Scott Pollock was not the only Cobblers academy graduate to find the net on Tuesday evening as Morgan Roberts scored the winning goal for AFC Rushden & Diamonds against Banbury United.

The teenage winger has impressed during his short loan spell at the Southern League club and, in his fourth game, he got off the mark shortly before half-time on Tuesday with a fine finish

Earlier, Jordan Macleod gave Diamonds a quickfire lead before Jannal Gordon's screamer brought high-flying Banbury level, but Roberts' goal proved to be the winner.

And Roberts was not the only Cobblers youngster to impress at Hayden Road as 18-year-old defender Ryan Hughes was also in fine form at centre-back.

"Morgan will score goals and he's got a great future, as I've said before," said Diamonds boss Andy Peaks. "He took his goal really well.

"He deserved it for his performances over the last few games and he was a threat all night for us. The two Northampton boys have been excellent."

Meanwhile, Cobblers have announced that their youth team will face Colchester United in the first round of the FA Youth Cup next Wednesday, October 30, at 7pm.

The tie will be played at the PTS Academy Stadium. Admission prices are £5 adults, £1 senior citizens and free for U18s. All supporters can pay on arrival.

A former leatherworks factory in Northampton town centre will be converted into new apartments.

The old Dickens Brothers building will be turned into 25 one-bedroom flats after councillors on Northampton Borough Council’s planning committee approved the scheme last night (October 22).

The factory, sandwiched in a courtyard between Kettering Road, St Michael’s Road and Dunster Road, was built in the late 1800s as part of Dickens Bros’ expansion from its original premises in Victoria Street. Workers prepared leather for the shoe industry in the town’s industrial heyday, but the company was dissolved following voluntary liquidation last month (September 2019).

The property has been vacant for two years and had been marketed for commercial purposes since June 2018 without any success. Applicants Elsevier Group Ltd signed a mortgage deed with Lloyds Bank for the property in August 2017.

After decades as a workplace, it will now follow many of Northampton’s former factories in becoming new homes for residents, with conservation officers at the borough council saying the conversion is acceptable as a means of ‘securing a viable future for the building’.

Councillors were told the property is in a ‘poor state of repair’ with considerable work required to bring the building up to standard.

Councillor Jamie Lane, a member of the planning committee, said: “It makes good use of a building that was in rack and ruin.”

The homes will be accessed through the current entrance, an ‘attractive archway’ on Kettering Road that leads to the courtyard.

The Care Quality Commission (CQC) also found incidents of staff failing to store medicines properly while waiting times for those requiring treatment were found to be consistently worse than national standards.

The hospital, which employs almost 4,500 staff, has been rated as requires improvement overall today, falling from good, which it was awarded in its previous report in 2017.

One line in the inspection report said hospital staff did not all feel respected, supported and valued. Staff feedback showed a "culture of bullying behaviour" - though it stated staff were focused on the needs of patients receiving care.

In June 2018 there was an unexpected maternal death - one of four serious incidents reported by the maternity service between March 2018 and February 2019.

The chief inspector of hospitals at the CQC, Professor Ted Baker, said: “Although Northampton General Hospital NHS Trust maintained good ratings in some areas, there were others where it was not meeting standards seen previously.

“Some staff had not completed mandatory training. This included safeguarding children training in urgent and emergency care and mental capacity training, to support patients with reduced ability to make decisions, in medical care.

“Medicines were not always stored properly and poor record-keeping meant out-of-date drugs may have been administered. There was evidence some patients had been discharged without their medication. Clinical waste was not consistently well managed, with used gloves and aprons present in black bags on some wards without assurances this was uncontaminated waste."

In addition to its overall rating, the trust was rated as requiring improvement to be 'safe and well-led' - though it was rated as good for being effective, caring and responsive.

But Northampton General Hospital bosses say they are disappointed by the findings - with the hospital chief claiming medics have seen a rise in demand for their services.

Dr Sonia Swart, chief executive at Northampton General Hospital, said: "Of course we’re disappointed, given our previous overall rating of good.

"However, we know that since our last CQC inspection we’ve seen unprecedented levels of activity as demand for our services has risen. This has impacted on our ability to sustain and improve our services even further.

"We know there is more we have to do."

The health watchdog told the trust to improve the way it manages medicines and prescribing documents safely.

Staff must now follow guidelines to check patients receive the correct medicines and there must be systems to ensure staff are aware of safety alerts and incidents.

