A woman suffered a broken jaw after being punched by a man in Corby.

The incident happened outside The Qube Bar in George Street between 12.20am and 12.35am on January 1.

The man hit one woman and then punched another woman in the face, causing her to fall.

She suffered a broken jaw.

A police spokesman said: “It is believed a group of men then chased the offender away from the area.”

Officers are appealing for anyone who may have witnessed the incident to contact them.

Anyone with information is asked to call Northamptonshire Police on 101.

Alternatively, they can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.

An impressive trial spell persuaded Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink that Southend United midfielder Jack Bridge is a player who can give Cobblers squad an added spark.

Recommended to him by assistant manager Dean Austin, who worked wih Bridge when he was a coach at Southend last season, the player was invited to train with the Cobblers at the end of November.

He worked on a daily basis with the rest of the Cobblers squad, under the watchful eye of Hasselbaink, and obviously stood out as on Friday he made the switch from Roots Hall to Sixfields after earning himself an 18-month deal.

The Cobblers boss said: “Jack has been training with us and has been impressive.

“He is somebody who Dean Austin knows very well and we are delighted to have secured the services of a highly rated young player.”

So what can Bridge offer that is different to the other midfielders on the Cobblers’ books?

Space was made earlier this week with the release of Lewis McGugan at the expration of his short-term contract, and Hasselbaink said: “Jack is a different type of player to those already at the club

“He offers a greater balance in midfield.

“He can play out wide or central and we are delighted to add a player who we regard highly to the squad.”

Bridge is unavailable for Saturday’s Sky Bet League One clash with his former club at Sixfields as the clubs have struck a deal that he can’t play.

He will have to wait until the January 13 trip to Bradford City for a possible debut.

The Cobblers have signed Southend United midfielder Jack Bridge on a free transfer - but he won’t be able to play when the two sides go head-to-head at Sixfields on Saturday.

The two clubs have reached an agreement for the 22-year-old to complete his move to Town on an 18-month contract, but have made a deal he won’t be involved for Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink’s men against the Shrimpers.

Bridge has spent close to a month training with the Town squad, having struggled to break into the first team at Roots Hall under Phil Brown.

He is well known to Cobblers assistant boss Dean Austin, who worked with the player when he was on the coaching staff at Southend last season, and rates him highly.

Bridge is a Southend boy and worked his way through the ranks at the Essex club, making his first team debut in a 1-0 Sky Bet League One defeat to Bradford City in April, 2016.

A midfielder who can play either centrally or out wide, Bridge has made just two appearances for Southend this season, once as a late substitute in a 1-0 defeat at Shrewsbury in September, and once as a starter in a 1-0 Checkatrade Trophy win over Reading Under-21s in October.

In all, Bridge has played 11 first team games for Southend, and he has also had separate loan spells at non-League Chelmsford.

In his most recent spell there, he secored seven goals in 14 games, and he has also played on loan for Soham Town.

The player also spent time on trial at Premier League outfit AFC Bournemouth last summer.

Bridge misses out on his Cobblers debut this weekend, but is available for selection for the trip to Bradford City on January 13.

An abandoned pub used by homeless people as shelter is to be demolished soon after councillors approved updated plans.

The Tanners pub in Farm Field Court, Thorplands, closed down for good in January last year, to be replaced with new houses.

In the meantime the building has been broken into several times and attracted attention from the police.

A meeting of Northampton Borough Council's planning committee heard that neighbours would welcome the building being knocked down sooner rather than later.

Minutes from the Guildhall meeting state: "Councillor Meredith, as the Ward Councillor, spoke in favour of the application and commented that anti-social behaviour around the site had increased in recent weeks and that rough sleepers were living inside the pub.

"He said that housing would be a much better use for the site and thanked officers for their work."

Helen Town, of Northampton Partnership Homes, spoke in favour of the application saying that an application for developing the site had already been submitted and the pub would be demolished early in this year.

In response to questions, Mrs Town explained that NPH were working closely with the police to ensure that the site was kept secure until that time.

Councillors approved the proposed method of knocking down the pub building, which will include an asbestos check and stripping of the building.

A mechanical excavator will be used to flatten it and workers will use a fine mist water spray to suppress the dust.

Councillors ruled that the one condition of their approval was that a notice setting out the hours of demolition works must be published, to keep neighbours informed of when to expect noise.

Dr Jon Raphael, who was also on the Northampton Saints' board, was reported to police by the girl after the appointment at The Mounts Medical Center in 2014. The girl alleged that he had behaved inappropriately towards her after she sought advise following several missed periods.

The police took no action but passed a file to the General Medical Council, who took the case to tribunal, despite Raphael retiring that year.

A judgment published yesterday showed that a panel threw out some of the allegations, namely that Raphael had inappropriately touched the girl's pubic area and had not advised her correctly or recorded the consultation properly.

However, panel members upheld some of the complaints, including that Raphael took out the girl's breasts and rubbed them.

The doctor, who the panel found was less believable than the teenager in giving evidence, told the panel he was looking for signs the girl was pregnant.

But the panel said such a method was outdated when a pregnancy test was much more accurate.

In conclusion, the judgment reads: "He neither obtained Patient B’s consent nor arranged for a chaperone before undertaking an unnecessary breast examination, which also involved squeezing Patient B’s breasts and stroking her nipples.

"Taking all these matters into account, the tribunal concluded that Dr Raphael’s actions in the breast examination and in making comments both about her breasts and about the attitudes of women generally to their breasts were sexually motivated."

