Double Grammy Award winners and hip hop legends Arrested Development head to the region on August 16 for a special intimate show.

The group will headline Esquires in Bedford as part of the 25th anniversary tour for their seminal album 3 Years 5 Months and 2 Days In The Life Of.

Known across the world for their huge Grammy award winning singles Tennessee, Mr Wendal and Everyday People, Arrested Development are renowned as one of the most popular hip hop acts of all time. Formed at the end of the 1980s, their 1992 album has sold more than four million copies and was followed by Zingalamaduni in 1994. Their latest album This Was Never Home was released last year.

Support is by Zedo Bedford + Mass C. Tickets cost £20 in advance before fees via SeeTickets and the venue.

Abington resident Jo Ewen is hoping the owners of a blue Quaker parrot that flew into her garden on Saturday, August 5, can get in contact with the Chronicle & Echo.

She said: "The bird is ringed and we have been advised to ensure anyone claiming to be the owner must give us the ring number before we release him to them."

The Ewens live in the NN3 area close to Abington Park and have already put a number of posters up around their street to no avail.

Quaker parrots are highly intelligent, social birds who can remember numerous words and phrases.

If you are the owner of Blue here, get in touch with the Chron via our Facebook page here, by emailing us via editor@northantsnews.co.uk or by calling us on 01604 467039 and we will put you in touch.

Royal Mail and Action Fraud are warning households not to duped by fake missed delivery cards.

The fake missed delivery slips, look almost identical to the ‘something for you’ cards from Royal Mail, and are being used in an attempt to scam the recipients personal details according to Action Fraud.

The cards request the recipient to call an 0208 number to re-book a free delivery.

The number provided is not registered to Royal Mail though and after calling an automated message will ask for details and consignment number.

Check delivery cards very carefully

Royal Mail are now advising households to be on the look out for anything suspicious arriving in the post.

A Royal Mail spokesperson told the Express, “The Royal Mail security team is looking into this incident as a matter of urgency. Customers should check delivery cards very carefully to ensure they are genuine, and remain vigilant. Although this card is similar to one of our Something For You cards, the Royal Mail logo is crucially missing”.

“Customers should also consider whether they are expecting a delivery from the company named on the card”.

At present Action Fraud has not received any reports of such incidents, however, there have been incidents of fake delivery notes in the past.

A 23-year-old man has been jailed for three years and eight months for Class A drug offences.

Said Mohamed, of Pitchens Close, Leicester, was arrested at a property in Leighton Road, Corby, in September last year by officers from Operation Worcester, a force drive to tackle gang-related crime.

Upon his arrest Mohamed was found to be in possession of cocaine, heroin and cannabis.

He gave officers false details when arrested and failed to answer bail when required to do so.

But officers from Northamptonshire Police worked closely with colleagues from Leicestershire Police in order to identify and locate Mohamed.

He pleaded guilty to possession with intent to supply cocaine, possession with intent to supply heroin, possession of cannabis and perverting the course of justice at a hearing at Northampton Crown Court last week.

DC Alan Rooney from Operation Worcester said: “Said Mohamed left his home in Leicester to set up a drug supply business in Corby, selling cocaine and heroin and then thought he could get away with giving us false details.

“We are determined to tackle those people who supply drugs to our communities, particularly those people who travel into our county to do so.

“Anyone with information about the supply of drugs can contact us on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.”

Jim Mallinder says Saints can't wait to get their pre-season campaign started.

Mallinder's men begin their friendly fixtures with a game against the Dragons at Franklin's Gardens on Saturday (kick-off 3pm).

Matches against Nottingham, Glasgow Warriors and Ulster will follow before the month is out.

And the Saints squad are looking forward to getting some game time after some gruelling fitness work.

“We’re looking forward to Saturday’s game a lot,” Mallinder said.

“The players have worked hard over the last few weeks, but when there is rugby at the end of the week there is a bit more focus and something to work towards.

“Pre-season friendlies are always important as we integrate new players and try different combinations.

"Mitch Eadie and Jamal Ford Robinson (who have both joined from Bristol) have settled in really well, and Piers Francis has just arrived, too.

"We’ve also got players who have come back from long-term injury like Tom Stephenson and Jamie Elliott, and it will be good to see them in action.”

