A man has died following a road traffic collision on the A45 near Wellingborough.

The 37-year-old victim was in a red Citroen C8 travelling along the eastbound section near Wellingborough at about 10.30pm last night (Thursday, August 24) when the collision took place.

A police spokesman said, for reasons unknown, the vehicle struck a nearside road barrier before crossing the ramp of the slip road from Wellingborough and then entered the attached layby where the car collided with a tree.

Anyone with information or who witnessed the incident is asked to call the Drivewatch Hotline on 0800 174615.

Northampton Saints plc has today announced a pre-tax loss of £1.2million for the year ending May 31, 2017 - the first time the club has ended a year in the red in the 16 years since it became a plc.

Turnover at Franklin’s Gardens was increased to £16.7m, but the club made a loss which they are putting down to increased spend on ‘playing-related costs’ as well as a series of ‘one-off costs’, including changing caterers at the club, and new appointments to the management structure and board,

The increased ‘player-related costs’ were down to a ‘much larger salary cap framework and the related inflation in player wages, and strong competition from within the Aviva Premiership and overseas for player signatures’, while both chief executive Allan Robson and finance director Richard Deane retired, and had to be replaced.

There was also a ‘stock write-off as the business restructured for the future’.

John White, who took over as chairman from Tony Hewitt earlier this year, insists he is very optimistic about the future, despite the news of the substantial loss.

“We remain a club that is determined to achieve the balance of success on the field with profitability off it, and plans are in place to return us to the black over the next few years,” said White

“We have a strong balance sheet, minimal debt, and the backing of thousands of season ticket holders and supporters, as well as a fantastic group of club sponsors and partners.

“Furthermore, the £1 million additional investment from our major shareholders in April 2017 was testament to their ambition and continued faith in the people who are managing the club.

“On the field we have made some exciting new signings, and we will continue to seek further opportunities to strengthen the squad for future seasons. Jim Mallinder has also reviewed how we do things in his department and has implemented a number of changes in order to refresh and improve things.

“Away from the playing front we have appointed Mark Darbon as our new chief executive.

“Mark will bring a fresh approach to how we run our business, which of course in turn is essential in supporting a successful playing effort.

“My ambitions for the club are quite simple.

“I want to build on previous successes by bringing together the best of what we have already while improving how we operate as an organisation, both on and off the field. It is critical that we do this to ensure that we maintain our status as one of the best clubs in Europe and our hard-earned high reputation across the rugby world.”

A club statement read: “Northampton Saints plc, the parent company of the Franklin’s Gardens-based Aviva Premiership rugby club, has today announced its financial results for the 12 months ending on May 31, 2017.

“Although increasing turnover to £16.7 million, Northampton Saints is declaring a pre-tax loss of £1.2 million, the first time that the club has ended a financial year in the red since it became a plc in 2001.

“There are two significant reasons for these results, namely:

“Dramatically increased playing-related costs, with a much larger salary cap framework and the related inflation in player wages, and strong competition from within the Aviva Premiership and overseas for player signatures.

“A number of one-off costs and a stock write-off as the business restructured for the future.

“These included a mid-season change of caterers to Levy Restaurants UK, part of Compass Group, and costs related to a number of board appointments as the club’s management was reorganised and strengthened to tackle the challenges ahead

“The financial results also see the Saints joining the majority of Aviva Premiership clubs that have made losses over the past few seasons.

“Nevertheless, Northampton Saints plc has maintained a strong balance sheet, with nearly £20 million of net assets, and there have been some significant commercial deals which are essential for the club’s future.

“On the field the club is bringing in new international players to join the 2017/18 squad like Piers Francis (England), Rob Horne (Australia) and Cobus Reinach (South Africa), who are joining a group which includes the current England captain, Dylan Hartley, and two members of the successful British and Irish Lions touring party to New Zealand, Courtney Lawes and George North.”

The news of the financial loss comes off the back of what was a disappointing season on the pitch by Saints’ high standards.

Jim Mallinder’s men struggled in Europe, failing to get out of their group, and endured a difficult Premiership campaign, finishing outside of the European qualification places in seventh.

That meant they had to go into an end-of-season play-off to claim the final Champions Cup place on offer, and they finished with a flourish to beat Connacht and Stade Francais to clinch their place in the forthcoming season’s premier competition,

The announcement also comes on the eve of the new Aviva Premiership season, with Saints due to kick-off the new campaign next Saturday when they play Saracens at Twickenham.

Mallinder’s men wrap up their pre-season campaign on Friday night when they host Ulster at the Gardens (ko 7.30pm).

Dr. Fright’s Halloween Nights is returning to Northamptonshire for the eighth year running with organisers promising that this event, 'Legends of Horror' will be the 'biggest year yet'.

The company has revealed tickets will go on sale on Friday, September 1 at 10am for the 2017 season - running between October 13 and October 31.

The Earls Barton event, organised by Northamptonshire-born duo Robert and Joe Gray, will take place entirely undercover, inside giant marquees at White's Nurseries.

Robert Gray said: “For this year's event we are giving our fans the event they have been asking for. The biggest legends in horror have taken over the event, and are challenging you to survive their own attractions.

"We have always delivered the scares people expect but as you can see from the maze names for this year, you can expect plenty of laughs and fun thrown in too.

‘Legends Of Horror’ will bring four new horror mazes to the event, all themed around their 'respective legend'.

"Clowns are taken care of in the intriguingly named ‘Killer Clowns In A Supermarket’, Robert adds.

"You can take on the Slashers in a sequel to the favourite 2015 attraction, ‘Hollywood Horror 2’. Hordes of Zombies feature in the horror TV show themed ‘Dead Inside’ and Cannibal Hillbillies grace Dr. Fright’s yet again in their all new maze, ‘Redneck Wedding’."

All mazes will feature live actors and special effects.

Last year, the event was shortlisted by Tripadvisor’s rental giants, HolidayLettings.co.uk as one of the final 13 competitors in the country to be named the UK’s premier Halloween attraction.

Ticket prices range from £15.95 - £21.95 plus booking fee.

For more information and to buy tickets, visit http://www.drfrights.com

Costa has opened a £500,000 drive-thru coffee service at a Northampton service station.

The new development at the Northampton South Roadchef, off junction 15a of the M1, has promised to help commuters grab a pick-me-up without stopping to shut off their engine.

10 new jobs have been created at the service station and staff at the drive-thru have been trained by 'Barista of the Year' Klara Rohel and

The new Costa opened its windows in July.

Justin Edinburgh says he believes the Cobblers current misfiring formation is the ‘right mould’ for the players in his squad.

But he also insists he is prepared to change it to get results, and pointed to his track record of different formations fielded since he has been at Sixfields as proof.

