The game was the Cobblers penultimate friendly with a Tuesday game against Leicester City before the League Two season starts at York City next Saturday.
In contrast to the reputation their senior team have had over recent seasons, Stoke's under-21's played a patient, passing game with plenty of build-up from the back.
Aidy Boothroyd admitted that his team will face different tests in League Two on a weekly basis with the reality of professional life in a 46-game slog contrasting sharply with the requirements placed on Premier League youngsters.
The Town boss added however: “We had to defend properly against them and we’ve got to make sure we exploit any weaknesses whoever we play so I was pleased with that."
York drew 1-1 with Sheffield United in their weekend friendly.