Motorway drivers are being warned of lengthy delays in Northamptonshire due to flooding and broken down cars.

Lane one had been closed on the M1 southbound at junction 15 for the A508 while a broken down car was moved over to the hard shoulder.

That lane has reopened but is understood to be partially flooded around the junction. Motorists are being advised to drive with caution on that stretch.

There are currently delays of 12 minutes and average speeds of 15mph in the southbound carriageway.

Police are appealing for a teenager who has gone missing from home to contact them.

Megan French, 15, left home in Nottinghamshire on Friday, August 4, and is believed to be in the Wellingborough area.

Officers are urging Megan to contact them and let them know she is safe and well.

They are also asking for the public’s help in trying to locate her.

Megan is white, about 5ft 2in, with shoulder-length straight, blonde/grey hair and brown eyes.

She was wearing black jeans, a black crop top and white trainers when she went missing.

Megan, or anyone who knows of her whereabouts, is asked to contact police on 101.

The RSPCA is opening its cattery to Northampton residents in a drive to find homes for their rescued moggies.

Nearly 70 cats are currently in care under RSPCA Northamptonshire, based at the Mill Cottage, in Creaton Road, Brixworth.

The branch is now holding a cat rehoming evening on August 15 between 4pm and 7pm for families to meet cats up for adoption.

Heavy rain prevented any play on the third day at the County Ground, with Northants' Specsavers County Championship Division Two game against Gloucestershire heading for a draw.

The prospects for the final day also look bleak, meaning both teams are likely to have to be happy with a share of the spoils.

The match is delicately poised, with Northants leading by 128 runs.

Northants were out for 343 in their first innings, with Rob Newton top scoring with 70.

Richard Gleeson then took five for 46 and Rob Keogh three for 44 as Gloucestershire were dismissed for 265 in reply.

But the away side then fought back with the ball, as the Northants top order was blown away inside six overs on the second evening. David Ripley's men closed on 50 for five, with Alex Wakely unbeaten on 23.

But the game now looks unlikely to produce a result in favour of either side.

Dennis Newlove, 28, enrolled on the health studies and social care course in 2014, sometime after being diagnosed with throat cancer, and battled the disease throughout his three years on campus.

The disease spread to other parts of Dennis’s body, and after being admitted to Cynthia Spencer Hospice in June, the academics from his course decided to organise a private graduation at the hospice, rather than wait for July’s main ceremony.

Sindy Banga, senior health lecturer at the University of Northampton, said: “Dennis’s strength and upbeat spirit was present right until the end. He is an inspiration and a teacher to us all. He showed determination, resilience, hope, patience and positivity in the face of multiple adversities. Such admirable qualities in a young man have touched everyone who knew Dennis and will serve to guide us through difficult times in our own lives."

Dennis became too poorly to attend the main graduation ceremony at Northampton’s Royal & Derngate Theatre and died two days later surrounded by loved ones on Saturday 22 July.

She added: “I saw him straight after what would have been his graduation day on July 20, at Cynthia Spencer Hospice with a few graduation gifts from a collection, including a T-shirt with all graduates’ names printed on it, and a small graduation teddy bear. When I left him he was hugging and kissing his teddy and smiling.”

Speaking after his private graduation in June, Dennis said: “There cannot be an exact expression to describe how I feel today. Today is the best, and the beginning of the best to come.

“Studying for this degree has been very challenging, considering my health, but the university has proved to me that any challenge can be beaten.”

He went on to pay tribute to staff at the hospice, by saying: “The staff are more than a family. They have shown a lot of competence and passion in everything they do – in fact, I don’t even want to go home.”

Dennis’s funeral takes place in Northampton on Thursday.

Tom Robinson is heading out on a UK tour to mark the 40th anniversary of 2-4-6-8 Motorway and headlines The Stables in Wavendon in October.

Robinson will also be paying tribute to the original Tom Robinson Band by performing his entire Power In The Darkness album at select venues across the country.

Born in Cambridge in 1950, Robinson first became known in the late 1970s as a musician and LGBT activist with the Tom Robinson Band who were early supporters of Rock Against Racism and Amnesty International.