Town have started the season with four straight defeats, with the players seemingly struggle to come to terms with playing three central defenders and wing-backs.

It has led to criticism from sections of the club’s supporters who want to see the team revert to a flat back four, and there has been plenty of debate on social media.

Edinburgh has also had to field plenty of questions from the media on the issue, and he accepts that is going to continue to be the case until the team starts winning matches, although he says he is ‘not too stubborn’ to change the system if he needs to.

“A lot has been made about the formation, and rightly so because we all have an opinion when results aren’t going for you and I am fully aware of that,” said the Cobblers boss, who made it clear in the summer that he wanted to play in a 3-5-2/3-4-1-2 set-up.

“Not many people talk about formations and players when results are going well, and I believe the formation is the right mould for the players we have here.

“But if I feel that the system needs to change to win a football match, I am not silly enough, naive enough, or stubborn enough to say ‘no, I won’t change’.

“I will always pick the players, system and formation to win football matches. I have played different systems since I have been here.”

The Cobblers entertain fierce local rivals Peterborough United on Saturday who have started their campaign with three straight wins in Sky Bet League One.

Edinburgh is never going to play his hand before such a big game, and ge did say he will change the system if he feels it gives Town a better chance of seeing off Grant McCann’s in-form team.

But he also reiterated his belief that his team is close to clicking into gear.

“If I feel that on Saturday we need to change the formation to win the game, then I will, but it is not a million miles away,” said the former Gillingham boss.

“It is a fine line between success and failure, and certainly between us having points on the board and not, and certainly being in a far greater position.

“I have the utmost belief in this group of players, and I have every confidence that it is only going to be a matter of time before the results come, and then there won’t be too much of a discussion about formations.

“But I do understand those discussions.”

He was first arrested for drug offences after a stop search in a county lines address after cling film was seen 'protruding', Northampton's Proactive Team revealed on Twitter this morning.

The Northampton Proactive Team are a selection of plainclothes police officers who specialise in arresting suspected dangerous criminals and drug dealers in the town.

Saturday looks like being a key day in the battle for the Hevey Building Supplies NCL Premier Division title.

The title race looks to be between three teams, and the top two Rushton and Peterborough go head to head on Saturday, while third-placed Old Northamptonians take on rock-bottom Wollaston.

Rob White’s reigning champions are currently eight points behind leaders Rushton, and a point adrift of second-placed Borough, and they will be wanting to improve that position this weekend.

Rushton have to travel to Peterborough, but both sides go into the game off the back of wins last weekend, with Rushton easing to a five-wicket success over Stony Stratford, and Peterborough thrashing Rushden by nine wickets.

ONs were also easy winners last Saturday after skipper White took five for 18 to rush out Geddington for just 73 and set up an eight-wicket win.

Elsewhere, there was a century for Horton House’s Ewan Cox, as he hit 100 not out to steer his side to 158 for eight and a draw against Finedon, who had earlier made 195 for seven.

Brixworth’s Callum Guest also made a century, hitting 110 not out as the villagers rattled up 248 for five against Saints, with Toby Sowley making 57 not out.

Saints made a good fist of the chase, but had to settle for draw at 231 for eight, with Harry Adair making 73 and Alex Lacey claiming six for 46 for Brixworth.

Full results and fixtures below.

Results, Saturday, August 19, 2017

PREMIER DIVISION

Brixworth 248-5 (Callum Guest 110no, Toby Sowley 57no) drew with Saints 231-8 (Harry Adair 73, Emilio Gay 34, Alex Lacey 6-46)

Horton House 158-8 (Ewan Cox 100no, Tom Brett 5-18) drew with Finedon Dolben 195-7 (Sean Davis 73, Greig Hofbauer 73no, William Knibbs 3-29)

Old Northamptonians 74-2 beat Geddington 73 all out (Tom Heathfield 3-25, Rob White 5-18) by 8 wkts

Oundle 156-6 (Ben Smith 53no, Tom Doyle 4-51) beat Wollaston 153 all out (Tom Doyle 36, Matthew Jones 32, Bashrat Hussain 3-32) by 4 wkts

Rushden 108 all out (Joe Dawborn 5-54, Danny Mohammed 4-21) lost to Peterborough 111-1 (Asim Butt 64no, Kieran Judd 36no) by 9 wkts

Rushton 178-5 (James Kettleborough 74, Ben Mansell 76) beat Stony Stratford 177 all out (James Warsop 33, Mark Hulbert 34, Russell White 42, George Parker 5-30) by 5 wkts

DIVISION ONE

Burton Latimer 132-3 (Alistar McClure 55no) beat Thrapston 131 all out (William Cade 32, Udo Maartens 5-25) by 7 wkts

East Haddon 160 all out (Michael Hale 62, Nick Whorton 42, Tashwin Lukas 7-41) lost to Brigstock 184 all out (Sat Singh 36, Tashwin Lukas 60, Oliver Brown 4-44) by 24 runs

Finedon Dolben IIs 149 all out (Tim Roberts 42, Simon West 3-28) lost to Loddington 235-6 (Andrew Flint 66, James Coles 74no) by 86 runs

Isham 209-8 (Ben Atkinson 39, George Chudley 36, Sam Harris 3-59) drew with Desborough 170-8 (Lee Pollard 48no, Ryan Conyard 4-46)

Weekley and Warkton 140-4 (James Crichton 39no, James Smith 39no) beat Old Northamptonians IIs 139 all out (Levi Draper 43, Matthew Cortese 3-36) by 6 wkts

Wellingborough Town 175 all out (Connor Gates 90, Matthew Cannon 3-39) lost to Overstone Park 178-9 (Matthew Sunter 33, Kyle Awbery 5-45) by 1 wkt

DIVISION TWO

Irthlingborough Town 212-9 (Ashley Doggett 56, James Stevenson 51, Theo Brooks 5-48) drew with Kettering 154-8 (Rhys Linnell 49, Theo Brooks 38no)

Long Buckby 193 all out lost to Great Houghton 194-6 by 4 wkts

Saints IIs 106 all out (Chirag Mandayvia 46, Charlie Lawrence 3-27) lost to Earls Barton 126 all out (George Brooks 51, Matthew Rees 35, Swaboon Zazi 3-23) by 20 runs

Old 167-1 (Benjamin Turner 71no, Ben Street 67no) beat Rushden IIs 166 all out (James Rawlins 85, Tom Firm 40, Jamie Denny 3-16) by 9 wkts

Peterborough IIs 133-4 (Kyle Medcalf 32, Sohail 57no, Oliver Newton 4-42) beat Wellingborough Indians 132 all out (Hitesh Sharma 37, Amit Patel 39, Mohammed Saif 20-7) by 6 wkts

