Striker Gary Twigg dropped a big hint to boss Darren Patterson after playing a leading role in a 2-0 win over Northampton in a behind-closed-doors friendly yesterday.

o The Scottish striker, who is on the comeback trail after an ankle injury, set up Alex Fisher's goal in the second minute, before finding the net in the 28th minute after Fisher returned the compliment.

And it gives Patterson a fresh headache ahead of United's FA Cup clash with Southend on Saturday.

With loan strikers Matt Green and Ashley Barnes both netting against Kidderminster at the weekend, the fight for two striking berths is hotting up.

"It was a proper, competitive game and exactly what we were looking for," Patterson told United's website.

"We scored two good goals, the second an outstanding strike, and had senior players coming back and doing well.

"The youngsters did ever so well for us and it was a very positive afternoon's work."

Matt Day and Joel Ledgister both played as they try and get back to full fitness, while Chris Willmott and Michael Corcoran gained match sharpness.

Ledgister played 60 minutes before being taken off, while Twigg was substituted after 76 minutes.

Twigg also saw a shot rattle against the bar, while Corcoran cleared off the line as United produced an impressive display.