Wine, beer and spirit-lovers can countdown to Christmas and the New Year in style thanks to the growing trend of booze-filled advent calendars.

Chocolate just does not seem to cut it for grown-ups nowadays.

And in recent years companies like first4hampers have been inundated with pre-orders for their festive calendar offerings.

The variety of calendars on offer has grown over the last few years as people look to add a touch of luxury to the Christmas countdown.

There is something for all tastes from artisan gin and premium tonics to whisky, fine wine, fizz and beer.

In the company's popular Sparkle Advent Calendar, each door reveals a 20cl bottle of sparkling wine including Prosecco and sparkling Pinot rose. An extra-glistening treat lies behind the door for the 24th – a 20cl bottle of Laurent Perrier Champagne.

A beer advent calendar contains a mixture of bottles and cans while the wine offering has 24 quarter-bottles of specially selected red, white and rose wines from brands including Founders Stone, Waters Edge, Orario and Quartetto.

The company has also launched a Gin and Premium Tonics Advent Calendar, Tipsy Trees, Luxury Advent Crackers and even New Year countdown calendars ranging in price from £49.99 to £140.

Advent calendars have become big business in recent years.

Net-A-Porter launched a beauty advent calendar containing almost £800 of cult products from brands including Charlotte Tilbury, Sunday Riley, Marc Jacobs Beauty and Victoria Beckham favourite, Barbara Sturm.

Jo Malone's calendar is expected to 'sell out in seconds' when it goes on sale in October. Inside you will find body care and candles, plus new additions that you might not have tried before, such as the Bronze Wood & Leather Cologne Intense.

The Body Shop and Molton Brown have their own offerings at £99 and £175 respectively while Lush is getting in on the act this year with its first ever 24 product calendar – and every single item inside the recyclable chest is full size. Only 500 limited edition advent calendars will be made available.

If the crisp page of a new notebook is high on your list of favourite things, Paperchase’s advent calendar will be right up your street and a touch cheaper at £35. The brand hasn’t revealed the full contents of the 24 doors just yet, but you can expect vouchers, pens, stickers, and a 2020 diary, plus many more stationery delights.

The likes of Aldi and other supermarkets are expected to get in on the advent calendar act once again in a craze that is threatening to become as big as Christmas itself.

Mr Davies, aged 25, was assaulted in The Old Bank pub in St Giles Square, Northampton, shortly before midnight on Saturday, August 24. He was transferred to the University Hospital in Coventry where he died the following day.

Detectives investigating the murder of Northampton man have been given until midnight today (Tuesday, 27 August) to question a 28-year-old man arrested yesterday.

A post-mortem examination is being carried out by a Home Office pathologist in Leicester to establish the cause of death.

The officer leading the investigation, Detective Chief Inspector Joe Banfield, said: “This remains a fast-paced investigation and I have a team of highly trained officers actively pursuing several lines of inquiry.

“I am re-appealing for the public to provide information and anybody who was in The Old Bank pub from about 8.40pm until midnight on Saturday is asked to get in touch.

“Information can be directed straight to my team on the Major Incident Public Portal (MIPP), by clicking on the following link: https://mipp.police.uk/operation/33EM19D59-PO1

“Alternatively, witnesses can call Northamptonshire Police on 101 or Crimestoppers, in confidence, on 0800 555111.”

READ MORE

Funeral fundraiser set up for Northampton man Glenn Davies as murder inquiry continues

Murder investigation after 25-year-old dies following assault in Northampton town centre pub

GranPart founder Marion Turner and some of its members will be at Broken Bonds, the Plight of Grandchildren Estranged from their Grandparents at the Houses of Parliament on September 4.

Dame Esther Rantzen, lawyers and MPs will be calling for greater recognition of the issue and legislation to ensure the right of a relationship for grandchildren with their grandparents, regardless of the parental situation.

“As a grandparent myself, I know how important it is to have my grandchildren in my life and how much they give me as well," the Childline founder said.

"For those grandchildren who are wrongly deprived of the love and security their grandparents can provide, this can be the loss of an important lifeline."

