Brackley Town boss Kevin Wilkin is confident his side can impress in tonight’s FA Cup first round replay against Gillingham.

The Saints were 2-0 up at Priestfield Stadium in the original tie before a Frank Nouble double forced a replay at St James’ Park.

Brackley go into the game in good form thanks to Steve Diggin’s hat-trick, which helped them earn a 3-2 National League North win at Boston United on Saturday.

And Wilkin has plenty of belief in his players ahead of tonight’s tie, which will be shown live on BT Sport (ko 7.45pm).

“Saturday’s scoreline shows that we only edged it but we created lots of chances throughout the game,” Wilkin said.

“It was a difficult place to go yet the character in this team has seen us take all three points.

“We needed excellent saves from Laurie (Walker) and again Glenn (Walker) was exceptional, the second goal was quite beautifully set up for us

“With the big cup game tonight it might have been easy to take our eye off the ball but we wanted to go there and to do the job.

“There is strength right through this side and the way we saw it out was terrific.

“To do well in our league you have to go to hostile places like that and take the game to the opposition.

“It was a bit nervy towards the end but we deserved the win, we have good players in this team and some experience to call on.

“If we can play at the level we are capable of and put in a shift then we will give a good account of ourselves tonight.”

Gillingham boss Justin Edinburgh expects his team to avoid an FA Cup banana skin at Brackley Town tonight.

Edingburgh’s men only just forced a replay in the first-round tie, with two Frank Nouble goals helping the Gills recover from 2-0 down at Priestfield Stadium.

That means they will now head to St James’ Park for the replay, which will be shown live on BT Sport this evening (ko 7.45pm).

And Edinburgh believes his men can ensure there will be no Saints shock in front of the cameras, as there was back in 2013, when Brackley won the replay against Gillingham 1-0.

“We expect to win,” Edinburgh told the Gillingham News. “That is not underestimating Brackley by any stretch of the imagination.

“They were leading here 2-0 and we know what they are capable of, but we know what the cameras are there for.

“We are fully aware of that, they are there for an upset and we have to make sure we are not going to be that.

“We are certainly going into the game in a better frame of mind than we were when we played them here.”

Children from a village nursery made their own poppy wreath and learnt about the values surrounding remembrance

Youngsters at Long Buckby Nursery made their own wreath of poppies and took it along to the village’s war memorial on Friday November 11.

The nursery staff also spoke to the children about remembrance and looked at the values that surround it, including being kind to each other, helping each other in times of need, celebrating our similarities and differences and listening to each other.

Nursery mananger Allison Piotrowski said: “The people of Long Buckby have welcomed this and enjoyed seeing what the children have done.”

A man was seriously injured after his car crashed into an electricity pole with morning.

The collision happened on the A422 near Deanshanger.

At about 6.40am, a silver Mercedes S430, travelling from Deanshanger towards Buckingham, for unknown reasons collided with an electricity pole on the nearside of the carriageway.

The driver, a 29-year-old man from Milton Keynes, was taken John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, with serious injuries.

Witnesses, or anyone with information about the collision, are asked to contact the Northamptonshire Police Collision Investigation Unit on 101 or call the Drivewatch Hotline on 0800 174615.

The commanding officer of the Sea Cadets squadron based at the site of last night’s Wicksteed Park blaze says they’ve “lost everything”.

The fire just after 7pm gutted the park’s boathouse, home to 800 Naval Air Squadron Kettering Sea Cadets.

The Sea Cadets provide opportunities on the water for children from across Northamptonshire, and commanding officer Marc Pether says they are devastated.

He said: “To be honest it’s absolutely devastating, I got a call and it was completely on fire.

“It’s 10 years worth of effort and investment by my team that has gone up in smoke. We’ve lost everything.

“We’ve still got the boats but we’ve lost everything you need to go up and down the water such as sails and rudders.

“Even if we had them we wouldn’t be able to as we lost the safety boat as well, which was worth between £8,000-£10,000 and chained up on the wall.”

But despite the devastation, Mr Pethers still harbours hopes of getting his squadron back to base within the next six months.

He said: “We’ve lost the facility and that’s a big problem.