In 1977, their Top 5 debut release 2-4-6-8 Motorway became one of the landmark singles of the UK punk era.

Other hits included Glad To Be Gay, Up Against The Wall and the band's debut album Power In The Darkness which went gold in the UK and Japan.

As a solo artist, Tom had further solo hits in 1983 with War Baby and Atmospherics: Listen To The Radio and co-wrote songs with Peter Gabriel, Elton John and Dan Hartman.

His 14th studio album Only The Now was released in 2015 and featured guests including Billy Bragg, John Grant and Ian McKellen.

Recent festival dates include Latitude, Green Man and he headlined the Left Field stage at Glastonbury in 2016.

As a radio broadcaster, Tom hosts three shows a week on BBC Radio 6 Music, is a member of the Ivor Novello Awards committee and in 2016 was awarded a fellowship of LIPA to recognition his support for new music artists through BBC Introducing.

Tom Robinson headlines The Stables in Wavendon on October 11.

Doors open at 8pm, tickets cost £19.50 before fee in advance via www.stables.org.

For more information, visit http://tomrobinson.com

Tools were stolen from a van parked in Wentin Close, Corby, in the early hours of Friday, July 28.

Two white men, both in their early 20s and wearing light-coloured clothing, broke into the white Ford Transit Connect sometime between 12.30am and 1am.

One of the men wore an Adidas trainer-type jacket, jogging bottoms and a baseball cap which appeared to be being worn back to front.

The second man wore shorts and a hooded top under a sporty-style zipped jacket.

Witnesses, or anyone with any information about the theft, are asked to call Northamptonshire Police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.

A manhunt has been launched after motorcycle helmet wearing burglars raided an arts and crafts store in Northampton.

Police are appealing for witnesses following a break-in at Hobbycraft, in Tyne Road, Northampton.

The two offenders forced their way in through the front entrance of the shop and stole a small amount of cash, sometime overnight on Friday 4 and Saturday 5 August.

The men were seen on CCTV and were wearing all black clothing, possibly biker clothing, and motorcycle helmets. One of helmets had a black, white and possibly yellow detailing, while the other was black or navy with two white stripes.

Witnesses, or anyone with any information, are asked to call Northamptonshire Police on 101. Alternatively, they can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.

Girl power got a helping hand today when one of the world's biggest music promoters launched an initiative in to encourage more female UK led bands, solo acts and sound engineers.

The so-called ReBalance scheme aims to address the gender imbalance in the music industry, says the man behind it, Reading and Leeds Festival boss Melvin Benn, managing director of Festival Republic.

He also recently produced the One Love Manchester benefit concert, which raised over £10m, in response to the the terrorist attack - bringing together artists including Coldplay, Miley Cyrus, Justin Bieber, Katy Perry and Take That.

His ReBalance project follows criticism that his year's Reading and Leeds festivals - both on August 25 to 27 - did not have enough women in the line-ups, headed by the likes of Eminem, Kasabian, Muse and ex-Oasis frontman Liam Gallagher.

Festival Republic, supported by the PRS Foundation, replied today with a plan which they hope will revolutionise the music industry.

FACEBOOK LIVE: Watch the full ReBalance press conference which was streamed live on the Yorkshire Evening Post Facebook page - CLICK HERE.

The three-year project - which will be based at the Old Chapel Music Studios in Leeds - aims to provide a step-up for UK female led bands and solo artists.

Successful candidates will receive a week's studio time, travel, accommodation and mentor access - plus a performance slot at a live nation or Festival Republic Festival.

There will also be a new apprenticeship scheme launched for studio engineers with an emphasis on encouraging female applicants. Two will be chosen apprentices over the three year programme. During the first 18 months they will work with engineers in-house at Old Chapel Music Studio and will then be the lead/co- engineers on the project.

TICKETS: For festival tickets, updates, safety information and more visit www.leedsfestival.com and www.readingfestival.com
In a recent Women Make Music Evaluation carried out by PRS Foundation, it was highlighted that women represent 16 per cent of UK songwriters and composers and that there is a lack of women in other roles across the industry.

Engineering, in particular, is viewed as an almost entirely male ‘closed shop’.

ReBalance responds to this by supporting both artists and up and coming female engineers in a programme which offers valuable studio time and industry support.

