Assistant manager Steve Wigley was pleased with the attitude shown in Wednesday night's 2-1 victory against York City in which Jamie Mackie and Simon Cox netted the goals.
He also revealed afterwards that a number of the club's injury concerns are on their way back to full fitness in time to be considered for the season opener at the City Ground against crisis-hit Blackpool.
"Chris Cohen, Eric Lichaj, Jamaal Lascelles and Jack Hobbs are all back in training now," Wigley told the official NFFC website .
"That has really provided us with a massive boost and it will be great to have those players back again.
"With a positive performance tonight and a good win under our belts, things are starting to look much brighter."
Preparations wind up with the visit of West Bromwich Albion to the banks of the Trent on Saturday afternoon where new signing Chris Burke looks set to make his home bow.