Marion set up GranPart while living in Milton Keynes in 2015, a year after the relationship with her grandson broke down, as she believed support from others in the same situation could help.

The 71-year-old grandmother was right as other grandparents left unable to see or speak to their loved ones joined her group - she set up another in Northampton when she moved to the town.

Around 20 people meet at the Manning Watts House in Harpole once a month to share problems and emotions, which Marion thinks is therapeutic.

"They can talk to other people in the same situation, some are similar and some are different but they have the same outcome but that support of knowing you're not alone is invaluable," she said.

As well as the heartache of missing out on five years of her grandson's life, Marion also did not speak to her son for nearly as long too.

She said it has taken 'baby steps' to get back the relationship she once had but firmly believes no child should not be allowed to see their relatives.

"It's not just about the grandparents, it's about what the grandchildren miss out on as it's an important part of their lives and they can do things they might not with their parents," she said.

It is estimated more than a million grandchildren are denied contact with their grandparents in the UK and is considered by experts to be a severe form of child and elder abuse.

Currently in the UK and US there are very limited ways to remedy the situation because parents have authority over determining whether or not a grandchild can have and maintain an ongoing relationship with a grandparent.

Those who wish to force the issue can do so through the courts but that can be costly and time-consuming, which puts off many estranged grandparents.

The EU Court of Justice ruled in May 2018: “Grandparents have a legal right to see their grandchildren. The notion of rights of access refers also to the rights of access of other persons with whom it is important for the children to maintain a personal relationship...”

But this ruling is not currently upheld in the UK and the goal of the action day in London is to challenge the Government to ensure this is implemented without delay.

Celebrity lawyer and a campaigner for fathers’ rights, Vanessa Lloyd-Platt, will be speaking at the event, along with Dame Esther and MPs Nigel Huddleston and Matthew Offord.

“Those of us who feel passionate about this issue will continue to campaign until there is either an adjustment to the present law or an entirely new legal approach where the rights of grandchildren to have grandparents in their life can be treated with the priority it deserves," Vanessa said.

Lorraine Bushell, chairman of the London Grandparents Group and Broken Bonds organiser, who is an alienated grandparent, continues to lobby on this issue.

“We all have to keep trying to urgently change this situation as we realise our grandchildren continue to miss out so much on a critical part of their family life which they have an absolute right to.”

Anyone wishing to find out more about the GranPart support groups should visit www.granpart.co.uk.

Cobblers started their Leasing.com Trophy campaign with a penalty shoot-out victory over 10-man Arsenal Under-21s at the PTS Academy Stadium on Tuesday evening.

The young Gunners had a man sent off on the hour-mark but they then led through James Olayinka's tap-in, only for Sam Hoskins to level things up with a fine finish seven minutes from time.

That forced a shoot-out and it was Town who claimed the extra point on offer.

Andrew Fisher, on his debut, saved Arsenal's first spot-kick and successful efforts from Hoskins, Shaun McWilliams, Ryan Watson and Billy Waters put pressure on Emile Smith-Rowe to score his attempt, and he couldn't deliver, blazing over the crossbar.

That handed Town a 4-3 victory in the shout-out and gave them two points to start their Southern Group H campaign in the EFL Trophy.

Keith Curle named a surprisingly strong side to face Arsenal's youngsters, with Charlie Goode, Jordan Turnbull and Watson all starting, while newly-signed goalkeeper Fisher made his debut.

Despite Curle suggesting he would feature several young players, Scott Pollock was the only teenager to start although Morgan Roberts and Jay Williams were on the bench.

For the third game running Town were involved in a dour and lifeless first-half that served up very little in the way of goalmouth action.

Arsenal's Nathan Tormey was a lively figure on the left-wing throughout and his electric pace gave Cobblers' back four some tough moments, most notably when he cut inside and forced FIsher to tip wide of the post.

At the other end, Hoskins was Town's most dangerous outlet and he went as close as anyone to the breakthrough when intercepting a loose pass and firing into the gloves of Matt Macey.

