Peterborough United players will have to stand up and be counted on derby day or suffer the consequences

Ferguson believes courage and heart will be just as important as skill and poise at Sixfields if Posh are to claim their first away points of the season.

The Cobblers’ long-ball, aggressive, ‘in-your-face’ approach prompted the Posh manager to make his rallying call ahead of a unique local argument due to a complete absence of fans.

“Northampton are very dangerous opponents,” Ferguson insisted. “They play in a certain way and they are very good at it. It delivered them a promotion after all.

“They will be aggressive, they will be in our faces from the first minute, they will send plenty of balls into our penalty area and if we don’t stand up to them we will be in for a tough afternoon. We have to meet that challenge before we can impose our game on them. It’s going be tough for both sides. Neither team will want to give an inch. It will be frenetic.

“We will certainly have to start better than we did last week. The start of the match could set the tone for 90 minutes. We need to play with the intensity we showed in the second-half against Swindon from the first whistle.

“It’s a tough game, but it’s a very big one for the players and the fans so it’s one we are desperate to win.

“The teams will have to generate their own atmosphere because of the absence of fans, but I believe both teams will be just as committed and passionate as they would be playing in front of a full house.

“I’m expecting a typically competitive clash even with no fans in the ground, but my players know what to expect and they will be ready.”

Ferguson believes the proven matchwinners in his squad could prove decisive as long as Posh match their hosts’ physical commitment.

Jonson Clarke-Harris, Sammie Szmodics, Ryan Broom, Siriki Dembele and Mo Eisa were all name-checked by Ferguson this week.

Midfielder Jack Taylor and teenage forward Flynn Clarke are away on international duty.