The hearing will continue on 23- 26 January, when the tribunal will consider whether the Raphael's fitness to practise is impaired and whether he should be struck off.

John Howard of Ashcroft Gardens, Abington, Northampton, pleaded guilty to breaking into the property on May 9 last year, which resulted in a mother and her 33-year-old son locking themselves in their bathroom.

The two occupants had heard Howard crashing and fumbling around after he had taken off his boots and coat and smashed a window to gain access, leaving a bloodstain on the window frame in the process.

The pair went down to investigate, only to decide on the safer option which was to lock themselves in the bathroom and call the police.

Howard was in the house for 10 minutes and had left by the time police arrived. His DNA was recovered from the blood.

The mother was left "shocked and scared", the court heard, and has since bought additional security. Her son is afraid to leave her at home alone.

Defending, Miss Wilson pointed to the inebriated state of her client at the time of the incident, which he claims not to remember because he was so drunk.

Miss Wilson told the court Mrs Littlewood could smell the alcohol while going downstairs, which evidenced Howard's drunken state.

Although nothing was stolen from the property, Judge Lucking gave Howard an eight-month sentence because of the psychological effects on Mrs Littlewood, as well as the damage to the window and unpleasant bloodstain.

Howard has 13 convictions for 20 offences. One for house burglary in 2008 which he received a suspended sentence but later breached.

Anthea Butcher, 40, was found to have betrayed trust and taken advantage of a frail and vulnerable man with dementia by using 89-year-old Steven Judd’s bank card to make purchases on Amazon, buy clothes, food, takeaways, alcohol and e-cigarettes, as well as to make large cash withdrawals.

The total loss taken over a sustained two-year period amounted to £23,374.11, a total of£11,860 of which in cash withdrawals. The court heard this amount could have paid for nine months worth of care for Mr Judd, who is now in a care home.

During her summing up, Judge Lucking alluded to the “frivolous purchases” made by Butcher using the card namely jewelry, bedding, lamps, items for her pet cat, feather boas and a log basket, among others.

“These are what can only be described as trinkets,” said Judge Lucking.

“This was not money used to pay for a mortgage or to put food on the table.”

Butcher was found to have breached the trust of Mr Judd’s daughter, Helen, who had entrusted her father’s care to the defendant as she was working in London, miles away from where he lived.

Mrs Judd was her father’s power of attorney in financial matters, and handed over the bank card to Butcher so that small purchases could be made for minor food shops of up to £30 and any essential items for Mr Judd’s care. It was made clear via an email to Butcher that no large withdrawals were to be made.

The fraud and theft were only discovered once Mr Judd’s health had deteriorated to the point he had to be put in a care home in February 2016.

Bank statements recovered from his house by Mrs Judd showed the extent of Butcher’s actions.

Butcher was interviewed in May and August 2016. She denied she had committed the offences and even went so far as to blame Mr Judd’s dementia for the large cash withdrawals made (twice in excess of £1000) saying he had an obsession with money and kept it lying around the house.

While prosecuting, Ms Bakshi summarised personal victim statements from Mrs Judd who said Butcher had taken advantage of her kindness. She continued by saying she was stressed and had spent many sleepless nights because Butcher had emptied her father’s life savings, leaving Mrs Judd unable to pay for his future care.

She felt “betrayed”, “deceived”, “manipulated” by Butcher, who had been referred to as a family friend.

A personal statement made after Butcher’s guilty plea on August 2, 2017, Mrs Judd said the affair had ruined memories of her parents because their house was associated with the crime.

Mitigating, Mr Lee said there was no denying the level of care given to Mr Judd was good and that Butcher was able to care for him at all times of day and night.

The defence’s efforts to have Butcher’s sentence suspended were in vain as Judge Lucking opted for a custodial sentence which, she said, would hopefully act as a deterrent.

Mr Lee had pointed to good character references supplied by a family for which Butcher had been caring. However, Judge Lucking pointed out this was somewhat of a double-edged sword seeing how the defendant had once had the trust of the Judd family while committing her offences.

Taking into consideration Butcher’s guilty plea, her remorse for her actions, the doctor’s report and the care she provided to the family that provided the character reference, Judge Lucking reduced the sentence from 36 months to 28 months.

“The nature of this case is so serious that only a custodial is justified,” said Judge Lucking.

In recent months it has been a case of maximum effort, minimum reward for Teimana Harrison.

The Saints No.8 once again displayed his battling qualities at Twickenham last Saturday, but, once again, the result was far from satisfactory.

“I can only speak for myself, but I feel like every time I put the jersey on I want to give it my best and I want to help the team any way I can,” Harrison said.

“It applies for everyone. I don’t think anyone means to have a bad game.

“Sometimes you can’t get into the game the way you want to, sometimes you get shut down.

“Last Saturday was one of those days where a couple of boys had a bad game.”

So have the Saints players been calling each other out behind the scenes?

“Not necessarily calling out,” Harrison said.

“You know whether you’re working hard or not.

“You don’t need a coach to come up to you and say you’re not playing your hardest.

“It comes from deep down and you know whether you’re giving it your all.”

Now Harrison is hoping his hard work starts to pay off and that a new year signals a new start for he and his team-mates.

He was a picture of determination at the midweek media session, stressing how he hopes the arrival of 2018 and, more importantly, new boss Alan Gaffney, will bring dividends.

Quite simply it has to, as Saints are currently a club on the slide.