“In real terms I am aiming to get them back on the water by April 1, 2017.

“We have a good relationship with Wicksteed Park and this is now about going forward.”

The cause of the fire at the 1920s boathouse is not yet known, but it not believed to be suspicious at this stage.

An on-demand delivery service which sees bike couriers deliver restaurant food to customer’s doors is set to be launched in Northampton this month.

London-based Deliveroo is also appealing for bicycle, scooter and motorbike riders to become a food courier for the expanding firm too.

A company spokesman said “more than 15” restaurants across the town have signed up to the delivery system, which aims to bring food from the kitchen hotplate to homes within 30 minutes.

General manager at Deliveroo, Jeremy Rawlinson, said: “We’ve seen a huge demand for Deliveroo in Northampton and we’re excited to be launching next month; we’re feeling very positive about the creation of new jobs for local people.

“The team is looking for people with passion, drive and great customer service, who are seeking the added benefit of flexible hours amongst other perks.

“We would encourage anyone looking for a fast paced and exciting atmosphere to apply through our website.”

Customers have the option to schedule orders via Deliveroo’s app up to a day in advance.

To apply for a job online, head to: https://deliveroo.co.uk/apply

A Playstation 4 was among the items stolen by thieves who broke into a house in Corby.

Police are appealing for witnesses to the burglary which took place sometime between 9pm last night (Tuesday) and 6.20am today (Wednesday) at a house in Handcross Court, Corby.

Items including a Playstation 4, 10 games, controllers, a Fuji digital camera and a Notivation Launch Pad were stolen.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Northamptonshire Police on 101 or they can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.

Could you be the festive fairy narrator to join the cast of Snow White on Ice at The Castle this Christmas?

The Wellingborough theatre needs to find a festive fairy narrator to join the cast of Snow White on Ice for its run during December.

They are looking for a female aged 18 years or over who’s full of enthusiasm, confident, loves to be centre stage and has experience in performing either professionally or for fun.

The role of fairy narrator is a crucial role in the show, with the aim of guiding the audiences through the magical tale and bringing the ‘good ol’ fashioned’ audience participation to the stage.

But crucially anyone applying for the part does not need to be able to skate.

Snow White on Ice runs at the theatre from Wednesday, December 14, until Friday, December 30.

The spell-binding show, the first ice show in the town, promises to be both lavish and spectacular, dazzling with its sheer beauty and elegance that will thrill the whole family.

Find out more about the role at castletheatre.co.uk/search-for-our-festive-fairy, or call the box office on 01933 270 007 to have an information pack emailed to you.

If you think you have what is needed for the role, email marketing@castletheatre.co.uk your performance CV and a link to a short video showcasing your acting talents by Friday, November 25.

A bicycle was stolen from Redhouse Road, Moulton Park, Northampton, last week.

The black and white Cyrus Elite hybrid bike (pictured) was taken between 2pm and 3.30pm on Thursday, November 10.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Northamptonshire Police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.

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Police have confirmed that four men have been arrested for drugs offences in Kettering.

Several police vehicles attended the incident in Weekley Glebe Road this afternoon, with the police helicopter also out.

Police had advised members of the public to avoid the area while they attended the incident but a force spokesman said it had now been resolved.

Those arrested have been taken into custody.

The spokesman added that there is not believed to have been any injuries.

More than 80 drivers were found to be breaking motoring laws during a two-day crackdown by Northamptonshire Police.

Officers focused on the ‘fatal four’ offences which cause the most deaths and injuries on the roads – using mobile phones when driving, drink or drug driving, failure to wear a seatbelt, and speeding.

The operation, which was led by officers and Specials from the joint Safer Roads Team (Northamptonshire Police and Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service), resulted in a total of 84 offences being dealt with and 54 illegal vehicles taken off the roads.

During the two days officers:

– Reported seven drivers for using their mobile phone while at the wheel.

– 13 drivers were reported for seatbelt offences.

– 24 vehicles were seized for not having insurance.

– 27 vehicles were seized for tax offences.

– Four drivers were reported for not having an MOT on their vehicles.

– And three stolen vehicles were recovered.