Also information on how to raise a complaint must be appropriately available in maternity.

Professor Baker added: “In maternity, there was not always enough staff with the right qualifications, skills and experience to keep people safe from avoidable harm; managers recognised and were addressing this.

“We also found this service needed to make information about how to complain more accessible."

Outstanding practices included the trust’s support of breastfeeding and early childhood development, which won UNICEF UK’s baby-friendly accreditation.

The trust has also won an international award for being a positive workplace for nurses and midwives and the maternity service fully complied with safety standards that helped protect it against clinical negligence claims.

Professor Baker said: “Staff were caring. They treated people respectfully with kindness and compassion, helping them emotionally when required such as following baby loss.

“People could generally access services when they needed, and staff worked as a cohesive team to benefit patients.

"Following the inspection, CQC reported its findings to the trust. The trust’s board knows what it must now do to ensure improvements are made. We will continue to monitor the trust and will return to carry out further inspections to check on progress with improvements.”

Saints star Dan Biggar admits he 'could not care less' if Wales rode their luck to book a place in the World Cup semi-finals.

The Six Nations champions will tackle South Africa in Yokohama on Sunday after edging out quarter-final opponents France 20-19 last weekend.

Wales trailed until the 74th minute, but Ross Moriarty's try and a Biggar conversion secured a second last-four appearance in the last three global tournaments under head coach Warren Gatland.

France played most of the second half with 14 men following lock Sebastien Vahaamahina's red card for elbowing Wales flanker Aaron Wainwright in the face.

"We were pretty terrible in the first 40 minutes," Wales fly-half Biggar said.

"The red card obviously changed the game, there is no doubt about that. We probably got a bit lucky.

"We have to count ourselves a bit lucky, but if you want my honest opinion, I could not care less.

"We are in a World Cup semi-final and have played some good rugby in this tournament so far. Last Sunday was not one of those days, but a lot of teams wouldn't have the character and desire we have to find a way.

"That's what is important. You get no points for style, no bonus points at this stage of the tournament.

"It's about scoring more points than the opposition, and that is something we did - just about."

It was Wales' 20th victory in their last 23 Tests against all opponents as they delivered another example of digging deep to win a game when backs were against the wall.

And it has left them just 80 minutes away from a possible first World Cup final appearance, where England or New Zealand would await.

"There probably isn't a formula," Biggar added.

"What you have got is a group of guys desperate to achieve and who are prepared to dig deep.

"The coaches know they are lucky they have a squad of players here who will dig as deep as anyone in the tournament.

"Looking at the quality of the rugby in the other quarter-finals last Saturday, we were certainly below that, but what we have in abundance and as much as anybody is a desire and a fight not to give in.

"To play South Africa this week we are going to have to be a lot better - there is no getting away from that - and that will be the general theme of the week."

Biggar, meanwhile, is set to be cheered on by his wife and young son this weekend.

"It has cost me a few quid, flying the wife and little one over now - that's the only downside of it!" he said.

"It will be great to have them out here, the little boy and my wife. Ultimately, that is the most important thing, that is why a lot of us are doing this, the sacrifices they are making.

"It's really pleasing that we are here for another two weeks, and hopefully we have two games to potentially change the rest of our lives.

"It is really exciting, and we just feel in a really good spot after a scrappy performance, but there was lots of character shown.

"But ultimately, we would take the same performance this week if we come on the right side of the scoreboard.

"It's all about winning rugby games now. If we win two games in two weeks, it will be a good couple of weeks."

JJ Tonks has gone from working as a butcher in New Zealand to carving up in the Gallagher Premiership with Saints.

The talented 19-year-old was handed his first league start last Saturday - and it couldn't have gone much better.

Tonks wore the seven shirt and went up against established Premiership performers such as Calum Clark and Ben Earl as Saints secured a stunning 27-25 win at champions Saracens.

James Grayson landed a last-gasp penalty to make sure of the points.

And Tonks, who was part of a back row that also included 20-year-old Alex Coles and 32-year-old Tom Wood, loved every second of his Allianz Park outing.

"It was an awesome result and I obviously got my Prem debut, which was a nice feeling," said Tonks.

"We knew what we had to do, try to bring the elements that were our strengths.

"Playing out of position was never going to be easy for me, but me Colesy and Woody linked up quite well.

"I mainly play at six, but when I was younger I played a lot of seven so it was good to get back to that."