St Crispins Ryelands 97-4 (Chris Taylor 31, Terry Butt 3-19) beat Old Wellingburians 93 all out (Jake Spencer 7-21) by 6 wkts

DIVISION THREE

Great Oakley 192 all out (Ryan Alderson 39, Ruan Kotze 36, Dale Jones 38) lost to Kislingbury 196-2 (Byron Wyngard 108no, Ed Smith 56) by 8 wkts

Heyford 99 all out (Will Smith 3-39, Nick Walker 4-37) lost to Horton House IIs 102 all out (James Baldwin 5-32, Jacob Gilder 4-41) by 3 runs


Irchester 57 all out (Stuart Bonthuys 4-27, Fraser Bennett 6-30) lost to Brixworth IIs 61-0 (Paul Gardner 45no) by 10 wkts

Old Northamptonians IIIs 77 all out (Tim Sheperdson 4-34) lost to Old Grammarians 78-6 (Anthony Shepherdson 36) by 4 wkts

Stony Stratford IIs 108 all out lost to Oundle IIs 137 all out by 29 runs

Wollaston IIs 175-2 beat Rothwell 174 all out by 8 wkts

DIVISION FOUR

Finedon Dolben IIIs 192-7 (Nick Coles 38, Chris Stock 37no) beat West Haddon and Guilsborough 124 all out (Tejas Patel 3-39) by 68 runs

Geddington IIs 133-2 (Colin Judd 56) beat Rushton IIs 132 all out (John Pike 41, Lee Smith 3-33) by 8 wkts

Grendon and Prims 69 all out (Paul Fox 6-34) lost to Raunds 73-2 by 8 wkts

Overstone Park IIs 184-1 (Hitesh Patel 89no, Ashil Patel 37, Jacob Summers 60no) beat St Crispins Ryelands IIs 182-7 (Brian Davis 34, Mark Oliver 40, Martyn Standish 32, Cavan Robinson 40) by 9 wkts

Podington 128 all out (Lawrence Simms 34, James McDermott 4-12) lost to Wellingborough Town IIs 139 all out (Alex Bendon 33, James McDermott 34, Kieran Fowler 7-33) by 11 runs

DIVISION FIVE

Higham Ferrers 169-4 (Matt Ford 69, Phillip Materna 55, Nick Lester 3-49) beat Cogenhoe 168 all out (Gareth Godard 34, Gareth Tompkins 37, Steven Materna 6-46) by 6 wkts

Kempston 232-8 (Nigel Thorn 38, Leon Harvey 95, Ashley Field 32, Seb Lord 4-51, Martin Wall 3-49) beat Bold Dragoon 177 all out (Ahmed Shah 52, Leon Harvey 4-18) by 55 runs

Kettering IIs 114-9 (Tom Smith 36, Dave Walklate 4-25) lost to Weekley and Warkton IIs 228-4 (Lee Fox 57, Nick Dalziel 61, Oliver Bosworth 71)

Rothwell IIs 104-7 beat Yelvertoft 100-9 (Will Negus 39, Daniel Craig 4-32) by 3 wkts

Stony Stratford IIIs 175-7 (Josh Purchese 48, Asad Masroor 40) drew with S and L Corby 196-9 (Tony Thurman 54, Martin Pearce 44)

Thrapston IIs 245-6 (Andy Stoker 66, Kyle Fox 33, Tom McNally 52, Nasakat Hussain 3-36) drew with Northampton Saints IIIs 201-5 (Ollie Chamberlain 49, Syed Ali 30, Glenn Thompson 37, Tom Law 40no)

DIVISION SIX

Harlestone 139 all out (Fahad Ahmed 45, Joe Ball 32, Stewart Childs 4-24) beat Irthlingborough Town IIs 64 all out (John Burdett 3-24, Michael Allen 4-1) by 75 runs

Loddington IIs 71 all out (Joshua Ozier 3-10, Paul Davey 3-10) lost to Podington IIs 208-7 (Liam Scouster 62, Gary Fowler 47, Joshua Ozier 32) by 137 runs

Obelisk 124-8 (Ryan Rayment 66, Ming Hesic 4-32) beat Carrib United 123-9 (Ming Hestic 31) by 2 wkts

Wellingborough Indians IIs 216-9 (Hiren Prajapati 63, Waqas Elahi 55, Sunny Patel 32) drew with Burton Latimer IIs 178-3 (Laura Tonks 76no)

DIVISION SEVEN

Desborough IIs 100-3 (James Peel 44) beat Great Oakley IIs 99 all out (Colin Gray 46no, David Starkey 5-24) by 7 wkts

Earls Barton IIs 161-7 (Paul Smith 55, Kieran Ward 3-40) beat Gretton 104 all out (Andrew Ward 45, Sean Carter 3-39, Matthew Desborough 3-38) by 57 runs

Mears Ashby 159-9 (Greg Reis 40, Paul Wolstenholme 5-31) drew with Horton House IIIs 173-5 (Ben Jordan 50, Nick Patek 49, Mike MacDonnell 42)

S and L Corby IIs 178-8 (Ben Lawman 112no, Connor McCabe 3-40) beat Old IIs 177-7 (Tom Windrum 50, Michael Cawley 33, Cai Mackman 37, Matthew Ward 4-37) by 2 wkts

St Michaels 74 91-0 (Chris Goodson 61no) beat Spencer Bruerne 90 all out (Steven Spruels 4-29, Ben Packman 3-18) by 10 wkts

DIVISION EIGHT

Bowden IIs 219-3 (Robert Gomez 100no, Daniel Vansverry 35) beat Barton Seagrave 133 all out (Jack Butlin 40, Joe Whitworth 4-36, Lee Wilson 3-33) by 86 runs

Oundle IIIs 83 all out (Matt Palmer 37) lost to Old Northamptonians IVs 298-4 (Ramparasasad 37, Rhys Noble 114, Chris Locke 104no) by 215 runs

Overstone Park IIIs 186-7 (Steve Arnold 41, Jason Millard 48, Gavin Mobley 32, Billal Bashir 3-28) drew with Bugbrooke 283-8 (Tom Sidebottom 33, James Letts 46, Andrew Gnanseelan 81no, Joshua Sidebottom 43)

Raunds IIs 55-1 beat West Haddon and Guilsborough IIs 54 all out (Dave Manning 33no, Chris Lack 5-8) by 9 wkts

DIVISION NINE

Brixworth IIIs 115-8 (Lewis Perrin 30, Mark Lewis 3-22) lost to Long Buckby IIs 116-3 (Christian Brient 55no) by 7 wkts

Great Houghton IIs 103-6 (Andy Usher 33no, Paul Smith 4-41) beat St Crispins Ryelands IIIs 102-9 (Ryan Haskins 22no, Ryan West 3-4) by 4 wkts