Cases included one driver who was caught texting while driving and who continued to do so while being pulled over. The motorist was also found to have been driving with no insurance.

Another driver was stopped for talking on his mobile phone and was also found to have been using his works van while disqualified from driving.

Specials inspector Anthony Rawson said: “Committing any of the ‘Fatal Four’ offences is unacceptable.

“Preventing injury or harm to members of the public is a vital part of our work, which is why it is so important for us to target drivers who commit these offences.

“At the very least, the consequences can be a fine, points or even a driving ban.

“At the very worst, this kind of driving behaviour can result in your death or the death of another driver or passenger.

“Our message to the public is: please do not take the risk.”

The operation, which was carried out in locations across Northamptonshire, was staffed predominantly by Special Constables from the Safer Roads Team who volunteer their time to make the county’s roads safer.

Jamie Gibson believes Saints can go under the radar in their bid to make the Aviva Premiership top four this season.

Jim Mallinder’s men have made a sluggish start to the league season, winning just three of their seven matches to date.

But with games against Worcester Warriors and Newcastle Falcons coming up, they will be hopeful of making their record look more impressive.

And after three successive victories in all competitions, flanker Gibson feels his team can slowly creep up the league table, which currently sees them sitting eighth.

“The league is, in some ways, split into little blocks and that gives you the opportunity to focus on those matches,” Gibson said.

“If you can take each block at a time and build results, without people even thinking about it, then come Christmas everybody will be like ‘oh wow, we’re further up the league than we expected.’

“In some ways it’s quite good to take other sides unawares to an extent. It’s started over the last few weeks – a lot of young players have come in with a point to prove and they’ve made it.

“They’ve put pressure on some of the more senior players, who themselves have had a bit of a rest and have come back in refreshed.”

So just how important is Friday’s return to Premiership rugby for Saints?

“It’s a big, big match,” Gibson said.

“We’ve had a good two-week block in the Anglo-Welsh Cup and we’ve had a good five or six weeks overall.

“We didn’t start very well, but results have been turning in the right direction and over the next two, three, four weeks we’ve got a chance to make a statement to the league.

“We want to push up that table, and it all starts on Friday.

“Last year, Worcester were fired up in their first game of the season at home, with Phil Dowson and GJ (van Velze) in their side.

“We didn’t take our opportunties, let them stay in the game and they are a dangerous side.

“They’ve got a big, heavy bunch of forwards and a back line that can hurt you.

“We need to make sure we perform, but if we can pick up a win at a place other sides struggle at, it’s a statement.”

While their focus will solely be on Worcester, Saints will be desperate to keep their winning run going into December.

The first game of next month sees Mallinder’s men take on Leicester Tigers at Welford Road.

And former Tigers forward Gibson said: “It starts this week against Worcester.

“Then we’ve got a tough game against Newcastle and then we’ve got Leicester.

“It’s amazing how momentum affects things and those derby matches are always massive.

“They’re huge, huge games, the atmosphere and intensity around is always a little bit more in the week leading up to it and we will want to win.

“This Friday is our chance to put our first marker down and Worcester are a tough side, who will hurt you if you don’t execute your game plan.

“But if you can win games away from home in this league, sides will start to notice you.”

James Armson savoured one of the best nights of his career after bagging a hat-trick in Brackley Town’s brilliant FA Cup win against Gillingham.

The Saints secured a 4-3 victory after extra-time, finishing the job against the Sky Bet League One side in the FA Cup first round replay.

Armson also netted in the first game at Priestfield Stadium, where National League North outfit Brackley were 2-0 up before being pegged back.

But Gillingham couldn’t stop the Saints on this occasion, with Armson’s heroics and a goal straight from a corner from Shane Byrne setting up a round two trip to Blackpool.

“It’s brilliant and it’s a first for me to be in the second round,” said Armson, who is a former Nuneaton and Solihull Moors player.

“We came into the game full of confidence thinking we could take something from it and the boys have been fantastic.

“I know I’ll get a lot of plaudits for scoring a hat-trick but the other boys were different class and I think we got what we deserved.

“It’s definitely one of the best nights of my career.”