When he joined Saints during the summer, Tonks would only have dreamed of getting so much game time so early in his Franklin's Gardens career.

After all, he had the likes of Teimana Harrison, Jamie Gibson, Lewis Ludlam, Heinrich Brüssow and Wood ahead of him in the flanker pecking order.

But with Ludlam at the World Cup with England, Gibson on his way back from injury, Brüssow forced into early retirement and Wood needed at No.8 in Harrison's absense, Tonks got his shot on day one of the Premiership campaign.

And it probably helped him that the call came so late, with Harrison withdrawing 24 hours before kick-off due to a chest injury.

"I found out I'd be starting at Friday team run and it was an awesome feeling," Tonks said.

"Words can't really describe it to be honest with you.

"I just try to learn all the roles across the back row in training on Monday and Tuesday so if there are changes I can just slip into it a bit easier.

"Woody is obviously an experienced player and of course he helped me.

"There's a lot to learn."

But Tonks is not someone who is scared of learning lessons, in rugby or in life.

And a spell in New Zealand not so long ago has clearly stood him in good stead.

He explained: "I started out at Gloucester, my home town, so I went into the Academy there from a young age.

"I went through the age-group stuff there and had a bit of involvement at Under-18 level with England.

"I flew out to New Zealand and was there for six months, playing for Otago and flew back, then this opportunity arose.

"I had literally turned 18 and was out to New Zealand on my own.

"It's quite a big thing as an 18-year-old flying over there on my own and it definitely taught me some life lessons.

"I had to get a job out there and I worked as a butcher in New World, which is the equivalent of Sainsbury's so it taught me a lot about life.

"Rugby was part-time over there for me so I'd train Tuesdays and Thursdays and play at the weekend.

"Playing in the Premiership was a nice goal to set for myself."

Tonks' switch to Saints was aided by the fact he knew Ollie Sleightholme, with the pair having played together previously, for an England sevens side.

"For the Commonwealth Youth Games in 2017 we flew out to the Bahamas and I played alongside Ollie Sleightholme in the sevens, which was pretty cool," Tonks said.

"We came second and just lost to Fiji, I think.

"Sleights obviously gave me a small insight into the club and he was helpful in me making my decision.

"There's a lot of history to this club and it's awesome to be part of it.

"I found out I'd be coming here in the middle of this year and it was a big move for me."

But Tonks has certainly not been overawed by life in Northampton.

And he is now desperate to keep building on the good experiences he has already had, one of which was being part of a Saints win at Leicester just a couple of weeks ago.

"I'm really enjoying my rugby at the minute," said Tonks, who has started three of Saints' five matches in all competitions this season.

"I've had lots of opportunities to show what I can do, and hopefully there's more to come."

Brady, who's been in charge of the youth team since 2017, has overseen the progress of not only Pollock and McWilliams but many of Town's talented youngsters that have progressed through the club's youth ranks in recent seasons.

McWilliams is now a regular member of Curle's team and at Brunton Park on Tuesday he was joined in midfield by 18-year-old Pollock, who capped his first league start of the season with a first ever senior goal, firing the Cobblers ahead on 54 minutes.

With Sam Hoskins making it two late on and McWilliams impressing in midfield, it was a fine night for Northampton's academy graduates.

"I know that Jon Brady will be jumping up and down and running around the block because I spoke to him on Monday and told him I was playing both Shaun McWilliams and Scotty Pollock," said Curle afterwards.

"He was made up, not for himself or his department but for the young lads because he's got a good understanding of their work ethic, their ability and their personalities and their journeys that we all think that the two young lads can go on.

"He'll be made up and it's an opportunity for him to relish in the hard work that has been put into the two young players and see it flourishing in the first-team."

Pollock was a member of Cobblers' successful youth team last season so has first-hand experience of the talent coming through, with fellow teenager Morgan Roberts on target for AFC Rushden & Diamonds the same evening.

"I was lucky enough to play in a good youth team," said Pollock. "We did really well and had a lot of players coming through but it's always hard to get your chance.

"Even if you're out on loan you've got to prove your point and I'm really happy to hear that Morgan scored on Tuesday.

"I'm not stetting any goal targets yet though - I just want to stay in the squad and if it comes, it comes!"

A 132-home estate that residents say looks ‘out of place’ with the local surroundings has been given the go-ahead by councillors.