They were eviscerated by Harlequins last weekend, shipping seven tries in a humbling 50-21 defeat.

It was a Quins team who had lost nine of their past 10 matches against Saints and one that had lost five of its past six games in all competitions.

But they showed no lack of confidence as they ran riot at English rugby HQ.

This afternoon, Saints face another side who they have held the Indian sign over in recent years.

Gloucester have only won one of their past 10 games against Saints, and that victory came at Kingsholm back in early October.

That 29-24 defeat was the one that started this current slump for the green, black and gold.

And how they would love to lift the Kingsholm curse by beating the Cherry and Whites this weekend.

“It’s a new year, halfway through the Prem and it’s time to push recent games aside to work hard on this last part of the season,” Harrison said.

“It’s time to draw new confidence from it being a new year.

“A new coach coming in also helps.

“It’s about boys pulling tight together, trusting in each other and trusting that we’re making the right decision.

“We’re a team that is struggling and at the minute we’re a bit separated.

“The first port of call is to get everyone together and playing on the same page.”

Gaffney is one of the men tasked with helping to make that happen.

And when asked what the new man’s message to the players has been, Harrison said: “Probably that we need to try harder.

“There’s times when we may not chase the kick with everyone - some people are working hard and some people aren’t.

“He’s also told us we’ve got to trust each other and make a decision. If it comes off, it comes off and executing it is the next thing.

“Alan has been good for us so far.

“He’s been here a few days and we haven’t seen too much of him but the times we do see him and he does speak, it’s been very good.”

Cobblers produced the goods when it mattered most as they picked up three priceless points in their battle to beat relegation by downing Southend United 3-1 after a much-improved second-half performance at Sixfields on Saturday.

In a low-quality first-half, Town had made barely any headway when John-Joe O’Toole’s opportunistic finish handed them the lead but they were unable to capitalise on that stroke of good fortune when Jason Demetriou brought Southend level from the spot.

However, Town were vastly improved after half-time and restored their lead through Matt Grimes’ penalty before Alex Revell’s late third put the gloss on a huge win, and few could begrudge them the three points after a second-half in which they carved out numerous goalscoring chances.

It takes Northampton to within two points of survival while also dragging Southend into the relegation dogfight, and there were also glimpses of encouragement from the two new boys as Shay Facey impressed on debut and Hildeberto Peirera supplied the assist for Revell’s game-clinching third.

Facey was on of four changes as he made his first appearance at right-back, with John-Joe O’Toole, David Buchanan and Sam Hoskins all coming back in as Daniel Powell and George Smith were ruled out through injury.

Chances and quality were kept to a minimum in a very fractious and scratchy start to the game, which was probably to be expected given the two teams’ struggles.

But the first opportunity led to the opener as Town struck on 20 minutes with a goal that was in keeping with the game.

Visiting goalkeeper Mark Oxley initially clawed away Ash Taylor’s header but Harry Hyprianou’s attempted clearance cannoned off Matt Crooks and fell to O’Toole, who guided the ball into the corner.

It was a comical way to open the scoring, however the lead last just six minutes as as United got back on level terms from the spot after Taylor collided with Stephen McLaughlin in the box, Demetriou sticking away from 12 yards.

Michael Kightly dragged just wide of the far post for United and Chris Long was well off target with two attempts from the edge of the box but other than that it was a poor opening 45 minutes.

It took only three minutes of the second-half for Town to restore their advantage, though, as they earned a penalty of their own.

Long won it, as he was deemed to have been fouled by Kyprianoi, and Grimes confidently did the rest, shooting into the corner with power.

Northampton then proceeded to enjoy their best spell of the game as they threatened a second goal with a couple of half chances, the closest of which saw Grimes blast over from 25 yards.

In need of a third, Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink threw on another of his new signings as Pereira got his first taste of Sixfields when replacing Sam Foley shortly after the hour-mark.

And Pereira should have opened his Cobblers account almost immediately when the hosts broke through Long and he found O’Toole who drew the goalkeeper before squaring to Pereira, only for him to smack the crossbar from yards out.

That should have been game over and another chance fell Town’s way when Hoskins cut the ball back to Long but the Southend defence smothered clear

Long was also off target when clearing the crossbar from 20 yards before Southend began applying pressure at the other end with Anthony Wordsworth twice going close from the edge of the box.

As the clock ran down, United threw more bodies forward in search of a late equaliser, forcing important blocks from both David Buchanan and Matt Crooks in the final 10 minutes, but Revell, off the bench seconds earlier, gathered Pereira’s pass after a break from halfway and placed a precise shot into the bottom corner in the final minute of normal time.

That wrapped up the win, much to the relief and delight of what was becoming an increasingly anxious crowd of home supporters inside Sixfields who could now celebrate a vital three points.

Match facts

Cobblers: Ingram, Facey (Moloney 90), Poole, Taylor, Buchanan (c), Hoskins, Grimes, Crooks, Foley (Pereira 64), O’Toole, Long (Revell 87)

Subs not used: Cornell, Moloney, McWilliams, Waters, Richards

Southend: Oxley, Demetriou, Turner (c), Kyprianou, Coker, Kightly (McGlashan 61), Yearwood (Timlin 61), Wordsworth, McLaughlin, Cox (Wabo 74), Fortune

Subs not used: Bishop, Bwomono, Robinson

Referee: Michael Salisbury

Attendance: 5,267

Southend fans: 564

Northampton swimmer Ellie Robinson is celebrating after she was selected in the England team for the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games in Queensland in Australia in April.