The Cobblers have been allocated 381 terrace tickets for the FA Cup second round tie at non-League Stourbridge.

There are no seats available for Town fans for the tie, which will take place at Stourbridge’s War Memorial Athletic Ground on Sunday, December 4 (ko 2pm).

Tickets, which go on sale to season-ticket holders on Saturday morning, are priced at £15 for adults and £10 for those aged 65 and over or 18 and under. Disabled supporters tickets are priced as per the appropriate age category.

A club statement read: “Tickets will be sold as below and in accordance with the club’s policy of giving season ticket holders priority followed by members before general sale but for this game the club do not expect ticket sales to continue beyond season ticket holders.

CUP MATCH BOOKING FORMS

Season ticket holders on the cup match booking form scheme will have their tickets processed and these can be collected from 1pm on Tuesday November 22nd.

SEASON TICKET HOLDERS

Tickets will be sold to season ticket holders, one per person, adult-adult, junior-junior etc from 10am on Saturday November 19.

Sales will be from Sixfields and over the phone on 01604 683777 but priority will be with personal callers. Season ticket holders can purchase on behalf of others if they are in possession of the necessary season ticket cards.

Subject to availability, sales for season ticket holders will continue until close of business on Tuesday, November 22.

MEMBERS

In the unlikely event that any tickets remain for members, they will be sold one per person, adult-adult, junior-junior etc from 10am on Wednesday, November 23.

Sales will be from Sixfields and over the phone on 01604 683777 but priority will be with personal callers. Members can purchase on behalf of others if they are in possession of the necessary membership cards.

In the very unlikely event that any tickets remain for unlimited general sale, these will be from Sixfields and over the phone on 01604 683777 from 10am on Saturday, November 26.

There will be no online sales for this game at any point. The club expect tickets for this match to sell out quickly and all sales are subject to availability at all times.

A hard-working 22-year-old woman has reopened a popular Northampton gift shop using her savings.

Megan Eyles, of Abington, has taken ownership of Peppertrees located in the Ridings Arcade and has knocked down a partition wall to make room for extra stock.

The shop owner, who mostly sells greeting cards, candles and gifts, worked in the shop for two years before it was opened under her new management.

Miss Eyles said: “When I got given the option to take over ownership of the shop it took a lot of persuading people as I am only 22 years old and would be a young business owner, but with the help and support of my parents, brother and family it happened and in September Peppertrees was mine.

“I have worked in retail since having a Saturday job at school to becoming a full-time job and gaining the position of manager, my mum also has her own business in the retail industry so helping her at craft fairs and events helped me expand my knowledge and understanding of businesses.”

Miss Eyles told the Chronicle & Echo that Peppertrees has added different independent product ranges as well as carrying on with popular lines.

The store is playing host to a Christmas shopping evening on Thursday, November 24 between 5pm and 9pm.

Family, friends and officers gathered to pay tribute to a war veteran who has died at the age of 97.

Officers from RAF Marham were among those honouring the life of William John Whitsey Linaker, who was known as Jack, at his funeral at Kettering Crematorium yesterday (Wednesday).

Jack was born in Northampton in June 1919 before moving to Corby and he trained as an air gunner after joining the RAF during the Second World War.

He was posted to 9 Squadron at RAF Bardney, near Lincoln, and became the tail gunner in a crew with lifelong friend Bunny Rothwell.

On 21 December, 1944, when returning from an operational sortie, his Lancaster crash-landed and Jack’s rear turret was severed from the rest of the sliding Lancaster.

Jack was catapulted into the air and landed in a potato field without his flying boots, which had come off.

Bunny found him and they looked around for the rest of the crew, but sadly they found two of their crew dead and their pilot was missing – he had been catapulted through the cockpit roof, still attached to his seat, but was found alive.

Jack returned to flying a few weeks later and was promoted to flight sergeant and then warrant officer.

He survived the war and married Theresa, who died several years ago.

Rob Sutton, a retired RAF officer, said: “Both Jack and I are members of the 9th Squadron Association.

“Because Jack lived in Stanion, we used to take him backwards and forwards to RAF Marham for the reunions.

“We have done that for a number of years, and because of that we always kept in touch to say hello and see how he was.