Back in January, Northampton Borough councillors approved outline planning permission for the scheme on the former Parklands Middle School site, despite strong objections from residents in the public gallery.

And on Tuesday evening (October 22) the planning committee approved a revised layout and appearance for the scheme.

But neighbours and ward councillor Mike Hallam spoke out against the plans, saying there was a lack of bungalows in the scheme and it would look out of kilter with the majority of homes nearby.

Councillor Hallam told the planning committee: “People are so passionate about this site even 15 years after the school exited, because we all want to see the best use for it.

“I welcome the removal of some flats for this revised scheme and the addition of some maisonettes, but I don’t think it goes far enough in terms of keeping with the surroundings.

“Nearly every property nearby is a bungalow or dormer, and when the county council was doing the site there were bungalows included that are no longer there. I don’t think you can argue that it’s in keeping with the local area when it has no bungalows in it.”

There will be 32 three-bedroom homes and 54 four-bedroom homes on the open market, while 35 per cent of the estate will be ‘affordable housing’ made up of 12 one-bedroom maisonettes, 19 two-bedroom homes and 15 three-bedroom homes.

Also speaking out at the meeting at The Guildhall was resident Michel Kerrou, a retired town planner who lives in the area.

He told councillors: “It’s a clear over-development of the site, the mix of properties is too ambitious.”

All but one of the councillors approved the scheme, with Conservative councillor Jamie Lane voting against the application.

Courtney Lawes has been named in the England team for Saturday's crunch World Cup semi-final clash against New Zealand in Yokohoma (ko 9am).

The Saints lock keeps his place in the starting line-up after a strong performance in last weekend's semi-final win over Australia.

But there is disappointment for Lawes' Saints club-mate Lewis Ludlam, who loses his place on the replacements bench to Sale Sharks' Mark Wilson.

Head coach Eddie Jones has made just one change to his starting XV from the win over the Wallabies, with George Ford returning at fly-half, Henry Slade dropping to the bench, and Owen Farrell reverting to centre.

"Preparation has been good this week after a solid win against Australia," said Jones.

"When you get to this stage of the World Cup it is all about focusing on being in the moment and getting yourself physically right.

"The squad has approached the game well with real maturity. It has helped having players here who have been on the Lions tour and played against New Zealand.

"They have been involved in some of the biggest games in world rugby so this semi-final won't faze them.

"New Zealand are a great team and they have an impressive winning record since the last World Cup.

"Like any good team, you have to take away time and space from them and you have to find areas you can pressure them. We believe we have identified a number of areas where we can do that."

England team to face New Zealand in Saturday's World Cup semi-final at International Stadium Yokohama, 9am KO: E Daly (Saracens); A Watson (Bath Rugby), M Tuilagi (Leicester Tigers), O Farrell (Saracens, capt), J May (Leicester Tigers); G Ford (Leicester Tigers), B Youngs (Leicester Tigers); M Vunipola (Saracens), J George (Saracens), K Sinckler (Harlequins), M Itoje (Saracens), C Lawes (Northampton Saints), T Curry (Sale Sharks), S Underhill (Bath Rugby), B Vunipola (Saracens). Replacements: L Cowan-Dickie (Exeter Chiefs), J Marler (Harlequins), D Cole (Leicester Tigers), G Kruis (Saracens), M Wilson (Sale Sharks), W Heinz (Gloucester Rugby), H Slade (Exeter Chiefs), J Joseph (Bath Rugby).

A man suffered a broken nose when he was attacked moments after a verbal altercation outside a Rothwell pub.

Police have launched an appeal after the incident at about 11.30pm on Saturday (October 19).

The victim left the Red Lion pub in Market Hill and became involved in a verbal exchange with two other unknown men.

He was then assaulted and left with a broken nose, chipped teeth and bruising.

A police spokesman said: "One of the suspects is described as a white man, aged about 50, with his hair worn in a mohican style."

Anyone who saw the incident, or has information about it, should call Northamptonshire Police on 101, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.

ECB chief executive Tom Harrison has declared that the new 100-ball competition that will be launched next summer is 'not a threat to the county game'.

The Hundred will begin in 2020, with the draft being staged for the tournament last weekend and being broadcast live of Sky Sports.

The ECB are convinced they need to launch the new format to help 'grow the game', but there has been opposition from cricket fans across the country.

#StopThe100 was trending on Twitter while the draft was taking place, with many fearful that the competition will spark the beginning of the end of the first-class cricket system as we know it.