Robinson has been handed her first Team England call, but the teenager is no stranger to international competition.

When she was just 15, she headed out to the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games where she starred to win a gold medal in the S6 50m Butterfly in Paralympic record time.

Robinson is one of 24 athletes to be announced this week, and she will be joining the other 15 that were announced following the first phase of selections by Swim England in October last year.

A delighted Robinson said: “I’m looking forward to the Commonwealth Games because it’s an opportunity to race on the big stage again, as well as racing with the Olympic swimming team for the first time.

“It’s a chance to compete for England and relive the excitement of a major competition.

“I feel very lucky to be selected as I’ll be swimming in the S7 classification, this is a more difficult class and I’ll have to step up to the challenge.”

Team England Leader Grant Robins said: “This announcement completes our team for the 2018 Commonwealth Games, and we’ve got a blend of experienced athletes and some new younger swimmers in our team, this is what the selection policy was designed to achieve.

“We had a great National Winter Championships in Sheffield last month and it’s looking good for the Gold Coast.

“Hopefully by the end of the six days of competition in Australia this April we will have a few medals in the bag, personal best times achieved and lots of great experiences gained ready for the road ahead.”

The news of Robinson’s selection comes just three months before the opening ceremony of the 2018 Gold Coast Commonwealth Games on April 4, 2018.

Given Southend's wretched form ahead of this game - six defeats from seven - and the fact they were missing three key players, it was vital that Northampton came away with victory to preserve their precarious hopes of avoiding relegation from Sky Bet League One this season.

Initially, it didn't look as if they were going to achieve that after a lacklustre and disjointed display in the opening period as John-Joe O'Toole saw his comical opener cancelled out by Jason Demetriou, who scored from the spot after referee Michael Salisbury had penalised Ash Taylor for a foul on Stephen McLaughlin.

However, it was all change after the break and Matt Grimes restored their lead with his own spot-kick, slamming in from 12 yards after a foul on Chris Long, before Alex Revell capped off a fine victory with a well-taken third goal in the final minute of normal time.

The Cobblers had several chances to score in-between those goals but three was more than enough to clinch the spoils and just their second win in 10 league outings, bringing them to within two points of safety.

Hasselbaink said afterwards: "In the first-half, at times, we huffed and puffed a little bit and couldn't get into the game. We played way too many long balls and too many high balls.

"I felt that we were under pressure too much. It looked like they were playing the occasion instead of the game and they felt the importance of it.

"But I think we were the opposite in the second-half. We passed the ball more and we were more in control and we could have scored two or three more goals.

"We were on the front foot, we took down all the long balls and we tried to create things. There was a different Chris Long after half-time because he led the line well and that was really important.

"In the first-half, he didn't do enough, but in the second-half he led the line from the front and he's got a wicked shot on him. I'm very happy with the win."

It was a winning start to life at a jubilant Franklin's Gardens for new coaching consultant Alan Gaffney, who had only arrived in Northampton six days earlier.

The penalty try in the final minute of the match gave Gaffney reason to smile as it added to earlier efforts from Ken Pisi and Nic Groom to secure a vital Saints victory.

Gloucester had looked set to squeeze home, but Saints, backed by vocal support from the home fans, pushed their way towards the line and referee Ian Tempest awarded them the winning score.

Saints had gone into the match on a run of seven successive league defeats and having won just one of their past 13 matches in all competitions.

They got an early reprieve as Gloucester fly-half Owen Williams fluffed his lines from the tee.

And Saints didn't waste much time in making Williams pay as a slick move from left to right resulted in a fine finish from Samoan wing Pisi.

Harry Mallinder hit the post with the tricky conversion attempt from out wide and Gloucester were soon at the Saints door.

A huge drive forced Tempest to award a penalty try and Api Ratuniyarawa paid a further price as he was sin-binned in a double blow for the home side.

Saints then had to repel more pressure from the Cherry and Whites with new defence coach Phil Dowson clapping after his team won a penalty to give them some respite.

And the green, black and gold were to regain the lead seconds before Ratuniyarawa returned from the sin bin as Mallinder struck a penalty between the posts.

But after Saints' defence splintered, Gloucester went back in front as James Hanson forced his way over the line.

Williams converted to make it 14-8 to the away side and there were few other events of note before the break as Saints left the field again needed a second-half response.

The hosts had plenty of possession just after half-time, but they couldn't make the ball stick at the crucial moments and Gloucester held out.

Saints lost Luther Burrell to injury before putting in a big defensive effort to deny the Cherry and Whites, who had kicked to the corner in a bid to drive their opponents over.

Saints did eventually concede a third try when Williams offloaded brilliantly to onrushing prop John Afoa, who had the simple task of scoring.

Williams missed the conversion but his team were now 19-8 up and seeking a bonus-point score.

But it was Saints who were to score next as they produced a stirring response.

Pisi superbly claimed the kick-off, giving his side a platform, and Groom grabbed the game by the scruff of the next, stretching out an arm to score.

Mallinder converted to cut the gap to just four with 23 minutes remaining.

Williams spurned a penalty chance five minutes later and Saints' hope remained as the noise levels continued to increase at the Gardens.

Saints' lineout struggles were really costing them, as Gloucester continually pinched the ball to prevent and build-up of pressure.

That was until the final seconds of the match, when Gloucester gave away a penalty and Mallinder booted the ball to the corner.