The aim of the project is to strengthen the talent pipeline and progression routes for female artists and engineers, said Melvin, at a Leeds Festival media day held outside the Old Chapel Music Studios in Leeds

He said: “Something needs to be done about gender equality in the music industry. It’s a wider issue that involves us, the live industry, but the solution doesn’t rest only with us. I have decided to be proactive in changing and working towards this no longer being an issue in the future, and that’s what this project is about.

"We’ve been working closely with PRS Foundation and their Women Make Music programme, alongside Old Chapel Studio in Leeds to pull together this exciting new initiative. ReBalance will enable future, and current female musicians within the industry, to have the support they need in order to be recognised.

"There is a significant lack of female acts with recording contracts, and indeed airplay – it’s quite astonishing.

"This is a project that gives a step up from start to finish. I am also committing to a performance slot on a Festival Republic or Live Nation festival, for each of the acts who come through the ReBalance programme”

Artists and engineers will be nominated by industry experts, including labels, managers, streaming services, publishers, promoters, agents and journalists, who will be invited by Festival Republic and PRS Foundation to nominate their choices.

A selection panel will then shortlist and select the successful artists and engineers from this nominated shortlist. The selection panel will change over the year in line with availability and demand.

Vanessa Reed, CEO of PRS Foundation said: "We look forward to helping Festival Republic to deliver this important and exciting programme and to following the results of the monthly studio sessions planned. We need more male leaders like Melvin Benn to recognise the ongoing gender gap in music and to use their position to do something about it. Coming up with campaigns and initiatives like ReBalance, will ultimately strengthen our industry and be of benefit to us all.”

Natti Shiner, of Fickle Friends, said: “Being a woman in a band ain't easy. Let’s face it, guitar music is male-dominated and it seems like the wider music industry is hardwired towards men - even the fact that people often feel they have to refer to our band as being 'female-fronted' feels wrong - who ever referred to Arctic Monkeys as a 'male-fronted' band?..

"ReBalance is important because it looks to tackle this issue in a long-term way. Rather than just sticking a few female artists on some bills as a token gesture, it will provide support for the things that actually matter to an emerging artist - studio time, travel, accommodation, practical advice etc.”

Chris Guerin, Chair of Leeds Music Trust said: “This is a wonderful initiative and all of us at Leeds Music Trust are really excited and proud to be a part of this fantastic and much needed programme."

TICKETS: For festival tickets, updates, safety information and more visit www.leedsfestival.com and www.readingfestival.com

This was a much-improved display from the one against Shrewsbury on Saturday but it still wasn't enough to overcome the Sky Bet Championship outfit as Ian Holloway's men won through to round two thanks to Yeni Ngbakoto's first-half goal.

Town's hopes of a comeback were hampered further by two yellow cards and therefore a red for defender Leon Barnett early in the second period, and despite a battling effort thereafter, it proved too much to come back from.

Nevertheless, there were signs of life from the new-look Cobblers who, helped by four changes to the side, upped their performance levels from Saturday as they threatened going forward while keeping QPR relatively quiet at the other end, bar one slack piece of defending from a corner which saw Ngbakoto nab the only goal of the game.

But a second 1-0 loss in succession signals Town's exit from a competition they have previously enjoyed so much success in, as attention now turns back to the league and Saturday's clash with Fleetwood Town at Sixfields.

Justin Edinburgh made four changes from the side that started at Shrewsbury last Saturday with Aaron Phillips, Yaser Kasim, Chris Long and Alex Revell all drafted in for their first starts of the season.

Up against a much-changed QPR team, which included former Town loanee Darnell Furlong at right-back, the Cobblers settled quickly into their stride and made a bright start.

After having a goal ruled out for an apparent foul on goalkeeper Matt Ingram inside five minutes, a fluent move saw Kasim's neat reverse ball find Billy Waters in the box and he teed up Long whose shot was parried away by Ingram.

That was one of several examples of neat play from the visitors, who had their Championship hosts on the back foot for much of the first 20 minutes.

Long's attempt was the only real opening to speak of, however, and the hosts gradually eased themselves into the contest, but the two goalkeepers were rarely called into action in a first 30 minutes of few chances.