But Harrison, who was speaking during the Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Committee evidence session yesterday, insists the new competition will protect the long-term futures of the 18 first-class counties, including Northants.

He insists the tournament will protect 'the things we value the most', including Test cricket and the county championship, and that he is determined to see the 'precious county environment' flourish.

Harrison appeared in front of the committee along with ECB chairman Colin Graves and managing director of women's cricket Clare Connor, and The Hundred and the effect on the game dominated a large part of the session.

And Harrison launched a staunch defence of the new tournament, and what he insists will be the positive effect it will have on the sport in the UK.

"The Hundred is all about growing the game of cricket in this country and protecting the things we value the most," said Harrison.

"The Hundred is a really good way of protecting everything that we are serious about.

"It's about protecting Test match cricket, it's about protecting four-day Championship cricket, it's about getting kids playing more cricket at school.

"This is engaging at a different level with a completely new community in this country and that is something we should embrace and celebrate.

"It is not a threat to the county game. It is a much greater threat to rest on our laurels and say everything is rosy in our garden and things will be fine if we keep ticking along as we are."

The Cricket World Cup this summer was highly successful, where a huge number of spectators bought tickets for the first time.

Harrison insists that the Hundred will try and replicate the atmosphere of the World Cup and thus appeal to those fans.

He added: "The Hundred is an attempt to replicate that and bring it back to our country every year without taking anything away from our precious county environment, to ensure we grow the game of cricket in this country. That is our job.

"We have seen throughout the Cricket World Cup grounds across the country packed to the rafters, 40 per cent of whom were first-time buyers to cricket in this country.

"The vibrancy, the colours, the noise and energy is something that will live with all of us."

The Hundred will see eight new franchise teams battle it out next summer.

Despite the Steelbacks winning the Twenty20 competition in 2013 and 2016, just one Northants player was selected for the new competition, with Adam Rossington being picked up for the London Spirit team, which is based at Lord's and is affiliated with the County.

To make room for the tournament, the 50-over one-day competition has been demoted to a development competition, and will be played during the same time frame as The Hundred.

The date and time of the game have yet to be announced, but ticket prices will be set at £13 adults, £9 senior citizens and £1 for U18s.

The Cobblers will be travelling to Wiltshire to take on the National League South club across the weekend of November 8-11.

Arrangements for the sale of tickets, as well as confirmation of the date of the game, are expected to be announced shortly.

Keith Curle has again reiterated his belief that the current campaign is a 'building season' for the Cobblers after back-to-back victories catapulted his side into the top 10 of Sky Bet League Two this week.

Speaking ahead of last Saturday's game against Salford City, Curle had said: "We know this is a building season and the supporters are very much a part of that building process. Last season was a case of surviving, this season is a case of building."

That caused a slight stir among some Cobblers supporters who felt Curle, with his side down in 18th at the time and coming off a heavy loss at Scunthorpe United, was trying to downplay expectations and almost write off a promotion challenge just 13 games into the season.

But that was not the case and even after successive 2-0 wins over Salford and Carlisle this week, Curle maintained his belief that this season is about piecing together a cohesive, functioning squad and developing a successful 'philosophy' that will ultimately take Cobblers to where they want to be - into the top seven.

"I know people might have picked up on my comments last week and said 'how can this be a building season?' - but it is," insisted Curle after Tuesday's win at Carlisle.

"We've got the likes of Shaun McWilliams and Scotty Pollock coming into the fold and we have 14, 15 new players that have come into the club.

"We're trying to create a DNA that's about being difficult to beat and also wanting to score goals and we want to go on a journey, whether that's home or away, and the fans are part of that.

"The travelling fans we had on Tuesday would have had to take two days off work but it's excellent to have 170, 180 fans following you to Carlisle and the least we can do is turn up and I think we turned up."

Curle had mixed emotions on his return to Brunton Park but ultimately he was a happy man after heading home with all three points.

"I have a lot of respect for the people that brought me to the football club and I had a very good working relationship with those people," he added.

"But the club have changed and I know it's going to be slightly different because I'm coming as an opposing manager but there's a different feel to the football club.

"It's pleasing to come back and win and the players knew it was important for me because I invested a lot of time in the football club and we enjoyed the journey that we managed to get them on.

"But now I'm at another football club that I think we can go on a journey with."

An alleged thief from Northampton is wanted by police after failing to attend magistrates' court.