The Gardens fans roared their team on from the resulting drive and eventually Saints forced the referee to award a penalty try that inspired a huge roar from the delighted supporters.

Saints then held their nerve, gathering the kick-off and giving the ball to Mallinder, who kicked it out to secure the win.

Saints: Tuala; Foden, Horne, Burrell (Stephenson 48), Pisi; Mallinder, Groom (Reinach 73); Ma'afu (Van Wyk 64), Hartley (c) (Haywood 55), Ford-Robinson (Brookes 47); Ratuniyarawa, Lawes; Wood, Gibson, Harrison.

Gloucester: Marshall; Woodward, Trinder, Symons, Halaifonua; Williams (Twelvetrees 65), Heinz (c) (Vellacott 61); Hohneck (Orr 73), Hanson (Matu'u 68), Afoa (Balmain 68); Slater, Galarza (Savage 68); Ackermann, Polledri, Morgan (Ludlow 61).

Referee: Ian Tempest

Attendance: 13,089

Alan Gaffney hailed the Saints players for their 'really gutsy' display as their losing streak came to an end at Franklin's Gardens.

A last-gasp penalty try provided a long overdue success for the green, black and gold, who ended a run of seven successive Aviva Premiership defeats.

Gloucester were the victims, going down 22-19 at a relieved Gardens.

And Gaffney, who started his role as Saints' coaching consultant on Monday, was delighted with the efforts of his team.

"It was a really gutsy performance," Gaffney said.

"At 19-8 down it is really easy to drop your bundle and let it slide.

"It may have happened previously but they have dug in very deep and when you have been on a losing streak for some time it would have been easy to give in.

“The players just dug deep and clawed the win out."

Tries from Ken Pisi and Nic Groom, allied with five points from the boot of Harry Mallinder, gave Saints hope going into the closing stages.

And they then forced their way towards the line with a huge drive, forcing referee Ian Tempest to award a penalty try.

Saints kept their cool from the kick-off and Mallinder booted the ball out to bring a big roar from the home crowd.

"When I came over I had watched the last month’s games and there has always been something there, it is just the fact we have not executed," Gaffney said.

"There is no doubt we have to work harder in various aspects of the game – getting back into the game, not lying on the ground too long and punching back hard. We saw the benefits of that today.

"It is something to work on for the rest of the year."

A 31-year-old man has been arrested by police in connection with the deaths of five cats in Northampton.

The cats were all found mutilated in different areas of Northampton in August and November last year. They were linked to the so-called Croydon Cat Killer by campaign group SNARL (South Norwood Animal Rescue).

A 31-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the Northampton cat deaths and is being questioned by police.

In a statement, Northamptonshire Police said it was working closely with the Metropolitan Police as part of its investigation, Operation Takahe.

Speaking to the national media, a spokesman for SNARL said they did not believe the arrested man was the Croydon Cat Killer and that he was still at large. They believe that up to 400 cats have been killed across the country.

The five cats from Northampton were all dismembered in a similar way.

The first, one-year-old Rusty, was left in a plastic bag on the owner's doorstep on August 28.

The family's 14-year-old daughter made the grim discovery.

Topsy, a 15-year-old, went missing after it was last seen on the driveway of its owner's home.

The next morning, on September 6, the cat's mutilated remains were found stuffed inside a carrier bag and left on a path outside the house.

On October 7 and 13, two unnamed cats were found in Duston before the latest discovery on November 18, which prompted Northamptonshire Police to issue advice to owners, which includes keeping all cats and rabbits indoors at night.

In the last case, a mutilated cat was discovered placed on top of a car near the owners' home.

The final scoreline was deceptively comfortable but, as far as importance goes, these three points were about as precious as they come and the fact Northampton earned them alongside a much-improved performance, in the second-half at least, suggests they are not done with this season just yet.

A few nerves had been shredded by the time Alex Revell swept a precise finish into the bottom corner in the final minute, finally consigning Southend United to another defeat and allowing Sixfields to breathe easy, but despite an edgy, unconvincing finale, Town had done more than enough to merit their victory.

It would not be a stretch to say that defeat here, against the most out-of-form team in the league, would have left the situation almost irretrievable. Already five points from safety, and with trips to promotion-hunting duo Bradford and Blackburn ahead, victory was a necessity, not an option.

In the first-half, they played like a team shackled by the pressure – both teams did, in fact – but Matt Grimes’ well-taken penalty, slammed beyond Mark Oxley, released those shackles and it was the impressive way Town did not sit on their lead, instead seeking to extend it, that made for a refreshing change from the norm.

They should have put the game to bed a lot sooner than they did but the Cobblers have hardly done wins this season let alone routine wins and this was never going to be any different as Southend did just enough in the moments prior to Revell’s clincher to make life uneasy for an increasingly agitated Sixfields crowd who knew the importance of victory.

But for all the anxiety, Matt Ingram’s goal remained intact and comfortably so too. Anthony Wordsworth crashed two long-range efforts just off target, David Buchanan flung himself at a goalbound shot and a couple of balls into the box caused alarm but that’s all United could muster in their desperate attempts to salvage a point.

Going into this crunch contest against a Shrimpers team who were in desperate need to stop the rot themselves after losing six of seven, it was never going to be one for the purist and though that was the case for 45 minutes, Town’s significantly improved second-half showing meant that few of their fans will care how this victory came about.