Otherwise, the first-half was a tough watch and it continued be the same in the early stages of the second-half, although Trae Coyle did force Fisher to tip over with a long-range effort and Tormey drilled into the side-netting.

The visitors were beginning to see more and more of the ball but their hopes of victory were dealt a major blow just past the hour-mark when Tobi Omole, on a booking, mistimed a challenge on Hoskins and promptly saw red.

Cobblers almost made their man advantage count immediately as Macey saved from Hoskins and Waters shot into the side-netting before Matty Warburton swept wide of the far post.

But it was Arsenal who took a shock lead with 13 minutes remaining when Smith-Rowe got away down the left and squared a low cross for the unmarked Olayinka to tap home at the far post.

The lead lasted just four minutes, however, as Town swiftly hit back through Hoskins, who expertly picked out the top corner with a precise volley following Vadaine Oliver's knockdown in the box.

Chris Lines almost won it, flashing over from 30 yards, but it took a shoot-out to separate the sides and Smith-Rowe's wayward effort saw Cobblers claim the bonus point.

Match facts

Cobblers: Fisher, Goode (c), Turnbull, McWilliams, Bunney, Watson, Pollock (Lines 70), Warburton (A Williams 84), Waters, Hoskins, Smith (Oliver 73)

Subs not used: Cornell, Adams, J Williams, Roberts

Arsenal: Macey, Bola (Omole 31), Clarke (c), Coyle, McEneff (Burton 73), Olayinka, Olowu, Swanson (Ogungbo 84), Tormey, Smith-Rowe, Balogun

Subs not used: John-Jules, Hillson, Azeez

Referee: Robert Lewis

Attendance: 2,515

Arsenal fans: 599

Cobblers boss Keith Curle came away feeling upbeat by his side's performance after they fended off Arsenal U21s via a penalty shoot-out in the EFL Trophy on Tuesday.

Despite having a man sent off on the hour-mark, Arsenal took a surprise lead at the PTS when James Olayinka was left in acres of space to convert a left-wing cross 13 minutes from full-time.

Cobblers hit back though and were level through Sam Hoskins' excellent strike six minutes later, which made for a penalty shoot-out to see who would claim the extra point.

With Hoskins, Shaun McWilliams, Ryan Watson and Billy Waters all successful from 12 yards, the Cobblers prevailed 4-3.

"It was a good game played at the right tempo and the approach by both teams was in the right manner," said Curle afterwards.

"We showed tonight that we were organised, disciplined and had good character after going a goal down.

"The goal was disappointing and that's what happens when one person within the chain doesn't do his job - you get punished.

"The higher up you go, the clubs look for that weakness but for the majority of the game we got our rewards."

Arsenal's youngsters were technically impressive and passed the ball about with complete confidence, presenting the Cobblers with a different type of test compared to their usual League Two opponents.

Curle thought his side coped well though, adding: "They're very pleasing on the eye, they have good understanding, they're brave with the football and they move you around.

"To play for Arsenal and to wear their shirt past the age of 18 you've got expectations on you, but we played from a shape and we needed to because we knew how they wanted to play.

"We tried to set some traps for them and we only had one coaching day on the Monday but the players understood their roles very well and they got their rewards."

At 5pm, 228 micrograms per cubic metres (µg/m3) of ozone was recorded by the monitor at Spring Park, prompting an air quality warning from the Government as it exceeded the EU threshold of 180 µg/m3.

In fact, the pollution levels in Kingsthorpe surpassed the E U threshold from 2-3pm yesterday (Tuesday), from 1-5pm on Monday, from 5-6pm on Sunday and from 4-8pm on Saturday, according to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra).

The same thing happened on July 25, and June 29, meaning Northampton has been included in all five Defra ozone bulletins for the last two months - the only other one was in April.

Green Party parliamentary candidate for Northampton North, Steve Miller, believes this shows pollution issues in the town extend beyond the town centre.

"It indicates the effects of global warming and a general pollution problem in Northampton and people should be aware of it," he said.