Ben David Fitzpatrick, 23, is wanted on a warrant following an alleged theft, according to police.

Anyone who sees Fitzpatrick, or has information about his whereabouts, should call Northamptonshire Police on 101.

Councillors met this week to determine a series of planning applications in Northampton.

The borough council’s planning committee convened at The Guildhall on Tuesday (October 22), and approved all seven applications that they heard. Here’s a rundown of their decisions.

APPROVED: Proposed conversion of factory to 25 new flats, demolition of single storey projection and removal of dormer at 69b Kettering Road.

Councillors waved through plans from the Elsevier Group to convert the former Dickens Bros leatherworks factory into 25 new flats. The factory was built in the late 1800s, but Dickens Bros was voluntarily liquidated last month. The council heard that the building was in a poor state of repair, but it will now have a lease of life as homes for residents. The factory is sandwiched between St Michael’s Road and Dunster Road, just off Kettering Road. Read more on this decision here.

APPROVED: Reserved matters for 132 new homes, public open space and associated development at former Parklands Middle School site on Devon Way.

This scheme already had outline approval back in January, and this meeting saw councillors effectively rubber-stamp the appearance and layout of the estate. Ward councillor Mike Hallam joined residents in saying that the lack of bungalows at the site meant it was ‘out of keeping with the neighbouring area. All but one of the councillors voted the revised scheme through, however. The estate will be known as Kingsland Park. More information about this decision can be found here.

APPROVED: Change of use from betting shop to hairdresser/beauty salon, incorporating small ice cream kiosk at 8 Newnham Road.

The site consists of a former betting shop located along a parade of five commercial units that includes a convenience store, a supermarket and a hot food takeaway. There is a separate flat above the application site. Councillor Jane Birch said: “I’m delighted its life as a betting shop is now over, and I’m looking forward to seeing how the ice cream and beauty salon will complement each other.”

APPROVED: Change of use of ground-floor retail unit to House in Multiple Occupation for six occupants at 11-13 Gold Street.

The site is adjacent to Kingswell Street and Woolmonger Street. It is a largely unused storage area relating to an existing opticians store which fronts Gold Street. However, the shop would be retained and access to the proposed HMO would be taken from Kingswell Street. At first floor above the site is the Travel Lodge. Planning committee chairman Councillor Brian Oldham said: “This is one of the most spacious HMOs I can ever remember seeing.”

APPROVED: Variation of condition to increase the size of an extension at Blackthorn Community Centre.

Back in May 2018, the committee approved a single storey side extension to the existing community centre to provide a youth function room. The current application wants to increase the height by half a metre. The design of the extension remains substantially the same, and councillors quickly gave it permission.

APPROVED: Demolition of 11 domestic garages and erection of one new bungalow at lock-up garages in Connaught Street.

An emotionally charged debate was held as councillors listened to an 88-year-old resident who wanted to retain his garage for the last years of his life. Although he had been offered a new garage by applicants Northampton Partnership Homes, he said he would not be mobile enough to get to it as it was further away. A representative from NPH said they had made multiple attempts to meet and discuss the issue with the resident. Planning chairman Cllr Brian Oldham said: “This application would be better suited in Elm Street, because it’s a nightmare. As sympathetic as I am to the gentleman’s situation, we have to judge these things on planning grounds, and I cannot see a reason to reject it.” The decision to abolish the garages was narrowly voted through, with four votes in favour, two against and three abstentions. Councillors told NPH representatives that they could wait for three years to do the construction work, with a number appearing to strongly advise NPH to take that route.

APPROVED: Demolition of eight domestic garages and construction of two new homes on land to rear of 33 Southwood Hill.

The final application of the evening, also from Northampton Partnership Homes, was approved quickly by councillors.

Following a 19-year playing career that saw him make over 100 appearances for Mansfield, Swindon and Tottenham, Calderwood's first managerial role came at the Cobblers in 2003.

The now 54-year-old spent three years at the club and after missing out on promotion in his first two seasons - despite making the play-offs both times - it was a case of third time lucky when he led the Cobblers to second place in League Two in 2005/06, behind champions Carlisle United.

Calderwood has since taken charge of Nottingham Forest and Hibernian but the bulk of his coaching career has been as an assistant manager at several clubs, including Newcastle United, Norwich City, Brighton & Hove Albion and Aston Villa.

However, he ended his seven-year break from management when appointed by Cambridge last December and Saturday will mark his first return to the PTS Stadium since.