“He was an absolute gem.

“It was only this year when he had his fall that he went downhill.”

Jack spent most of his life in Corby and had a bungalow in Stanion, where his neighbours would check in on him and help with his shopping.

Mr Sutton added: “We wanted to give him the send-off that he deserves.

“We are trying to honour one of our own.”

Dozens of people turned out for Jack’s funeral yesterday.

The hearse carrying his coffin draped in a Union Jack flag was met by four standard bearers at the gates of the crematorium who then processed in front of the vehicle.

Officers from RAF Marham acted as pallbearers to carry the coffin in as Vera Lynn’s The White Cliffs of Dover played at the start of the service, which was led by the Revd David Saint.

Revd Saint paid tribute to Jack before Group Captain Alan Ferguson, who is vice president of IX (B) Squadron Association, spoke of Jack’s time in the RAF.

He recounted several tales from Jack’s life, including Jack’s great friendship with Bunny Rothwell and their love of popping to the pub together, as well as the huge risks both men took by taking to the skies during the war.

Group Capt Ferguson finished by saying what a privilege it was to have known Jack.

The Last Post was performed for the committal before Vera Lynn’s We’ll Meet Again was played as the service came to a close.

Donations from Jack’s funeral will go to the Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund.

Jack died on October 20.

A new team is in place and they would love to have your support with a new era for Wellingborough’s Castle theatre.

The Castle theatre has had a tough year, with the company which was contracted to run it being put into administration before its doors closed in June.

Wellingborough Council vowed to get the venue re-opened and not only have they done this, they are now looking to the future and trying to give the people of Wellingborough the theatre they want and deserve.

Hazel Clover was brought in as interim manager and she is part of a team of seven which is working to get the theatre back on its feet.

Her aims have included putting in place a ‘quality team’ of staff, carrying out compliance work on the building to get it back up and running, and re-opening the box office.

She said: “It was challenging, but it was about finding solutions.”

Another priority for Hazel was organising a programme for the coming months, including a Christmas show.

Tickets are selling well for Snow White On Ice, with about a third of them already sold.

Also lined up for the coming months are sing-along Grease, live broadcasts from the RSC, Frank’s Comedy Club and films are being shown, with Bridget Jones’s Baby proving hugely popular with customers.

Frank’s restaurant remained open throughout the theatre’s closure and Hazel has thanked Frank’s for its support both during that time and since the re-opening.

A number of community groups have signed up for shows, including Wellingborough Pantomime Society which will be putting on Cinderella in January.

There is a new logo, new website and new social media accounts to keep people up-to-date with what’s on at the theatre.

More than 2,000 people have signed up to the theatre’s new mailing list and a new friends group has also been launched, with about 70 people attending its first event recently.

Hazel said they are working on the programme for next year as well as already looking ahead to 2018, and she is keen for customers to see ‘just how far we have come.’

She is preparing a report for Wellingborough Council to show what they have achieved and looking ahead to how the theatre may be run in the future.

And while Hazel and her team have been amazed by the support from the community since the closure, they really want to get people back through the doors and enjoying the theatre once more.

She said: “Come along and support us by buying tickets.

“Sign up to find out what’s going on and follow us on social media.

“We also want community groups to talk to us about getting involved.”

While it has been a challenging few months and Hazel admitted they have had to find ‘a new way of working,’ she added: “It’s an exciting time here now.”

Leader of Wellingborough Council Martin Griffiths said he is extremely grateful to Hazel for her hard work since taking on the role and the ‘highly motivated’ team she has put in place.

He said council officers are working on a report to be presented to the council regarding the long-term future of the theatre, and he said they have several organisations, including a couple of theatre chains, who may be interested in options for its long-term future.

He also thanked all the community groups and volunteers who are supporting the theatre, and he added: “Our council is fully committed to The Castle theatre and will do everything we can to ensure it remains an important asset for our town and borough and a facility that will be enjoyed for many years to come.”

To visit the new website click here

Four blue badges have been reported stolen this month, Northamptonshire County Council has confirmed.

Disabled drivers are being warned over “spate” of blue badge thefts in Northampton after thieves broke into a car belonging to an 82-year-old.