QPR had been well-contained by Town up until that point, but but a lapse of concentration allowed them to hit the front on 36 minutes. Furlong got free from a corner and after his header was well saved by David Cornell, an unmarked Ngbakoto was on hand to prod home the opening goal, which stood despite strong protests for offside.

Long almost replied instantly before he was snuffed out at the crucial moment while Matt Crooks and then Kasim had long-range efforts blocked or saved.

Town remained behind at the break, which was a harsh reflection of a half they shaded, but they continued to more than hold their own in the early stages of the second-half.

On 54 minutes, however, Town's task was made considerably harder when Barnett, already booked, saw red for a strong barge on Idrissa Sylla.

That prompted a reshuffle with Town reverting to four at the back but QPR threatened a game-clinching second goal when Luke Freeman thundered a volley fractionally over.

Attacks up the other end became increasingly rare, but the introduction of Marc Richards and Leon Lobjoit almost brought the leveller.

Both were involved in a chance as Richards won a corner which Kasim delivered into a dangerous area to where Lobjoit stooped low and nodded towards goal, but Ryan Manning was in the right place to head off the line.

Manning immediately went close to making QPR's path through to round two more comfortable when his 30-yard thunderbolt rattled the crossbar, via the fingertips of Cornell, with Phillips hacking the follow-up effort off the line.

The home side were still leading but it was by no means a straightforward run to the line and Town kept coming at them.

And in the six minutes of added time they could have had a penalty as Waters went flying, only for the referee to wave away the appeals.

That was to be that, and QPR held on to book their spot in round two.

Match stats

QPR: Ingram, Furlong, Onuoha (c), Freeman (Chair 62), Manning, Caulker, Borysiuk, Smith (Washington 57), Robinson, Ngbakoto, Sylla (Petrasso 74)

Subs not used: Lumley, Baptiste, Luongo, Wszolek

Cobblers: Cornell, Barnett, A Taylor, Pierre, Phillips, Crooks, Kasim, Buchanan (c) (Smith 80), Waters, Long (Lobjoit 69), Revell (Richards 69)

Subs not used: Goff, Poole, M Taylor, Bowditch

Referee: Charles Breakspear

Attendance: 4,317

Cobblers fans: 735

For the second time in three days, Justin Edinburgh felt his side were denied a 'stonewall penalty' in stoppage-time as the Cobblers went down to a 1-0 defeat against Queens Park Rangers.

Yeni Ngbakoto's first-half goal was all that separated the teams in a closely-contested affair that saw an improved Town side, who lost 1-0 at Shrewsbury last Saturday, push their Sky Bet Championship hosts all the way.

They were hindered by a red card to Leon Barnett in the second period but continued to push for an equaliser, and could so easily have been awarded a late penalty when Billy Waters went flying in the area.

"It's a stonewall penalty," said Edinburgh. "He (referee Charles Breakspear) can look at it as long as he likes - we should have been awarded a penalty.

"As they tell you those things even themselves out over the season so we've got a lot to come, but I feel that we should be sitting here with two penalties being awarded to us.

"It's a great run from Billy, he's the other side and the player's had to put his arm out to push him in the back so it's a clear-cut penalty.

"It wasn't even given but what I've had from the players tonight is a response."

Despite successive 1-0 defeats, Edinburgh was far happier with his side's display at QPR on Tuesday compared to the one at Shrewsbury.

The Cobblers shaded an even first-half at Loftus Road and carried an attacking threat all game, only lacking a killer pass to some of their excellent approach play.

"I'm delighted with the performance," Edinburgh added. "I thought the players gave everything tonight and we played at a real intensity.

"I asked for a lift in our performance in possession of the ball and I got what I asked for.

"I thought we defended well on Saturday but we were nowhere near the level we need to be in possession and I thought we had some real good fluidity in the team tonight.

"People wanted to get on the ball, we had a lot of energy and caused a Championship side a lot of problems."

Edinburgh had no qualms over Barnett's red card.

He said: "Ash (Taylor) and Leon delayed the decision and I think it's an obstruction and obviously it was two yellow cards so I think he had to go for that."

A £2.6million community centre was opened at a ceremony in a village near Northampton.