"It's one of the first fixtures I looked for because I had a terrific time there and made some found memories," said Calderwood.

"I still live in the area so there's lots of people that I know that will be at the game supporting Northampton but there's also a few I know that will be supporting Cambridge, which will help!"

Reflecting on his time in charge of the Cobblers, Calderwood added: "It feels a long time ago now because it was my first managerial job and back then I was recognised as a young coach or a young manager but I don't think that's the case anymore!

"But I enjoyed the experience and it was the start of my managerial career so I'm grateful to the club for giving me the opportunity and sticking by me because there were one or two difficult periods.

"There were moments when they could have made a change but the first group of players I had were excellent and then in the second season the squad became a bit younger because we adjusted the budget.

"But the following year we were able to recruit some real good quality players - the likes of Sean Dyche, Ian Taylor and Eoin Jess probably stood out and they added to what was already there.

"It did take a period but I certainly benefitted from the disappointments we had and the ups and downs we had throughout the season and it gave me a real good foundation."

Keith Curle believes he has 'learned a lot' about himself as a manager in recent years and subsequently he now has a better approach to dealing with poor performances, as evidenced by Cobblers' return to form this week.

Curle admits he would have 'lost a few friends' in years gone by when he may have reacted differently in the aftermath of a disappointing defeat, such as Town's recent 3-0 loss at Scunthorpe United.

He remains honest with his players and will not sugarcoat a bad performance but he now has a more restrained approach, and he believes that's helped the Cobblers go from back-to-back defeats to consecutive wins.

"The best thing is that we've had discussions and I've learned a lot about myself and a lot about my role as a manager and the relationship I've got with my players," said Curle after Tuesday's win at Carlisle.

"I think six or seven years ago, when I was in management, after the defeat at Scunthorpe I'd have lost a few friends in the changing room because of how I would have conducted myself.

"But I managed to temper it and still deliver the honest messages that needed to be delivered and left me with an open door to be able to go into the changing room on the Monday.

"Players were nervous because they didn't perform and some of the players I've worked with before would have seen what I can be like after a disappointing performance.

"But the door was still open and we've had some fantastic, honest meetings whereby they knew I was going to tell them exactly what I thought and they accepted it.

"They came back with bits and pieces themselves and their disappointment because they don't want to lose either so it was very pleasing."

Work is underway on a town-wide full fibre network by CityFibre, which is investing more than £40m to deliver the project.

Civic and businness leaders came together at the Guildhall to discover more about the project and give their input on how it can turn Northampton into one of the best connected places in the country.

CityFibre’s manager for Northampton, James Cushing, said: “This year is shaping up to be huge for Northampton’s digital transformation.

"Construction is now underway in Hardingstone and Wootton, with planning well underway for the rest of the town.

“It was a pleasure to bring together some key stakeholders from the community and discuss how full fibre will help propel Northampton’s digital future, supercharge the thriving digital community and build on the range of exciting initiatives in the town.

"There has been huge interest from local residents and business and it’s great to see such enthusiasm for the project.

“Our investment will be transformational for Northampton. The long term benefits of improved connectivity are massive and the people we speak to cannot wait to connect.

"In the short term, we are doing everything we can to ensure communities are kept updated with our plans and disruption is minimised.”

CityFibre updated guests on the project progress and what the high-capacity and gigabit-capable network will be able to deliver – from increased business innovation and productivity to enabling smart home and office environments.

Northampton Borough Council leader Cllr Jonathan Nunn said: “The installation of this network will be extremely beneficial for Northampton.

"We have embraced the digital age with open arms, and this is a big part of that.

"It will require a lot of work and we’d ask people to bear with us while it is carried out.

"I really think it will be have been worth it once we begin to see the benefits.”

Vodafone will use CityFibre’s network to bring 'gigafast broadband' to residents in Northampton from early next year.

Northamptonshire County Council cabinet member for highways and place Jason Smithers said: “We fully support the deployment of future proof fibre optic infrastructure which complements other activities we’re delivering through the Superfast Northamptonshire initiative.

"This is set to bring enormous benefits to residents and businesses by accelerating growth and innovation in the local digital economy, and builds on the council’s significant investment in the county’s critical infrastructure.”

