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Russell Martin has called Leicester City's 1-0 win over Northampton Town in the Carabao Cup the "perfect test" for his side ahead of the 2026/27 League One campaign. The Foxes secured their spot in the second round of the cup thanks to Caleb Okoli's first-half header. Martin's men also had a goal ruled out for offside after Liam Cullen strayed beyond the last defender before unleashing a fierce volley into the top corner. The result brings six weeks of preparation to an end, with City's League One campaign beginning next week at Notts County. City are heavy favourites to earn promotion out of the third tier following their relegation from the Championship. Speaking after the cup win, Martin gave his assessment of his side's display. "The only disappointment is we don’t create a bit more," he said. FOLLOW ON FACEBOOK! All the latest Leicester City news on LeicestershireLive’s Leicester City Facebook page! Get LeicestershireLIVE Premium now for just £1 HERE. You can also join our WhatsApp Community by clicking HERE "We played against a really good team that’s organised so well out of possession, so big credit to Hoggy [Northampton boss Chris Hogg]. It’s a really perfect test for us about what we might face a lot during the season. "So there’s loads of good moments, and there’s loads to work on and improve. I said to the guys in there, it’s exciting, and they have to find some joy. It’s been quite tough in the last couple of years here. "So today is good, we won and kept a clean sheet, but they’re not happy. So it’s a good place to be and now we have a lot to work on.” City were far from their best against their League Two opponents. Despite dominating possession, Leicester struggled to turn their control into a genuine attacking threat against their League Two opposition - managing just 15 touches in Northampton's penalty area. "We're in the final third a lot but don't quite create a lot," Martin said when asked what exactly needs working on. "Like I said, it's down to good defensive structure from Northampton, but also we have to do a bit more to try and hurt them, to soften them up and create some gaps. [There's] loads to work on." He added: “I think we saw the need for more time on the pitch for certain players as well. We had two new wingers playing in the last half an hour of the game. We had a young kid, Will Alves, playing and did great. "Stephy Mavididi, who’s had constant speculation around his future, he’s just got on with it and been great. We will add to the squad, as and when and where will depend on what’s right for us. "Even with the players we’ve got, we can create more, we can do more, it’s not just about adding someone else and I’m really looking forward to analysing the game and working on it with the lads.”