Ozone arises from chemical reactions between various air pollutants, initiated by strong sunlight and light winds, like the recent heatwave.

Most people will not be affected by short term peaks in air pollution but vulnerable groups such as those with existing heart or lung conditions may experience increased symptoms.

A Defra spokesman said: "There are many variables that could lead to elevated ozone levels at Spring Park, including location-specific conditions.

"However, ozone is a secondary pollutant, which often impacts areas far from the original emission site as a result of long-range transport."

The pollution monitoring site at Spring Park is one of almost 300 across the UK, used by Defra, the Met Office and Public Health England.

The highest ozone level recorded this year was 233 µg/m3 in St Osyth, Essex, at 7pm on July 25.

Chris Moreton, from Mawsley, Kettering, was spotted on CCTV on the Drapery in early 2019 where a woman was seen slapping him on the back of the head as an argument broke out.

The 26-year-old responded by turning and punching the victim before lashing out with kicks.

The incident continued into a confrontation with the security staff of a nearby nightclub.

But at Northampton Crown Court yesterday (August 27), His Honour Judge Michael Fowler called the attack "unjustifiable".

Judge Fowler said: "It seems to me you are someone who has these flashes of anger, and that brings about these episodes of violence. But maybe these are more than just flashes.

The court also heard Moreton had been handed a suspended sentence for common assault in March 2018, meaning he breached that order when he attacked the woman in the Drapery.

As part of that order, Moreton was also attending a "building better relationships" course to manage his temper.

But yesterday, the 26-year-old was jailed for 14-months over the attack and his previous conviction.

Tiny Horizons Nursery School, in Park View, Moulton, was scolded in following a visit by Ofsted in April, who warned them that "poor teaching" meant children were not progressing as well as they could, and handed them the lowest rating available.

The watchdog ordered the daycare to improve in several areas and scheduled to revisit Tiny Horizons before the end of the year.

But now, just two months later, the nursery has failed to impress inspectors in its newest visit.

Instead, the watchdog found many of the nursery's weaknesses still at play and chided Tiny Horizons for new risks they found.

The report reads: "The manager [Leanne Kentish] has not addressed all weaknesses that were raised at the previous inspection. These weaknesses have a significant impact on children's welfare, learning and development.

"Continued weaknesses in leadership and management, safeguarding and the quality of teaching compromised children's safety and well-being."

The watchdog particularly noted how "a regular visitor" to the nursery took pictures of children when the nursery had no consent from parents to do this.

The report reads: "The provider has not sought consent from parents for a regular visitor to take photographs of children.

"[The manager] has not considered the importance of assessing the potential risk of harm to children associated with this regular activity. These weaknesses mean that children's safety is not assured."

The latest report also reveals how the watchdog received three complaints about Tiny Horizons in May.

Meanwhile, inspectors noted that parents were fond of the daycare. Staff were complimented on showing a caring nature towards their children and saw that children were well-behaved and happy.

Yet, as the report reads, "some staff lack a basic awareness of how children learn and develop. As a result, children's progress is poor".

Ofsted handed Tiny Horizons a list of areas such as safeguarding and risk assessments where it found faults and ordered the daycare to improve by August 28.

The nursery has been contacted for a comment.

Lois Parkin hopes to raise as money as she can for Gordon Emery as criminals have illegally slaughtered 35 of his lambs in three attacks since February - most recently last week.

"Even if we raise £100, it shows people in the area do support their farmers and are behind them and that this is not on," she said.

Lois said she felt sorry for Gordon, who she described as 'a really nice, old school gentleman', after hearing his plight first-hand when he came into the Daventry phone shop she works in.

The 27-year-old from Long Buckby said he was mainly upset about what the sheep had been through and not the financial loss.

She had seen the outpouring of support on social media but thought the farmer might not see it, so she decided to do something more tangible for him.

"As much as people comment on posts saying it's not acceptable, he's probably not on Facebook so he's not going to see them, so I want to go there with anything I raise and give it to him," she said.