And when you get yourself into the position the Cobblers have this season, third-from-bottom and falling increasingly out of touch with the teams just above, how you perform is not relevant. Points, and wins, are the be all and end all. Points lead to confidence which leads to better performance and therefore more chance of winning games.

And that’s just as well because, for 45 minutes at least, Saturday’s encounter was about as scrappy and as low-quality as you will likely to get from any League One game all season. Passes went astray, touches were loose and tackles were mistimed.

Of what good play there was, most of it came from Southend. Aside from John-Joe O’Toole’s opportunistic finish that came about in comical fashion, United edged proceedings as Jason Demetriou punished Ash Taylor’s misjudgement from the spot before Michael Kightly dragged one just wide.

Even so, 1-1 was a fair reflection of a poor game at half-time. Then, with the aid of their own spot-kick, came a vast improvement as Town suddenly appeared to realise two things: how desperately they needed to win this and how they actually have good players who can help achieve it.

They also seemed to realise they were playing a team who were there for the taking, and once Grimes confidently dispatched his penalty, it should have become a question of how many as the Cobblers impressively went on the hunt for more goals.

Stepping on the throttle, they caught Southend out time and again. Matt Crooks and Chris Long often led the charge, and only wayward finishing set up an anxious finish as the visitors frantically launched balls forward but the outstanding Regan Poole, in perhaps his best game for the club, led the Cobblers resistance and meant Ingram only had simple catches to deal with.

The introduction of Hildeberto Pereira, already establishing himself as a cult hero, lifted the crowd and the team and he provided flashes of Portuguese flair. His first involvement was to shoot wide, his second was to hit the bar with a glorious chance following another swift Town breakaway and his final act set up Revell’s well-placed third.

Pereira has pace, trickery and skill, all of which were demonstrated by his powerful run upfield that teed up Revell. With him on one flank and a fit Daniel Powell on the other, all of a sudden Northampton look a much more threatening and dangerous team to play against.

Fellow debutant Shay Facey also impressed at right-back. He’s clearly short on match fitness and therefore didn’t bomb on as much as he might have done but he was exceptionally composed and disciplined for a player of his age on debut, as well as strong in the tackle and showing an eye for a pass.

All of the positives from this win should be taken with a pinch of salt. Partly because of the opposition but mostly because the Cobblers have provided this type of promise previously this season only for them to immediately take several steps back and return to square one.

Bradford away is a tough next assignment but a good performance, if not result, at Valley Parade will continue momentum and confidence into the following week when the visit of MK Dons signifies another vital game.

Northampton’s season started on Saturday. Victory over Southend was a good start but, still in the bottom four, what happens next will decide their destiny.

How they rated...

Matt Ingram - Few heart in mouths when he missed Facey’s cushioned header but that was the only time he came under undue strain, which is credit to those in front of him. Didn’t get close to Demetriou’s penalty... 6

Shay Facey - Overcame an early wobble, when Ingram musjudged his back header, to enjoy a very composed and promising debut. Strong in the tackle and positionally sound. Will no doubt venture forward more as he finds his feet and builds up his fitness... 8

Regan Poole - Without doubt his best performance since moving to centre-back. Authoritative and commanding in the air, despite his comparative size, and always seem to be well-placed to hack away any danger that came into the box. Very accomplished all-round display... 8 CHRON STAR MAN

Ash Taylor - Let United back in the game when mistiming his attempted header and colliding with McLaughlin for the penalty, but returned to his dependable self in the second-half, winning headers galore to ease the pressure that was growing on his team ... 7

David Buchanan - Got away with a hesitation at the back post when he thought a cross was heading out of play during Southend’s late barrage, however immediately made amends when brilliantly throwing himself to block a goal-bound effort. That in itself epitomised Town’s determination not to surrender their lead... 7

Matt Grimes - Was ponderous in possession first-half, having the ball nicked off him several times, but his well-taken penalty significantly lifted his influence on the game as he took control of the midfield and in turn helped Town keep Southend at arm’s-length. Set-piece delivery much better too... 7

Matt Crooks - His ability to drive forward from deep and provide another option in attack was on display in the second-half as Town created several promising openings. Now needs to do that consistently... 7

Sam Hoskins - Became frustrated first-half when his surges upfield came to nothing, often due to having no options available, but stuck at it and plugged away, with his pace constantly keeping Southend on their guard... 7

Sam Foley - Never going to be one to skirt past defenders and whip in crosses but makes the most of his ability, even out of position on the left flank, by working hard and doing what’s necessary for the team... 7

John-Joe O’Toole - Such a crucial cog in Hasselbaink’s system. In the right place to stab in his first goal of the season and get his side moving. Picked up good positions between the lines and won countless heads and flick-ons. Instrumental in winning the penalty too... 7

Chris Long - Mirrored his team in that he was a different player in the second-half, perhaps the biggest reason for their overall uplift in performance. Great work to win the penalty and could easily have had a couple of goals himself. Energy and movement up front was crucial in Town’s improvement... 7

Substitutes

Hildeberto Pereira - Type of player who will get fans off their seats and only needed a brief cameo to do just that. Shot wide in his first involvement, hit the bar in his second and then a fantastic driving run from deep, started by a delicious piece of skill, created Revell’s clincher. Hopefully a sign of things to come... 7

Alex Revell - Well-taken goal allowed Sixfields to finally breathe easy. Was keen to remind Hasselbaink of his qualities in an exuberant celebration ... 7

Brendan Moloney - 6

Three in four of us are concerned about the health of their partner - due to stress and lack of exercise, according to research.