Old Grammarians IIs 111-5 beat Wellingborough Town IIIs 108 all out by 5 wkts

Old Wellingburians IIs 94 all out (Ben Mellor 5-32) lost to Hardingstone 95-4 by 6 wkts

DIVISION 10

Brigstock IIs 119 all out (Jacob Cotter 3-15, Nathan Dawson 3-23) lost to Wollaston IIIs 122-5 by 5 wkts

Geddington IIIs 120 all out (Joshua Knight 38, Sean Stanley 3-40) lost to Weldon IIs 126-3 (Brandon Nimmo 39, Mark Haynes 40no) by 7 wkts

Kettering IIIs 191 all out (David Jud 51, Richard Clark 75) lost to Harlestone IIs 207-6 (Gaurav Khanna 44, Jaskirat Saini 59, Russell Hyland 33) by 16 runs

DIVISION 11

Cogenhoe IIs 57-1 beat Burton Latimer IIIs 54 all out (James Bushell 5-23, James Goodwin 4-8) by 9 wkts

Horton House IVs 114 all out (Christopher Archer 42) lost to Overstone Park IVs 117-1 (George Barry 46no, Ethan La Porta 54no) by 9 wkts

Kislingbury IIs 66-0 (Kye Dufty 37no) beat Old Northamptonians Vs 64 all out (Grant Jones 40no, Danny Mackintosh 4-25) by 10 wkts

St Crispins Ryelands IVs 124-8 (Pete Smith 51, Owen West 3-26) lost to Finedon Dolben IVs 126-3 (Matthew Carroll 30, Darren Moors 40, Krishna Dholakia 31no) by 7 wkts

DIVISION 12

Bold Dragoon IIs 96-2 (Russell Heyworth 44) beat Mears Ashby IIs 95-7 (Stuart Gray 33) by 8 wkts

Bugbrooke IIs 115 all out (Huw Turner 3-38) lost to Stony Stratford IVs 348-1 (Varun Kale 63, Yash Tailor 100no, Joel Coxon 145no) by 233 runs

Grange Park 94-5 (Mark Bury 47no) beat St Michaels 74 IIs 93 all out (John Stretton 31, Rob Pinnington 3-35, Chris Wade 4-12) by 5 wkts

Hardingstone IIs 57-4 (Michael Walrond 31, Ben Allen 3-19) beat Obelisk IIs 56 all out (Mark Davidson 3-3) by 6 wkts

Old Grammarians IIIs 64 all out (Vince Thomas 4-9) lost to Irthlingborough Town IIIs 65-0 (Oliver Churchill-Coleman 49no) by 10 wkts

DIVISION 13

Barby IIIs 91-3 (Matthew Beagkey 56no) beat Barton Seagrave IIs 90-9 (Jem Palmer 35) by 7 wkts

Spencer Bruerne IIs 136-3 beat Brixworth IVs 135 all out by 7 wkts

Stony Stratford Vs 95 all out (Baldip Kang 7-17) lost to Isham Zingari 199-2 (David Hobbs 62, Aaron Langley 74) by 104 runs

Thrapston IVs 217-5 (Mike Coyne 34, Ryan Draper 49, Kyle Oliver 66) beat S and L Corby IIIs 52 all out (Mike Draoer 3-9, Travis Thurbon 3-24) by 165 runs

Fixtures

Saturday, August 26, 2017

Premier Division: Finedon Dolben v Brixworth, Geddington v Horton House, Northampton Saints v Rushden, Peterborough v Rushton, Stony Stratford v Oundle, Wollaston v Old Northamptonians.

Division One: Brigstock v Burton Latimer, Desborough v East Haddon, Loddington v Isham, Old Northamptonians IIs v Wellingborough Town, Overstone Park v Finedon Dolben IIs, Thrapston v Weekley & Warkton.

Division Two: Earls Barton v Long Buckby, Great Houghton v St Crispin & Ryelands, Kettering v Old, OWs v Irthlingborough, Rushden IIs v Peterborough IIs, W’boro Indians v Saints IIs.

Division Three: Brixworth IIs v Heyford, Horton House IIs v Great Oakley, Kislingbury v Wollaston IIs, Old Grammarians v Irchester, Oundle IIs v Old Northamptonians IIIs, Rothwell v Stony Stratford IIs.

Division Four: Bowden v Grendon & Prims, Raunds v Podington, Rushton IIs v Weldon, St Crispin & Ryelands IIs v Finedon Dolben IIIs, Wellingborough Town IIs v Overstone Park IIs, West Haddon & Guilsborough v Geddington IIs.

Division Five: Bold Dragoon v Stony Stratford IIIs, Cogenhoe v Thrapston IIs, Northampton Saints IIIs v Kettering IIs, S&L Corby v Higham Ferrers, Weekley & Warkton IIs v Rothwell IIs, Yelvertoft v Kempston.

Division Six: Burton Latimer IIs v Loddington IIs, Carrib United v Harlestone, East Haddon IIs v Obelisk, Irthlingborough IIs v W’ellingborough Indians IIs, Podington IIs v Isham IIs.

Division Seven: Great Oakley IIs v St Michaels 74, Gretton v S&L Corby IIs, Horton House IIIs v Earls Barton IIs, Old IIs v Desborough IIs, Spencer Bruerne v Mears Ashby.

Division Eight: Abington v Oundle IIIs, Barton Seagrave v Raunds IIs, Bugbrooke v St Michaels (N), Old Northamptonians IVs v Bowden IIs, West Haddon & Guilsborough IIs v Overstone Park IIIs.

Division Nine: Hardingstone v Brixworth IIIs, Heyford IIs v Great Houghton IIs, Long Buckby IIs v Old Grammarians IIs , St Crispin & Ryelands IIIs v Old Wellingburians IIs, Wellingborough Town IIIs v Irchester IIs.

Division 10: Harlestone IIs v Brigstock IIs, Weekley & Warkton IIIs v Kettering IIIs, Weldon IIs v Little Harrowden, Wollaston IIIs v Rushden IIIs.

Division 11: Finedon Dolben IVs v Burton Latimer IIIs, Higham Ferrers IIs v Horton House IVs, Thrapston IIIs v St Crispin & Ryelands IVs

Division 12: Irthlingborough IIIs v Bold Dragoon IIs, Mears Ashby IIs v Grange Park, Obelisk IIs v Old Grammarians IIIs, St Michaels 74 IIs v Bugbrooke IIs, Stony Stratford IVs v Hardingstone IIs.

Division 13: Brixworth IVs v Thrapston IVs, Isham Zingari v Spencer Bruerne IIs, Kettering IVs v Stony Stratford Vs

Police are appealing for help to find a woman who is missing from her home in Daventry, Northamptonshire Police today revealed.