To donate, visit gofundme.com/f/support-local-farmer-after-butchering-of-stock

Bury have become the first club since 1992 to be expelled from the English Football League after an 11th hour takeover bid from C&N Sporting Risk collapsed on Tuesday.

The Shakers were unable to fulfil any of their six scheduled fixtures this season and had been given until 5pm on Tuesday to complete a deal, having been granted an extension to Friday's initial deadline.

But the potential takeover collapsed just hours before the deadline and that proved fatal as Bury became the first team to drop out of the EFL since Maidstone's liquidation in 1992.

Their expulsion means the EFL will have to re-balance the league structure. The current League One season will now comprise 23 teams, with the number of relegation places reduced from four to three.

Four teams will still be promoted from League Two this season, ensuring League One is re-balanced in 2020-21, but it is expected that only one team, instead of two, will now go down to the National League this season, with two still promoted from non-league.

That has not been confirmed though and a discussion will take place with EFL clubs on the consequential impact in League Two when clubs meet next month.

"Today is undoubtedly one of the darkest days in the league's recent history," said EFL executive chair Debbie Jevans.

"I understand this will be a deeply upsetting and devastating time for Bury's players, staff, supporters and the wider community. There is no doubt today's news will be felt across the entire football family."

Bury, formed in 1885 and one of the founding members of the Football League, were readying themselves for a return to the third tier of English football following promotion last season.

The Shakers and the Cobblers have met 65 times since the formation of the Football League, the most recent of which came earlier this year when Bury won 3-1 at Gigg Lane.

That essentially secured promotion to League One but their financial problems spiralled out of control over the summer, resulting in numerous players leaving, such as Nicky Adams to the Cobblers, and manager Ryan Lowe going to Plymouth, and despite a late takeover attempt, the worst was confirmed late on Tuesday evening.

Anyone is welcome to take part in the five-a-side tournament at Goals Northampton on Mereway on Sunday (September 1) - either by registering beforehand or turning up on the day.

Organiser Lewis Kurali was best friends with Glenn, who died after being attacked during a night-out on Saturday, and is also mates with Daisy, who needs £300,000 for cancer treatment not currently available in the UK.

"It's going to be emotional but I'm just trying to do what I can to help - you just want to put your input in to make a difference," he said.

Lewis, 25, set up the tournament to support Daisy's bid to pay for a US drug trial to be used in the UK as all other treatments for her aggressive form of cancer, alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma, have failed so far.

But following Glenn's death, the competition organiser decided to arrange a balloon release in memory of his childhood friend as part of the day.

"We were best friends since nursery when we were four-years-old, he lived four streets down from me - he's not just a friend but a family friend," he said.

"Everyone has been knocked back by it so to remember him on Sunday is the least we could do."

There will be up to 42 teams competing as well as a barbecue and live music - so far, 25 teams have paid deposits so there is still plenty of space for anyone interested.

At 1pm, all the games will pause for a memorial to Glenn with his sister and other friends due to be there - as was the 25-year-old before the 'pointless' attack on Saturday night.

Daisy is hoping to be there as well, which would be the first fundraising event she has been to since launching her appeal last month as she has been too ill and there have been so many.

"I have known Lewis for about five years, but never expected him to hold an event for me, his organisation and determination to make this a successful fundraiser has been amazing and I’m really proud of how hard he’s worked to make this a really good day," she said.

"I know it’s been very stressful for him, so hopefully lots of people will show up on Sunday and support him, not just me!"

Daisy was diagnosed with sarcoma two years ago but in July, she was told her cancer had stopped responding to the few drugs available, but she has found a US drugs trial which could help.

The 23-year-old from Rothersthorpe's appeal has recently passed the £90,000 mark, leaving her in awe of the generosity of the Northampton's community.

"My whole family and I are so overwhelmed at not just how quickly we have reached £90,000, but that we have reached it at all," she said.

"This will give us such a huge opportunity with drugs and medicines that could potentially prolong my life.

"Although we don’t need this amount immediately, it’s comforting to know that people are there to support us when we need it."

Entry for the football tournament is £10 per player, with each team having a minimum of five players but no maximum.