Hundreds of people from Moulton turned out to see Phyllis Wood, who at 91 is the village's oldest resident, cut the ribbon at the new hall in Sandy Hill Lane, off Overstone Road.

The centre includes a library, a cafe, several halls and functions rooms for hire, and Little Acorns pre-school, which opens in September.

Following the ribbon cutting, the two youngest pupils from Moulton Primary School - Alfie Higgs and Umbar Kaur-Parhar (both aged 4) - were presented with golden keys by Phyllis to lead everyone inside.

Jane Austin, Executive Officer of Moulton Parish Council, said: “This project has been years in the making for us. It is amazing to see it come to fruition and know that current and future residents of Moulton will get enjoyment from it.

“Our previous library was old and small - even though it was one of the busiest in the county - and had not grown along with the fast-growing population of Moulton. We have also needed a pre-school for some time now.

"The village of Moulton has a great, pro-active community and we wanted them to be involved in the official opening ceremony. Phyllis was born in Moulton and has lived here all her life. Seeing her give Alfie and Umbar keys was very much a symbolic handing over to the new and future generation of Moulton.

“We are really proud of this new facility and can’t wait to see it being used by people of all ages in the community.”

The Moulton Community Centre was commissioned by Moulton Parish Council and was funded by a combination of a Public Works Loan Board loan for £2.25 million and a £400,000 capital investment by Northamptonshire County Council.

You might think that with the changes that has been with gay rights over the last few years, that perhaps the point of a show like La Cage Aux Folles loses some of its meaning.

But if anything, once you get past the sequins, glitter, high heels and music, there is actually quite a sweet story of bringing together a parent and a son in spite of difficult circmustances.

It follows the story of Georges, the manager of a Saint Tropez nightclub, and his partner, Albin, a drag artiste and the club’s star attraction. They live an idyllic existence in the south of France but behind the curtains of this sparkling extravaganza, all may be about to change when Georges’ son Jean-Michel announces his engagement to the daughter of a notorious right-wing politician determined to close down the local colourful night-life.

There is a lot to admire and enjoy in this production with the acting and characterisation with John Partridge's Albin undoubtedly having the hardest job but he sparkles and glitters with aplomb. Adrian Zmed sparkes as the 'straight' man of the show. But I suspect Samson Ajewole as Jacob will be a star in the future, playing a relatively small part but steals every scene he is in.

But after a slightly slow start, everything from I Am What I Am, beautifully and emotionally delivered by Partridge, the comedy and the story rattles along at a fast pace.

The reunification story is probably the one that I take away most from this production. It comes mostly to the forefront, a story of love conquering everything, and an optimistic messagr to take away from this musical.

La Cage Aux Folles can be seen at Milton Keynes Theatre until Saturday August 12. For tickets call the box office on 0844 871 7652 or visit www.atgtickets.co.uk/miltonkeynes.

The bare facts at this very early stage do not paint the best picture – two defeats, no goals scored and one red card – but if the general idea is to make steady progress game-by-game, this performance at Queens Park Rangers augurs well.

It’s unlikely to set any pulses racing, admittedly, and there remains rough edges to smooth out but, in comparison to Saturday’s tepid defeat at Shrewsbury Town, it was a significant step forward.

Again setting up 3-4-1-2 with four changes in personnel, the Cobblers were more balanced in and out of possession, and they at least carried an attacking threat for most of the game, albeit without overly troubling Matt Ingram.

Even when down a man following Leon Barnett’s second-half red card, they battled and pushed for an unlikely equaliser, which may have came had the referee awarded a penalty for what seemed a clear push on Billy Waters in stoppage-time.

No matter, in the grand scheme of things, the result was not the be all and end all. It would have been a boost to the confidence to progress, not to mention another major scalp claimed in this competition, but an improved performance was the least that was required and expected.

That was delivered right from the off, helped by the four players who were drafted into the team.

Aaron Phillips brought a good balance between attack and defence and provided width from right wing-back, while Chris Long and Alex Revell’s partnership up front meant Waters could flourish in the free role.

It was a position he seemed to relish. His driving runs forward from deep positions became a regular theme throughout the game as he caused endless problems for the home side.

With Matt Crooks and Yaser Kasim pulling the strings, Town played some fancy stuff and their only real downfall was a lack of cutting edge in the final third; Ingram was only twice forced into serious action.