Hayley Cleaver, 20, was last seen at about 3pm on Wednesday, August 23 and officers are urging her to make contact to let them know she is safe and well.

A police spokeswoman said: "Hayley is white, about 5ft 5in, with short brown hair.

"She is believed to be wearing dark-coloured trousers and hooded jacket, and black pumps."

Hayley, or anyone with any information as to her whereabouts, are asked to call Northamptonshire Police on 101.

Fixture: Northampton Town v Peterborough United, Sky Bet League One

Date/time: Saturday, August 26, 3pm kick-off

Venue: Sixfields

Forecast: 22C, cloudy

Outs and doubts: Cobblers: John-Joe O’Toole (groin), Chris Long (hamstring), Aaron Phillips (thigh), Sam Foley (ankle), Sam Hoskins (knee). Posh: Callum Chettle (hamstring), Ricky Miller (suspended), Jermaine Anderson (knee)

Betting: Northampton 13/10, draw 5/2, Peterborough 19/10

Form guide: Cobblers LLLL, Posh WWLW

Possible line-ups: Northampton (3-4-1-2): Cornell; Barnett, A Taylor, Pierre; Moloney, Crooks, Grimes, Buchanan; Waters; Long, Richards. Peterborough (3-4-1-2): Bond; Tafazolli, Baldwin, Taylor; Edwards, Grant, Doughty, Da Silva Lopes; Maddison; Morias, Marriott

Man in the middle: Roger East

Last time out: Charlton 4 Northampton 1 (Richards); Peterborough 2 (Marriott 2) Rotherham 1

Most recent meeting: Saturday, November 19, 2016 – Northampton Town 0 Peterborough United 1 (Forrester)

Record v Peterborough: P66 W20 D17 L29

Opposition view: “I believe Northampton have recruited well in the summer,” said Posh boss Grant McCann this week. “They’ve spent money and they’ve offered some decent contracts. They will be a much stronger team this season when they settle down.” You can read McCann’s full views here.

Cobblers connection: Northampton have lost two of their Peterborough connections over the past few months with Gabriel Zakuani and Harry Beautyman both departing, albeit in different circumstances. Zakuani, who became a firm favourite at London Road having played well over 200 times across two separate spells, was in talks to stay at Sixfields before leaving for Gillingham, while Beautyman now finds himself at League Two Stevenage having struggled to establish himself at both Peterborough and the Cobblers.

James Heneghan’s preview: A fiery local derby is always a surefire way to get the juices flowing regardless of outside circumstances but given the respective positions these two teams find themselves in, Saturday’s eagerly-awaited clash at Sixfields carries extra significance.

While the Cobblers have stuttered and stumbled their way to no points from three games, Peterborough United, one of three clubs who boast a pristine record, have been busy establishing themselves as one of the early frontrunners in Sky Bet League One.

With three wins and eight goals scored, Posh could not have made a much better start to the season and only one goal separates them from occupying top spot at this early stage, just as only one goal is preventing Northampton from propping up the division.

So this game provides an opportune time for the Cobblers to turn their floundering form around, not that it’ll be easy for them against an Jack Marriott-inspired Peterborough; the former Luton striker has scored five goals in his last two matches.

Town will certainly be desperate to right the wrongs of their meetings with Posh last season, both of which are best of forgotten for those of a Cobblers persuasion given that one ended in a 3-0 spanking and the other involved last-minute heartbreak.

But while there is plenty of negativity and pessimism swirling round, it’s perhaps worth remembering that at this exact stage last year Chris Wilder’s Sheffield United had no points and sat bottom of Sky Bet League One, prompting several calls for the manager to be sacked – and we all know how that ended.

No one is pretending that this situation is the same, of course, but the point is a valid one: these are still incredibly early days and a couple of positive results can make all the difference.

But, that said, this is no time for the Cobblers to be wallowing in self-pity because after Peterborough, they face another team who have won three from three in Wigan Athletic, followed by equally tricky home games against Portsmouth and Doncaster.

That’s the reality of the relentless nature of this division; Town cannot afford to get cut adrift because it will not be easy to climb back upwards.

The major topic of debate over the past week has surrounded Edinburgh’s decision to play 3-5-2 and whether or not he should abandon it for a more conventional formation.

There is, or at least was, logic in his thinking behind 3-5-2 but given how badly they have struggled to adapt in this opening month, now is perhaps the time to go back to either 4-4-2 or 4-3-3.

The problem with that is the lack of natural wingers in the squad, aside from Daniel Powell. Sure, the likes of Billy Waters, Sam Hoskins and Leon Lobjoit could do a job out wide but then you run the risk of planting square pegs in round holes, which is never ideal.

So there is no easy solution, although Edinburgh’s comments in the week seem to suggest he intends to stick with three at the back for now. Whether or not that is wise will become clear at 5pm on Saturday.

On the injury front, John-Joe O’Toole’s continued absence remains frustrating and he’s been joined in the treatment room by defender Aaron Phillips and striker Chris Long, though the former could well be back for the visit of Peterborough.

Sam Hoskins and Sam Foley are edging ever nearer to a first-team return while Matt Grimes could be handed a full debut on Saturday and it may well be worth keeping an eye on in-form goalscorers Joe Iaciofano and Leon Lobjoit after both netted in Monday’s reserve team game against Chesterfield.

The irony of last week’s defeat to Charlton Athletic was that the Cobblers created more chances in that game alone than the previous two combined, yet it was arguably their worst overall performance and ended in a resounding 4-1 beating.

Given that Saturday’s game is likely to be a cagey, tense affair, taking your chances and scoring the first goal may well prove absolutely critical to the overall outcome.

Score first, win the game and suddenly the picture will be a much brighter one.

It’s easier said than done but a home game against your closest, fiercest rivals? Surely there is no better time for the Cobblers to spark their faltering season into life.

Prediction: Northampton Town 2 Peterborough United 1

Justin Edinburgh says the Cobblers are prepared to snub out the threat of in-form Peterborough United striker Jack Marriott, but insists he is more focused on his team being ‘ruthless’ and finishing their own chances at the other end.

While the Cobblers have scored just once in their four games to date this season, with that effort being a Marc Richards consolation in the 4-1 loss at Charlton, Peterborough have had no problems finding the net.

They have scored eight times in their three Sky Bet League One wins, and summer signing Marriott has hit the ground running at his new club, rattling in five goals in the past two games.

He hit a hat-trick as Posh thrashed Bristol Rovers 4-1 at the Memorial Stadium, and then a double as Rotherham United were edged out at London Road last weekend.

And although Edinburgh knows Marriott, and Posh’s other attacking talents such as Junior Morias and Marcus Maddison, have to be snuffed out, he is more concerned about his team finally clicking as an attacking unit.