Anyone wishing to register with a £20 deposit beforehand, or get more information, should call Lewis on 07512 635758.

Otherwise just turn up at Goals at 10.30am for registration in a team or as an individual player before the football starts at 11am.

To donate to Daisy's cause, visit gofundme.com/f/daisyellis.

Portsmouth are keen on a deal to sign Celtic left-back Calvin Miller, who is free to leave the Scottish champions. (Daily Record)

Ipswich Town target Tom Elliott was included in Millwall's squad to face Oxford United in the Carabao Cup last night. (Various)

Peterborough chairman Darragh MacAnthony has revealed Marcus Maddison could have signed for Sunderland but chief executive Richard Hill 'doesn't rate him'. (Roker Rapport)

Former Tottenham Hotspur and Millwall goalkeeper Jordan Archer is training with Southend United with a view to a permament deal. (News at Den)

Colchester United are set to sign Bristol City striker Freddie Hinds on loan. The 20-year-old had previously spent time at Wrexham, Bath and Cheltenham. (Bristol Live)

Ex-England striker Darren Bent has tipped Leeds United to sign Arsenal's Eddie Nkiteah on a permanent deal in the future, if he can help the club secure promotion this season. (Football Insider)

Bristol City striker Freddie Hinds is understood to be on the verge of joining Colchester United on loan, as he looks to gain valuable first team experience with the League Two side. (Bristol Post)

Norwegian side Rosenborg are the latest club to take an interest in Hull City midfielder Markus Henriksen, who is likely to leave the club before the end of August. (Sport Witness)

Sheffield Wednesday's summer signing Massimo Luongo has admitted his frustrations at the squad depth boasted by the Owls, but has backed himself to break into the first team. (Sheffield Star),

A host of Belgian sides are believed to be interested in Stoke City striker Julien Ngoy, who spent last season on loan with Swiss side Grasshoppers. (The 72)

Fulham have confirmed the exit of centre-back Marcelo Djajo, who is now on the brink of completing a move back to his former club Lugo. (Marca)

Gary Rowett has emerged as a contender for the vacant Huddersfield Town job, with his odds now sitting at 7/2 with the bookies, making him the second favourite for the role. (Sky Bet)

Derby County manager Phillip Cocu has dismissed talk of his side being under pressure to beat Brentford this weekend, following their 3-0 Carabao Cup thrashing by Nottingham Forest. (Derby Telegraph)

Leeds United defender Vurnon Anita is said to have been frozen out of first team training by manager Marcelo Bielsa, as he looks to trim his squad before the end of the month. (Daily Star)

Cobblers picked up two points from their opening Southern Group H match after drawing 1-1 with Arsenal U21s before winning 4-3 on penalties.

How did every player perform? Find out with our player ratings...

Officers investigating the death of Northampton man Glenn Davies have arrested a second man.

The 22-year-old man, also from Northampton, was arrested this morning, Wednesday, August 28.

A 28-year-old man arrested on Sunday, August 25 has been released on conditional bail, pending further investigation. He was released from custody yesterday evening.

Detectives continue to work around the clock in order to bring to justice whoever is responsible for killing Glenn.

The officer leading the investigation, Detective Chief Inspector Joe Banfield, said: “My officers are working flat out to bring this case to a successful conclusion but we need the public’s help and once again I am appealing for anybody with any information, however insignificant it may seem, to get in touch.

"It may just be the missing piece of the jigsaw we need in order to gain justice for Glenn and his family.

“Information can be directed straight to my team on the Major Incident Public Portal (MIPP), by clicking on the following link: https://mipp.police.uk/operation/33EM19D59-PO1
“Alternatively, witnesses can call Northamptonshire Police on 101 or Crimestoppers, in confidence, on 0800 555111.”

READ MORE:

Funeral fundraiser set up for Northampton man Glenn Davies as murder inquiry continues
Tributes paid to 25-year-old Northampton man Glenn Davies
Murder investigation after 25-year-old dies following assault in Northampton town centre pub

The Steelbacks head into the final week of the Vitality T20 Blast group stage facing a knockout scenario in their bid to reach the quarter-finals.