The study of 2,000 adults in relationships found nearly three quarters worry about the physical state of their other half.

One in three even admitted they regularly plead with their partner to change their lifestyle, to no avail.

Dr Petra Simic, Clinical Director at Bupa Health Clinics, which commissioned the study, said: “The research shows that people put more focus on their loved ones’ health at the cost of their own.

‘’It’s wonderful to see what a caring nation we are, but it’s important to understand that looking after ourselves actually gives us the ability to look after others, and is just as important.

‘’Regardless of the time of year, couples can work together on setting goals and helping each other to achieve them.

“In some cases, a professional opinion can help to motivate people to make healthier choices.

‘’Both parties taking their concerns to their GP or getting a health assessment will not only stop that persistent worrying, but you’ll both come away with key things to focus on.”

The results mean millions of Brits will be setting resolutions for their partners in 2018.

The most common pledges are getting them to eat healthier, lose weight and take up exercise.

One in four will encourage their other half to reduce their stress levels, with just under one sixth prompting their partner to strike a better work-life balance.

Nearly two in three adults even admitted putting the health of their significant other ahead of their own.

Reasons given include the belief they’re healthy and don’t need to worry about their own wellbeing, or admitting they’ll address their own health issues if and when any symptoms become problematic.

The poll of 1,000 men and 1,000 women also found nearly two thirds of adults admit to making tactical choices in an attempt to improve their partner’s health.

Swapping food for low-fat options, hiding treats and reducing sugar in hot drinks are among the sneaky tricks being employed to manage companion’s health.

The research, commissioned by Bupa Health Clinics, also revealed nearly one in seven will go to bed earlier to improve their partner’s sleeping habits.

Others have even made personal sacrifices to help their loved one such as quitting smoking themselves and going on a diet as a couple.

One even gave their significant other a hard dose of reality by measuring out sugar into a jug to show them how much they’d consumed that day.

Nearly 30 per cent will even go as far to book doctor’s appointments for their partner, with 22 per cent agreeing it’s because their loved one is too lazy to book their own.

And over one quarter said their significant other is simply “too busy to book their own”.

Top concerns about the health of our other halves:

1. Getting stressed easily

2. Not sleeping enough

3. Niggling ailments like back pain or a persistent cough

4. Doing no exercise

5. Working too hard

6. Being overweight

7. Eating too much junk food

8. Drinking alcohol regularly

9. Rarely walking anywhere

10. High blood pressure

Still counting the cost of an expensive Christmas? Well how about some free games to beat the January blues.

If you are ditching booze and indulgent food for the new year then at least treat yourself to some new games which will cost you nothing if you have a PlayStation 4 or Xbox One.

That’s because PlayStation Plus and Xbox Live subscribers now know what the free games are for January.

Batman: The Telltale Series in its entirety is free on PS Plus as well as Deus Ex: Mankind Divided and party game That’s You!

If you have PSVR - Sony’s Virtual Reality hardware - you can also grab StarBlood Arena.

PS3 gamers aren’t left out with Uncanny Valley, Psycho-Pass Mandatory Happiness, Sacred 3 and Book of Unwritten Tales 2 forming part of the January offering.

There’s plenty for Xbox Gold users to enjoy as well if you have an Xbox Live subscription.

The Incredible Adventures of Van Helsing 3 is available to download for nothing all month while super creepy Zombi is available from January 16 until February 15, as well as Army of Two and Tomb Raider Underworld via backwards compatibility.

Meanwhile, website VG24/7 claims to be the first to map every single game which is slated for release in 2018.

Last week I looked at the top 5 most anticipated titles for the year ahead.

And VG24/7 have gone one better by compiling what they claim is a comprehensive list of every single game being released in the coming year.

The first two months of the year are always quiet but there are a few surprises this year with confirmed release dates for Monster Hunter World, the Shadow of the Colossus remake, Dragon Ball FighterZ, the big Arcade Edition update for Street Fighter 5 and many more.D

Being able to work from home, no-one batting an eyelid when you take an afternoon off to watch your kids sports day - and having a beer with colleagues after work, have emerged among a list of signs you’ve ‘made it’ in your career.

Researchers who polled 1,700 workers also found having your opinion valued, being invited to meetings and enjoying the occasional business trip abroad are key indicators you’re doing well.

Being allowed able to manage your own workload, having regular reviews and being asked for advice by colleagues also made the list.

Being left in charge when the boss is away, controlling a budget and being sent on management training also mean you have a bright future ahead.

The study was commissioned by www.jardinemotors.co.uk, a multi-national operator of franchised motorcar dealerships, to help understand the desires of today’s workforce.

Clare Martin, Group HR Director for Jardine Motors Group said: “Today’s job seekers are basing their search criteria on so much more than just salary.

‘’And so it’s vital that businesses are giving employees and future colleagues fulfilment in their career beyond just climbing the career ladder.

‘’This research shows career progression and feeling content and a success, is about so much more.

‘’It’s about access to opportunities, feeling empowered and challenged, as well as having a flexible working environment.

“As we head into the prime season when many of us consider our careers and what may lie in the year ahead, this research shows the considerations that go into making a happy job are varied and highlights businesses have to be much more diverse in how they support and nurture colleagues.”

However, the study also revealed some perks are worth their weight in gold - with paid sick days, regular bonuses and private healthcare featuring highly on the list.