Aside from the opening match at Shrewsbury, a feature of the Cobblers games this season has been the team creating chances, but wasting them, and Edinburgh knows that can’t continue.

Looking ahead to the Posh showdown and coming up against the in-form Marriott, Edinburgh said: “We are fully aware of Jack, with him being at Luton previously, and he probably didn’t have his best season last year and was frustrated there.

“I think eyebrows might have been raised when Peterborough spent £400,000 on him.

“But Jack has hit the ground running, and he looks a livewire and somebody who is full of confidence.

“He is somebody we have to try and keep quiet, but it is about us excelling on Saturday.

“It’s about us being ruthless and clinical when we get our chances.”

Posh cross the county border this weekend with a 100 per cent league record, having seen off Plymouth Argyle as well as Bristol Rovers and Rotherham.

On paper it doesn’t look an ideal fixture for a struggling Cobblers outfit, but Edinburgh is in bullish mood, pointing out it was always going to be a tough start to the campaign.

“We played Shrewsbury and they have won three out of three, we played Fleetwood and they have won three out of three, Peterborough have won three out of three,” said the Cobblers boss.

“We then go to Wigan as well next week, so we are up against it.

“But if people had looked at the start it was always going to be a difficult one, but I always think it’s a good time to play anyone.

“Peterborough will be a good test for us, as was Fleetwood, Charlton and Shrewsbury, and I think for periods in all of those games we have been in them, with good play and aggression.

“What we need to do is just cut out the silly individual errors in certain areas and if we get that right then we know we are a force to reckoned with for anybody in this league.”

Kasabian have announced a 12-date UK tour this winter which includes two gigs in the region.

The band, due to headline Reading and Leeds festivals this weekend, will play at the Barclaycard Arena in Birmingham on Friday, December 8 and Saturday, December 9.

Armed with a back catalogue brimming with classic singles including Fire, Club Foot and Eez-Eh and their latest album For Crying Out Loud, Kasabian have a history of headlining the world’s biggest stages and festivals.

The band comprise of singer and guitarist Serge Pizzorno, singer Tom Meighan, bassist Chris Edwards, drummer Ian Matthews and guitarist Tim Carter.

Their new single, III Ray (The King), is out next month.

Support on their UK tour will be Slaves.

Tickets go on sale at 9.30am on Thursday, August 31 via www.kasabian.co.uk/live

Tom Collins, Alex Mitchell and Michael Paterson all scored two tries as Saints wrapped up their pre-season campaign in emphatic style with a 55-15 win over Ulster at Franklin’s Gardens.

Following a tight first half, Saints powered to victory after the break, scoring nine tries in total as they swamped Ulster, who also had two players sin-binned on a miserable evening.

The win sets Saints up nicely for their opening Aviva Premiership clash of the season next Saturday, when they travel to Twickenham to face European champions Saracens.

The night couldn’t have started any better for Saints, with Ben Foden sliding over for the opening try after just two minutes, although Harry Mallinder missed the conversion from out wide.

On 10 minutes Saints scored their second try, Kieran Brookes powering over for his first score in Northampton colours, and this time Mallinder was on target as the home side opened up a 12-0 lead.

Ulster were well in the game at this point though, and despite having Callum Black sin-binned on 14 minutes, they reduced the arrears six minutes later when Charles Piutau scored out wide.

John Cooney missed the conversion, but the Irish side were back in the match at 12-5.

The score stayed the same until half-time, and jist four minutes into the second half, Cooney nailed a penalty and the visitors were just 12-8 behind.

But if Ulster thought they had Saints on the rack, they were thinking again seconds later as Collins went over for his first try, and the home side were back in control at 17-8.

On 56 minutes Ulster’s Chris Henry was yellow-carded, and this time Saints took full advantage of their extra man, running in three tries, with one from Collins and two from replacement Mitchell.

Three conversions, one from Mallinder and two from his replacement James Grayson, saw Saints pull out a commanding 38-8 lead, and from then on it was a case of how many the home side would score.

Paterson, another of the raft of second half replacements, then got in on the act, scoring a try on the 70th minute which Grayson converted, before the fly-half also scored a five-pointer.

That meant Saints led 50-8, and although Ulster responded with a try from David Shanahan that Brett Herron converted, it was Paterson who had the final say, dotting down to seal a handsome 55-15 victory.

All in all, a very positive night for Saints, who also saw British & Irish Lion Courtney Lawes return to Gardens action as a second-half replacement

Starting line-ups

Saints: Ahsee Tuala; Ben Foden, Luther Burrell, Rory Hutchinson, Tom Collins; Harry Mallinder, Nic Groom; Alex Waller, Dylan Hartley, Kieran Brookes, James Craig, Christian Day, Teimana Harrison, Lewis Ludlam, Mitch Eadie

Ulster: Charles Piutau; Louis Ludik, Tommy Bowe, Stuart McCloskey, David Busby; Peter Nelson, John Cooney; Callum Black, Rob Herring, Wiehahn Herbst, Robbie Diack, Alan O’Connor, Clive Ross, Chris Henry, Jean Deysel

Scores

Saints: Tries - Collins 2, Paterson 2, Mitchell 2, Foden, Brookes, Grayson. Cons: Mallinder 2, Grayson 3

Ulster: Tries - Piutau, Shanahan. Pen: Cooney. Con: Herron

London Midland will begin charging customers to park at Long Buckby station from the middle of next month.

The rail operator put up a poster at the station this week, before taking it down a day later, explaining that 20 of the 30 spaces will be made available to season ticket holders who are successful in their application for a permit.

The explanatory poster was removed because the permit application forms were not ready and they did not want to confuse customers, explained a London Midland spokesperson.

They said: "We're trying to recognise our regular, loyal passengers who are travelling with us every day who need to get to the station, and travel long distance with us and prioritise them.

"There's still plenty of parking at the station overall but times have changed with the demand that’s grown and the new car park that's there, it means we have to move with the times."

They added: “It’s trying to prioritise those season ticket holders who spend thousands of pounds a year with us and need to be able to park their car and get onto the train to get to work every day.”

With the station car park usually full by 6.15am finding a free space is difficult for commuters like Jason Gibbins, from Daventry and former editor of the Gusher, who spotted the poster explaining the change on the day London Midland announced a new bus service from Rugby to Northampton via Long Buckby.

If Mr Gibbins, who uses the Long Buckby station daily to get to work, fails to find a space he has to commit to spending £4.80 in the adjacent car park.

Spending £4.80 a day for five days a week for a year equates to £1,248 worth of parking. London Midland, who employ a specialist car parking agency that monitors its car parks, said the quarterly rate will be £210, and an annual rate of £690. The remaining on-the-day spaces will remain free of charge.

