in that period. 

"That takes some doing. 

"It’ll be a tough afternoon at the Lamex for us."

The midweek victory over Tottenham Hotspur U21 in the Papa John's Trophy confirmed top sport in the group and a home tie in the next round.

It was also a chance for some of the less-used players in the squad to put themselves at the front of the boss's thoughts.

Dean Campbell was one of those who may have done.

Evans said: "He was outstanding in periods and he was tired in others. 

"He is another that has not been on the pitch or the bench and has been chasing minutes. 

"But if we were to pick the best passer at this club, he would win every day of the week. 

"Someone who sees the best pass every day of the week is Dean Campbell. 

"When he came here, we said he needs to have more forward passes, more defence splitting passes, more decisive passes and he’s capable of that. 

"I hope he’s got a part to play. He’s come a long way not to play one. 

"We love him as a person, if he came home as your son-in-law, you’d be very proud. 

"He’s a good kid and he’s Scottish," he added with a wry smile.