And while 29 per cent of adults do want a big salary, they also appreciate working in a fun environment with good training opportunities.

Other indicators of a rewarding job include being able to take the day off without having to book it off in advance, having everyone at work know who you are and being aware of the company’s strategic direction.

Just over half of respondents said they are currently working in a fulfilling career, and one fifth would not consider leaving their role for another with more money or better perks.

However, 23 per cent WOULD take a cut in salary for a job which had other benefits, such as working shorter hours, flexible working or more holiday - with one third of those polled saying an accommodating workplace is a sign of an employer ‘who cares’.

SIGNS YOU’RE IN A FULFILLING CAREER

1. Looking forward to work

2. People value your opinions

3. Flexible hours

4. Good friends in the workplace

5. Big salary

6. Fun working environment

7. Managing your own work load

8. Good training opportunities

9. Paid sick days

10. Not watching the clock

11. Getting good reviews/appraisals on performance

12. People come to you for advice

13. Incentives for good performance

14. Regular bonuses

15. People ask for your opinion on big decisions

16. Flexibility towards family commitments

17. Regular promotions

18. Working from home

19. Being left in charge

20. Everyone knows your name

21. Hitting targets

22. Socialising with work colleagues

23. Managing a team

24. Knowing about the company’s plans/strategic direction

25. Being asked to represent your company at events

26. Being sent on management training courses

27. Taking a day off without having to book it off in advance

28. Private healthcare

29. Paid trips abroad

30. Shares in the business

31. Coming into the office later than usual and nobody bats an eyelid

32. A company car

33. Nobody wants you to go on holiday/take days off

34. Invites to meetings

35. Controlling a budget

36. Travelling in Business class / First class

37. A company phone

38. In touch with the CEO/MD on a regular basis

39. Being invited to Management Conferences

40. Being allowed to put most things on expenses

Space rockets, mothers-in-law and twenty Bob The Builder costumes were among the unlikely items left behind by customers at Travelodges last year, the budget hotel chain has revealed.

A bath full of Jersey potatoes, a pack of tarot cards and £500,000 in share certificates are also listed as having been inadvertently lost by careless or forgetful guests across the company’s 542 UK establishments.

It may be that having more important matters on their minds makes guests forgetful. A new bride left her mother-in-law at York Central Travelodge, while another bride in Birmingham forgot her wedding necklace, a diamond Mangala Sutra.

A 27 ft ‘Starchaser’ space rocket was discovered by staff in one of the company’s Manchester establishments, while a different guest left his pilot’s licence at Gatwick Airport Travelodge (the hotel manager delivered the licence to the airport).

The business community also shows surprising fecklessness at times - one executive left behind his 50-year-old teddy bear (called Rupert) at Aberdeen Travelodge, and sent his PA to personally collect the vintage bear from London as he could not sleep without him.

Another businessman came back from the Netherlands to collect his lucky (and valued at £8,000) fountain pen as he could not sign any paperwork without it.

Travelodge’s Shakila Ahmed said: “This year’s inventory list includes a WW2 bravery medal, deeds to land in the Scottish Highlands, and a Lionhead rabbit called Bugs Bunny.

“The running theme, our customers do tell us, is that the pace of modern life is so fast and furious that time is of the essence especially when getting from A to B and therefore valuable possessions are easily being forgotten.”

Top 10 items left at UK Travelodges

Chargers for mobile phones and electronic devices such as laptops

Tablets

Mobile phones

Business papers / notepads / presentations

Teddy Bears

Toiletry bags with contents

Drones

Pyjamas

Socks and ties

Books

All items left behind in Travelodge hotels which have not been claimed within three months, are donated to local British Heart Foundation Charity Shops, Travelodge’s Charity Partner.

A defiant Phil Brown, Southend United’s manager, blamed ‘strange decisions and silly mistakes’ for his side’s defeat to the Cobblers on Saturday but he remains convinced he’s the right man to lead the club forward.

United succumbed to their seventh defeat in eight games across all competitions at Sixfields on Saturday when they were beaten 3-1 by Northampton, who themselves claimed only a second league win in 10.

Jason Demetriou did have the visitors on level terms after John-Joe O’Toole’s opener as Southend shaded a low-quality first-half, however they were thoroughly second best in the second and deservedly slumped to a limp defeat, handed to them by goals from Matt Grimes and Alex Revell.

The result leaves United just four points above the Sky Bet League One relegation zone with the pressure mounting on Brown, something that was demonstrated by the constantly negative chanting ringing out from the unsatisfied away end on Saturday.

“It was a battle in the first-half, which we expected to be, but then strange decisions and silly mistakes made by our defenders cost us in the second-half,” said Brown afterwards.

“We didn’t clear our lines when we should have done, consequently they got a penalty and that put us on the back foot just after half-time and we were fighting for our lives again.

“It wasn’t just level-pegging in the first-half, it was a good performance away from home. We played them at their own game and we battled against them.

“But we gave a stupid penalty away and we’re getting punished. It’s about getting a foothold in the game, like we did, and then hanging onto it, but they got their noses in front and had something to protect.

“We get out of this by bringing in players in the transfer window.

“We’re just not riding our luck at the right moments and they’re not learning from past mistakes. We need to learn how we win games.

“The pressure mounts the longer you go without winning. My message to the fans is to stick with it. We can turn it around and there’s plenty of time to go and plenty of games to go.

“The transfer window is still open and with the kind of mentality coming into the camp, we’ll get ourselves out of this situation.”