Mr Gibbins said: "The best case scenario is it’s now going to cost whatever the price of the season ticket permit is.

"The worst case scenario is you’re gonna be paying over £1,000 a year.”

He added: "That is a hell of a lot of money for a station with very limited facilities when compared to others."

He hoped that a different solution could be found, and suggested that having season ticket holder spaces in the adjacent car park may solve the issue.

“London Midland need to find a solution,” said Mr Gibbins.

“Whether that’s having season ticket holder spaces in the other car park. There’s got to be a better solution than just 20 people paying.”

Northampton General Hospital is urging bank holiday revellers not to visit A&E this weekend unless it is an absolute emergency.

Pressure is building on the county's hospitals in the run-up to the weekend and could be slowed to a crawl by people looking for treatment that would be better seen by a GP or pharmacist.

In the past week, more than 350 patients a day have attended the emergency department at Northampton General Hospital.

Carl Holland, NGH’s Deputy Chief Operating Officer, said ‘We are seeing a high number of people who are very unwell, some of whom have waited longer than they should to seek medical advice and consequently have required emergency admission, whereas if they had seen their GP sooner, a hospital admission may have been avoided.

"Patients attending inappropriately are being referred back to their GP if they are well enough, or asked to seek advice from their local pharmacy in order that we can focus on our patients who need emergency care and treatment."

The hospital is also asking anyone with relatives due to be discharged to do everything they can to support them as this will help maintain hospital flow and free beds for serious medical emergencies.

People who require health services over the bank holiday weekend have a number of options including:

· NHS 111 service – If you need medical help fast, but your condition is not life threatening, call NHS 111. Available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, the freephone number is staffed by trained advisors and experienced clinicians who can assess you, offer advice and direct you to the right place to get the medical care you need as quickly as possible.

· Northampton General Hospital MIAMI walk in clinic – For a minor injury or illness that needs urgent attention, this service is an alternative to attending A&E. The centre is located at Cliftonville, Northampton, NN1 5BD, and is open seven days a week. Appointments are not necessary.

· Pharmacy – Many common illnesses such as coughs or colds can be best and most easily treated by visiting your local pharmacy and you can speak to them without having to make an appointment. Your pharmacist can offer advice on how to look after yourself at home with rest and over-the- counter treatments. There are a number of pharmacies open in Northamptonshire over the weekend including bank holiday Monday. A full list is

available on the Nene Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) website: http://www.neneccg.nhs.uk/pharmacies/

· Self-care - A well-stocked medical cabinet can help you deal with minor accidents and injuries at home.

· Repeat Prescriptions - Don’t forget to order repeat prescriptions needed in time for the bank holiday.

Dr Matthew Davies, Medical Director, NHS Nene CCG, said: “If you do become unwell over the Bank Holiday weekend, there are lots of ways that you can get the care you need. No one wants to spend their Bank Holiday sitting in A&E if you don’t need to – there are quicker and easier ways to get treatment.

“Going to the right place for your condition ensures that you receive the help you require as quickly as possible, and it also helps to free up A&E for people with life threatening injuries and illnesses.”

For the three-day Oktoberfest, Northamptonshire County Cricket Club is asking festival-goers to don wigs, hats, Lederhosen and Bavarian maid outfits to celebrate.

The indoor event will offer Oktoberfest-style food such - including German sausage - as well as a yodelling Oompah band.

The event is adults only with tickets for Friday 6 and Saturday October 7 costing £19.50 per person while Sunday entry is £15 per person.

Included in the ticket price is a glass stein as well as one drink.

Tickets can be bought online from https://www.tickettailor.com/checkout/view-event/id/107967/chk/156c

Maxine Adkins of Harlestone has been creating these houses since January this year in aid of 1,000-year-old St Andrews Church, which needs significant repair work to mend stonework around the windows and the glass.

The Harlestone parochial church council (PCC) has been quoted £60,000 for works and organisers are hoping that this weekend's fairy-themed event will get them on their way to achieving a significant amount of money to motivate charities and the English Heritage to make donations.

Maxine's husband, Clive Skinner, a member of the PCC said the church has an inspection every five years.

He said: "The last two inspections highlighted the windows as a serious issue that needs attention. The church is a grade I listed building, over 1,000 years old, with stained glass windows and surrounding stonework that need a lot of work."

St Andrews church is not only used for religious services but is a community building, which hosts village events, including hosting concerts and art exhibitions, as well as school events and village teas.

"The whole village has been fantastic," Maxine said. "People who have got fairy houses in their gardens have been mowing and weeding, people have made fairy items to sell and, of course, lots of fairy cakes."

Ms Adkins says she has spent around £1,000 on making the houses, which form as part of her hobby, with Barclaycard - Maxine's former employer - to match funds of up to £750.

The day event also includes a model railway and lego street, as well as a children's quiz and refreshments.

The event will take place from 11am to 4pm on Sunday and Bank Holiday Monday. Tickets cost £3 per adult, and £2 per child and free parking is on offer on the day.

Despite the Cobblers’ horror start to the season, boss Justin Edinburgh knows he can rely on the club’s supporters will be 100 per cent behind their team in Saturday’s crucial derby showdown with Peterborough United.

The Town manager admits there could be some anxiety among the fans as they roll up following the four straight defeats that have ushered in the new campaign, but he is expecting nothing other than a positive atmosphere inside Sixfields for what is a huge game.

And even if there is a nervousness around the ground come 3pm on Saturday, Edinburgh says it is up to the players to ‘embrace’ that and use it to their advantage as they go in search of their first win of the Sky Bet League One campaign.

“There is always going to be anxiety, and we can’t hide away from that, we can’t change that,” said Edinburgh, who will be leading his team out for only their second home game of the season, the first having ended in a narrow 1-0 loss to Fleetwood.

“We have to embrace it because it is part and parcel of the industry we are in.

“It is how we handle it, and then how we use it to our advantage, because I have no doubt the fans that come will get behind us.

“I always say fans are in a position to vent their anger after games, and rightly so, but since I have been here, the crowd have been behind us in games from minute one to minute 96, 97 or whatever.

“I know we all have the same desire to get the result, and I am sure the supporters wil play their part in us getting that.

“We have had some really good atmospheres at home since I have been here.

“I think myself, the crowd and the players have worked well together and they have played their part in the team putting performances in.

“The fans will play their part on Saturday, they will get behind their team as they always do.”

Peterborough have sold out their near 1,400 allocation for the game, while some tickets are still available in the home sections.

Emergency services are at the scene following a three-vehicle collision involving two lorries and a minibus, the BBC has reported.

Eight people have died and four have been taken to hospital.

Two men have been arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and are in police custody.

The incident happened at around 3.15am today, close to Newport Pagnell in the Thames Valley Police area.