Victory at Edgbaston kept their campaign alive and Northants now head to Emerald Headingley for another must-win match.

Success against Yorkshire could set up a winner-takes-all final qualifying match against Worcestershire Rapids at Wantage Road on Friday.

Even then, Northants are left relying on other results going their way – but for captain Josh Cobb, to still have a chance to reach the top four of the North Group with two matches remaining is a situation he feels can inspire his side.

“Sometimes it can free the mind knowing it’s win or bust,” said Cobb.

“That’s the message we’ve been trying to send. You still saw some nerves on Sunday because we’re not playing at our most confident but we’re one from one now in this knockout phase and we move to the next step on Thursday.”

Sunday’s victory at Edgbaston saw a return to form for Richard Levi, who made 44 from only 27 balls to kick-start Northants’ chase.

It was Levi’s highest score of the tournament, where he has only played five matches because of a neck injury.

“We really saw what we can do there,” said Cobb. “He’s known for that type of batting.

"Unfortunately he hasn’t played too many games for us but hopefully that’s the start of some form that he can carry into these last two matches and hopefully beyond that too.

“We need him because the batting hasn’t performed as we’d liked – whereas last year it was the other way around when the bowlers struggled.

"Wins gives you confidence, so we can take Sunday’s performance into this week and go and play with some freedom.

“It’s knockout cricket so it’s pretty simple, we have to go and get two more wins and see where it takes us.”

Cobb was handed the T20 captaincy less than two months before the tournament after Alex Wakely’s resignation as club captain in May.

The transition was natural with Cobb an established senior player and he says he has enjoyed the challenge of leadership.

“Obviously it would be more enjoyable if we were sat in the top four,” said Cobb. “But we have played some good cricket - just not consistently.

"The weather hasn’t come at great times for us, particularly at Leicester, and it’s been difficult to get any momentum.

“But now is our chance. It’s now or never. Win these games and you never know what could happen from there.

"We know what we have to do so we have to be brave and go and do it.”

Owen Franks was in no mood to complain after his surprise omission from New Zealand's World Cup squad.

The 31-year-old, who will join Saints this season, was told on Wednesday that he would not be part of his country's 31-man squad for the tournament in Japan.

It came as a shock for many, with Franks having been a key figure for the All Blacks for so many years.

He is the seventh most-capped New Zealand player and has won two World Cups.

But he will now be playing for Canterbury before arriving at Saints later in the year.

"I'm disappointed," Franks said. "But I'm well aware as a professional athlete, and especially an All Black, that your time in the jersey isn't owed.

"I really can't sit here and complain. I've been to two World Cups and been lucky enough to win two medals.

"I want nothing more than to see those guys lift that trophy."

All Blacks selector Grant Fox says he still wants Franks to stay fit as he may still be required at some point.

"I'm just not sure if we've seen the last of Owen Franks in a Rugby World Cup or a black jersey," Fox said. "Because at the last World Cup we had a couple of props get injured."

All Blacks boss Steve Hansen says Franks as one of the great All Blacks.

"He's certainly shown true character," Hansen said. "His professionalism on and off the field has been magnificent over the years, he's played more than 100 Tests.

"Unfortunately, we as the three selectors, we believe the game requires us to have big, mobile No.1s and No.3s and in this case we just think the other guys that we've named are more so than he and therefore we had to make a tough decision."

Two people have been arrested on suspicion of murder after the 25-year-old Northampton man died in an attack in the Old Bank on St Giles Square on Saturday night (August 24).

A spokesperson for Greene King, which runs the pub, said: “Our thoughts go out to the victim’s family and friends at this tragic time.

"This is a deeply upsetting incident and we are doing all we can to assist the police’s investigation into this matter.

"We have provided them with CCTV footage from the night and the pub remains closed while the investigation continues.”

Mr Davies was assaulted in a 'pointless attack' while on a night out with friends shortly before midnight, police said.