Without doubt the biggest positive so far has come in defence where for two games the Cobblers have been rock-solid and well-organised, reducing David Cornell’s workload to mainly catches from corners and the odd routine stop, although he did produce a fine save from Ryan Manning in Tuesday’s tie.

You don’t want to read too much into a cup tie against a side who made nine changes from their previous game, but there were undoubtedly signs of progress at Loftus Road, even if reservations remain over the validity of 3-5-2.

And in many ways the performance was more important than the result. A scruffy and fortunate 1-0 victory would have done little to silence the doubters but Town’s positive display in defeat hints at better things to come.

The true test, however, will come on Saturday. Still winless and goalless in 2017/18, Fleetwood Town will be no pushovers.

How they rated...

David Cornell - Continues to do his long-term prospects between the sticks no harm at all. Produced one excellent fingertip save from Manning’s piledriver and was unlucky with the winning goal having kept out Furlong’s initial header... 7

Leon Barnett - First yellow card was harsh despite the lateness of the challenge but can be few complaints over the second after hesitation between him and Taylor allowed Sylla to nip in... 5

Ash Taylor - Has been one of the biggest positives to come out of Town’s first two games, and this was another rock-solid outing. Carries a commanding presence as the middle centre-back.... 7

Aaron Pierre - Cleared what danger came his way without much of a fuss as his efforts at the back helped keep QPR relatively quiet in front of goal... 7

Aaron Phillips - Struck the right balance between attack and defence, and provided good width on the right where he delivered a couple of teasing crosses. Not overly troubled defensively, though caught ball-watching a bit for Ngbakoto’s goal... 7

Matt Crooks - His partnership with Kasim showed flashes of real potential. Oozes class at times and his strength and tight close control were a feature of the evening. Certainly feel there’s more to come when he’s fully fit and up to speed... 7

Yaser Kasim - Pulled off some terrific flicks and first-time passes, one of which led to Town’s best chance. Set-pieces were again hit and miss but overall impressed on his first start and should have done enough to earn another this weekend... 7

David Buchanan - Was able to get further forward where he made up an extra body in attack. Seems to be gradually settling into the wing-back role, was only let down by his end product... 7

Billy Waters - Sparkled in the free role first-half with flicks, turns and bursting runs, causing all sorts of problems for QPR. Faded out of the game more as it wore on but should have won a late penalty. Will be interesting to see where he plays on Saturday... 7 CHRON STAR MAN

Chris Long - Built on his vibrant cameo on Saturday with positive 70-minute outing at Loftus Road. His hassling forced mistakes at the back and went as close as anyone when twice thwarted by Ingram. Again, another who may have forced his way into the team... 7

Alex Revell - Frittered in and out of the game. Put up a battle with QPR’s defence without really imposing himself. Still working his way to full fitness... 6

Substitutes

Marc Richards - 6

Leon Lobjoit - Came so close to scoring within minutes of coming on for his Cobblers debut when his header was cleared off the line... 6

George Smith - Not on for long but showed enough in that time to suggest he has a role to play in the not-too-distant future... 6

Leaders from a Northampton youth group have thanked everyone who helped them to successfully complete the gruelling Three Peaks Challenge.

The quartet, who help run the 1st Blisworth Scout Group, climbed to the top of the highest mountains of England, Scotland and Wales all within 24 hours.

Scout group leaders Steven Smith, Pete Rock, Steve Watkins and Michelle Watkins accomplished the challenge climbing Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and Snowdon and the feat travelling between them.

With all money raised going to buy the Group camping equipment, local construction firm, R G Carter, boosted the team with sponsorship of a van and fuel, enabling them to complete the challenge in 22 hours and 53 minutes and 53 seconds.

Leader Michelle Watkins who also works as a receptionist at R G Carter, said: “We would like to thank R G Carter for being supportive and providing us with the vehicle. “Without the van, we could not have completed this task in the amazing time in which we did.”

Michelle and her husband Steve provided support for the walkers, cooking, and driving the nearly 500 miles between locations, mountains and over 1,200 miles in total.

To add to the £339 already donated please visit www.mydonate.bt.com/events/1stblisworth3peaks/439429