Motorists are being asked to avoid the area as the motorway is unlikely to be re-opened for several hours.

Northamponshire Police has asked people coming to the British Moto GP at Silvestone today to allow more time for their journey.

Severe delays of up to half-an-hour have been reported at the J15 of the M1 near Milton Malsor.

The Highways Agency has advised anyone travelling south to exit at junction 15 and take the A508 southbound through Roade and Grafton Regis to the A508/A5/A422 roundabout at Deanshanger.

They can then exit onto the A5 and continue to the A5/A509 Interchange, take the A509 and travel through North Grafton, Belvedere, North Overgate and Pineham to re-join the M1 at J14.

She will join hundreds of cyclists at Lamport Hall at 9am on September 24 (Sunday) to open the fundraising cross-country race.

The former Welsh international, who picked up two silvers on the track in Rio last year announced her retirement from the sport last week, now lives in the county with Saints winger George North.

Becky said: "George and I went to the launch of the ride back in April and it was amazing to hear not only what a great event it is from former participants, many of whom have ridden in it for years, but also what it means to those patients and families who are supported by the incredible team at the hospice.

“Cycling has been such a big part of my life and it’s a great thing to do, whether you’re a regular rider or just fancy the occasional pedal on a sunny Sunday, so I really hope that lots of cyclists will join us and make this the biggest and best year yet."

Last year, more than 1,100 riders jumped into their saddles and raised £76,000 for the hospice.

Fundraising manager for Cynthia Spencer Hospice said: "Cycle4Cynthia is the biggest fundraiser in the calendar for us so we would urge anyone with two wheels to come out and support us and meet this true sporting hero.

“Of course there are no prizes for crossing the line first, as Becky’s used to, but we do give everyone who takes part a commemorative medal, and there are also trophies for the largest team, the most sponsorship raised and the best fancy dress so if you’re feeling competitive, you can always give one of those a go."

Cycle4Cynthia 2017 offers 5, 25 and 50-mile routes to challenge riders of all abilities and ages. All funds raised go to Northampton's Cynthia Spencer Hospital.

Other famous faces to sound the starter horn include singer-songwriter Curtis Stigers, former Generation Game hostess Isla St Clair, and Radio 2 DJ Jo Whiley.

For more information, including how to register for the ride or to view the routes, visit the Cycle4Cynthia website or call the hospice on 01604 678082.

Cobblers' woeful start to the season hit a desperate new low on Saturday when they were sent crashing to a limp 4-1 home defeat by rivals Peterborough United on a sorry afternoon at Sixfields.

Having already lost four from four coming into this one, Justin Edinburgh came into this game desperately in need of some kind of result and improved performance but he got the exact opposite of that, especially in a hugely dispiriting first-half that saw them head into the break 2-0 behind.

Slack defending and a lack of creativity in attack were the feature of a lacklustre opening 45 minutes, with Gwion Edwards and Junior Morias on target for Posh.

The second-half offered little hope of a recovery despite Edinburgh's switch from 3-5-2 to 4-4-2, and late goals from Jack Marriott and then Marcus Maddison from the penalty spot completed another forgettable afternoon for the Cobblers, irrespective of Alex Revell's consolation.

While Peterborough go top, Town have now dropped to the foot of Sky Bet League One with no points from four games and judging by this performance it's difficult to see how and when their fortunes will improve.

The team news prior to kick-off prompted many talking points with Edinburgh sticking to his guns by again playing three at the back, while Marc Richards and Alex Revell resumed their partnership in attack.

On top of that, Luke Coddington and Matt Grimes were handed full debuts and Shaun McWilliams was given his first start of the season, with Billy Waters and Chris Long benched and Yaser Kasim not even in the matchday squad.

Those were all bold decisions taken by Edinburgh given his side's poor start to the season, and the Cobblers found themselves under a little bit of early pressure in Saturday's contest.

Edwards headed straight at Coddington and Marcus Maddison blazed over but those were only half chances at best in what was a scrappy start to the game.

The first clear-cut opportunity arrived on 21 minutes and fell to United's Leonardo Da Silva Lopes who, from the centre of the goal and only six yards out, volleyed Edwards' whipped cross over the bar.

Northampton responded with their first real period of pressure but Posh goalkeeper Jonathan Bond's workload in the first-half consisted solely of catching simple crosses as Town displayed a real lack of cutting edge in the final third.

And their problems deepened on 32 minutes when United struck.

Having stolen possession inside his own half, Steven Taylor laid off to Edwards who, completely unchallenged, motored beyond halfway and to the edge of the penalty area where he cut inside and smashing beyond the despairing dive of Coddington.

The Cobblers were well in the game prior to that but falling behind visibly knocked the stuffing out of them and soon their misery got worse.

After Morias blazed one wide and Aaron Pierre produced a timely block, Peterborough doubled their lead on the cusp of half-time as more static defending this time allowed Morias to pick up a throw-in, turn and find the bottom corner, to the dismay of much of Sixfields.

Grimes had Town's first shot on target in first-half stoppage-time but his weak effort, which was met by ironic cheers by some home fans, was easy for Bond.

Then came the half-time whistle, greeted by loud boos from disgruntled home fans who were desperate to see some kind of improvement after the break, particularly in the attacking department.

In an attempt to change things, Edinburgh replaced Ash Taylor with Daniel Powell and went to a direct 4-4-2 for the second-half.

That coincided with slight if not significant improvement although Bond still remained untroubled in the away goal and Peterborough continued to carry the greater threat.

Coddington saved well to keep out the prolific Marriott before Morias clattered a shot into the side-netting and Michael Doughty side-footed over.

Northampton's complete inability to create a single clear-cut chances continued throughout the second-half despite both Long and Waters being introduced.

And their woeful afternoon was made worse by Mariott, who collected a long ball over the top, took his time and calmly placed past Coddington.

Revell did at least provide a consolation when heading home Grimes' corner, but that came far too late to influence either the result or the mood of many inside Sixfields, whose terrible day was completed by Maddison's late fourth as he converted from 12 yards in injury-time after Pierre had tripped substitute Danny Lloyd.

Match facts

Cobblers: Coddington, Barnett, A Taylor (Powell 45), Pierre, Moloney, Crooks (Waters 70), McWilliams, Grimes, Buchanan, Revell, Richards (c) (Long 63)

Subs not used: Cornell, Poole, Bowditch, Iaciofano

Peterborough United: Bond, Tafazolli, Baldwin (c), Edwards, Maddison, Morias (Kanu 76), Silva Lopes, Doughty (Anderson 85), Taylor, Grant, Marriott (Lloyd 85)

Subs not used: Shephard, Hughes, Forrester, O'Malley

Referee: Roger East

Attendance: 6,685

Peterborough fans: 1,407