One incident took place between 8.30pm and 10pm, on Thursday, November 10 where the front driver’s side window of a grey and navy Toyota Auris was smashed and the disabled parking badge was taken.

The badge, which belonged to 82-year-old woman was stolen from Albion Place Car Park, the Chronicle & Echo reported last week.

An anonymous source from Northamptonshire County Council, who doesn’t wish to be named, told the Chron that there is a spate of blue badge thefts around Northampton.

They said: “Unfortunately, these badges are worth money on the black market and blue badge crime is on the up. Not saying that is the case in Northamptonshire, however, as these badges are used all over the country.

“Another reason may possibly be that people are facing hardship and will look at savings any way they can so they use these badge for free parking. These are my gut feelings as to why the thefts are happening.

What other motives can there be?” The source has advised blue badge holders to “make sure they’re not on display when they are not being used, as the crimes seem to take place overnight”.

A spokesman for Northamptonshire County Council said: “We can confirm that we’ve had four blue badges reported stolen so far this month.

“The Blue Badge scheme is a national scheme which is implemented locally by the county council.

“If a blue badge is stolen it should be reported to the police as a crime number is required to apply for a replacement badge.”

This year Abington Park will play host to 2500 Father Christmas’ in aid of the Northampton Santa Run and Walk event, which is set to take place on Sunday, December 11.

The event has announced their charity partners, including four charities including Cynthia Spencer, The Rotary Club, Northamptonshire Health Charitable Fund and The Lewis Foundation.

Race Director, Chris Dolan, said: “For 2016, the running, walking and dancing participants are encouraged to raise just £20.16. But with 25000 attending, that equates for over £50,000 for the charities.”

The event will see the return of the ‘Best Dressed Dog’ competition and it has been announced that a new medal is soon to be revealed.

In 2015 around 2,000 ‘Santa’s’ raised tens of thousands of pounds by running through Becket’s Park off Bedford Road.

The Northampton Santa Run and Walk, organised by Swift Run Events, saw participants in the famous red suits and hats - and a smattering of beards - raise more than £40,000 for six charities

It is understood that this year’s event, which will charge children £6, adults £15 and families £40 to take part, is likely to sell out before December.

A further six police officers had to be treated by medics on the day after a fatal ammonia leak at the Carlsberg factory in Northampton.

Last week tragedy struck at the Bridge Street brewery, when a gas leak claimed the life of a worker in his 40s.

Another worker, aged 51, remains in a serious condition in hospital.

Speaking to the Chronicle & Echo this week Colin Wells, the Fire Brigades Union’s serious accident investigator for Northamptonshire, said the investigation at the factory was likely to continue for some time as there are “several strands” of enquiry.

It has already been confirmed that nine firefighters also had to be rushed to hospital with breathing difficulties on the day of the incident - Wednesday, November 9.

But Mr Wells said a further six police officers has to be treated by medics the following day.

The Chronicle & Echo had made enquiries to the East Midlands Ambulance Service as to why three ambulances had arrived at the Carlsberg factory at around 1.30pm on Thursday, November 10.

The service had said the blue light response was simply part of the “ongoing incident.”

Speaking about the day of the gas leak itself, Mr Wells praised the actions of the fire fighters at the scene, who he said were: “Exposed to dangerous levels of ammonia while rendering assistance to other fire fighters using gas-tight suits.”

The crew had to make three “rescues” in what he said were “arduous” conditions on entering the factory, though sadly one rescue attempt was unsuccessful.

The post-mortem of that man, in his 40s, took place on Tuesday, though his name is yet to be released by police.

While there were also rumours that one of the fire fighter’s breathing equipment had failed during the operation, Mr Wells said that was completely untrue.

A spokeswoman for Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue, added: “We can confirm that the breathing apparatus equipment did not fail to work while crews were attending the incident and there was no interruption of air supply.

“Nine firefighters attended hospital as a precautionary measure, acting on medical advice given at the scene by a doctor. All firefighters who attended hospital were given the all clear and were sent home.

“An investigation is being carried out by Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service, working with the Fire Brigades Union, into these events.”

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