Paramedics attended the scene and he was transferred to University Hospital Coventry and Warwickshire, where he died at about 7.40pm on Sunday.

A 22-year-old man from Northampton was arrested this morning while a 28-year-old man was released on conditional bail yesterday after being arrested on Sunday.

Detective Chief Inspector Joe Banfield said: “My officers are working flat out to bring this case to a successful conclusion but we need the public’s help and once again I am appealing for anybody with any information, however insignificant it may seem, to get in touch.

"It may just be the missing piece of the jigsaw we need in order to gain justice for Glenn and his family."

Information can be sent straight to DCI Banfield's team here. Witnesses can also call Northamptonshire Police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.

READ MORE: Funeral fundraiser set up for Northampton man Glenn Davies as murder inquiry continues

READ MORE: Tributes paid to 25-year-old Northampton man Glenn Davies

READ MORE: Murder investigation after 25-year-old dies following assault in Northampton town centre pub

Sam Hoskins' excellent strike and finish against Arsenal U21s in the EFL Trophy on Tuesday evening was the result of hard work on the training pitch, manager Keith Curle revealed following the penalty shoot-out victory.

Hoskins continues to divide supporters but, despite all the changes to Town's squad this summer, he remains one of Curle's main men having not missed a single minute of action in any of their opening seven fixtures.

And the 26-year-old repaid Curle's faith on Tuesday. With six minutes to go and Cobblers trailing 1-0 to the 10-man visitors, Vadaine Oliver chested the ball down for Hoskins and he duly picked out the top corner with a superb first-time volley.

He also confidently dispatched his spot-kick in the subsequent penalty shoot-out as Town began their Southern Group H campaign with two points.

Hoskins' goal return has come in for criticism from fans. He's scored nine goals across the past two seasons but Curle revealed after Tuesday's game that it's something he's been working on with the coaching staff.

"It's something we've identified and something we've worked on with Sam - getting the ball below the height of the crossbar," said Curle.

"He gets himself into some great positions but he's so determined and so intent on scoring that he loses his technique slightly.

"But if you watch it on Tuesday, as he's about to strike the ball, he's relaxed and his focus is on keeping the ball below the crossbar and if you do that you get your rewards.

"It's something the coaching staff have been working hard with him. It's that one second to relax and then you find you're able to execute your technique rather than snatching at it and losing some of your technique and then you drag it or you sky it.

"It was a great setback from Vadaine and you could actually see him set himself and then strike the ball."

Northamptonshire’s Labour parliamentary candidates have called on the county’s Tory MPs to oppose plans to close Parliament in September - just weeks ahead of the Brexit deadline.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson has asked the Queen to prorogue the country's law-making body for a month in a move critics say would cut short the amount of time MPs have to pass laws stopping a no-deal Brexit.

The suspension of Parliament would be followed by a launch of what Mr Johnson says will be a 'very exciting' domestic agenda.

But a number of MPs, including the Conservative speaker John Bercow, have called the move a 'constitutional outrage'.

Here in Northamptonshire, Labour candidates have signed a joint statement arguing the move would 'force a shutdown' in the runup to the October 31 Brexit deadline and calling on their elected Tory counterparts in the county to block the move.

The five MP hopefuls - including Sally Keeble (Northampton North) and Gareth Eales (Northampton South) have also suggested the county's two senior ministers, Andrea Leadsom and Michael Ellis, could have known about the plans and chose not to disclose them publicly.

The statement reads: “This is a constitutional outrage. It’s of special concern that two of the county’s MPs are senior ministers – one a law officer.

"They may have known of the Government plan and if they did and chose to keep it secret from the public who elected them, then it’s appalling.

“Here in Northamptonshire we have had our local elections cancelled. Now we have our Parliament shut down. This is conduct more befitting a medieval monarch than one of the

world’s most advanced democracies.

“Parliament must have its say on Government proposals, as is its constitutional right.”

Northamptonshire South MP Andrea Leadsom is the current business secretary, while Michael Ellis is solicitor general. Both have been sent the statement for a response.