To find out more about CityFibre’s project for Northampton, visit: www.cityfibre.com/gigabit-cities

The following people were sentenced at Northampton Magistrates’ Court:

SEPTEMBER 9

Levi Griffiths, aged 21, of Bouverie Walk, Northampton, committed fraud; jailed for four weeks, surcharge £115.

Louise Jones, aged 29, of East Street, Northampton, possession of cannabis; pleaded guilty and sent to Crown Court for sentence.

SEPTEMBER 10

Grant Harding, aged 27, of Salcey Close, Daventry, sent a threatening Facebook message; community order made, compensation £100, surcharge £90, costs £85.

Dean Jordan, aged 23, of no fixed abode, damaged a window; conditional discharge for 18 months, surcharge £21, costs £85. Damaged a wooden gate; conditional discharge for 18 months.

Paul Harris, aged 42, of no fixed abode, used threatening or abusive words or behaviour; conditional discharge for 18 months, surcharge £21.

Diana Bartuskaite, aged 26, of Hunsbury Green, Northampton, driving at 37mph in a 30mph zone; fined £220, surcharge £30, licence endorsed with three points.

Philip Bodily, aged 70, of Blakesley Road, Towcester, driving at 42mph in a 30mph; fined £80, surcharge £30, licence endorsed with four points.

Amie Brown, aged 39, of Braunston Road, Daventry, driving at 50mph in a 30mph zone; fined £216, surcharge £30, licence endorsed with four points.

Vasilica Buhan, aged 38, of Near Side, Northampton, no insurance; fined £660, surcharge £66, licence endorsed with three points.

Dwayne Gordon, aged 31, of Furze Walk, Northampton, driving while disqualified; fined £40, surcharge £30, licence endorsed with three points.

Steven Hall, aged 47, of Farnborough Drive, Daventry, failed to give information relating to the identity of a driver; fined £660, surcharge £66, licence endorsed with six points.

Daniel Holder, aged 40, of Whitworth Road, Northampton, failed to give information relating to the identity of a driver; fined £106, surcharge £30, licence endorsed with three points.

Hayley Humphreys, aged 23, of Thomas Webb Close, Daventry, failed to give information relating to the identity of a driver; fined £660, surcharge £66, licence endorsed with six points.

Wayne Loveridge, aged 28, of Lower Ecton Lane, Northampton, driving at 38mph in a 30mph zone; fined £220, surcharge £30, licence endorsed with three points.

Alison Mapp, aged 34, of Stanton Avenue, Northampton, failed to identify a driver accused of an offence; fined £660, surcharge £66, licence endorsed with six points.

Owen Mapp, aged 39, of Stanton Avenue, Northamptno, failed to identify a driver accused of an offence; fined £660, surcharge £66, licence endorsed with six points.

Martin Reilly, aged 44, of Pitstone Road, Northampton, driving while using a mobile phone; fined £220, surcharge £30, licence endorsed with six points.

Sariah Scott, aged 19, of Inglewood Court, Northampton, no insurance; fined £660, surcharge £66, licence endorsed with eight points.

Rimantas Sereika, aged 22, of Hampton Street, Northampton, no insurance; fined £660, surcharge £66, costs £85, licence endorsed with eight points.

Rapheal Adebanjo, aged 21, of Abington Street, Northampton, no insurance; fined £660, surcharge £66, licence endorsed with eight points.

Hayleigh Ashby, aged 24, of The Crescent, Hackleton, driving at 35mph in a 30mph zone; fined £220, surcharge £30, licence endorsed with three points.

Jack Baldwin, aged 20, of Hans Apel Drive, Brackley, driving at 52mph in a 30mph zone; fined £220, surcharge £30, licence endorsed with six points.

Stephen Barratt, aged 44, of Poppyfield Road, Northampton, driving at 38mph in a 30mph zone; fined £70, surcharge £30, licence endorsed with three points.

Max Bayes, aged 74, of Main Road, Hackleton, driving without reasonable

consideration of a cyclist; fined £215, surcharge £30, licence endorsed with three points.

Jamie Burbidge, aged 29, of Stockwell Road, Milton Malsor, driving at 43mph in a 30mph zone; fined £80, surcharge £30, licence endorsed with four points.

Nicola Clift, aged 38, of Dennetts Close, Daventry, driving at 36mph in a 30mph zone; fined £220, surcharge £30, licence endorsed with three points.

Richard Hastings, aged 56, of Prentice Court, Northampton, failed to identify a driver accused of an offence; fined £660, surcharge £66, licence endorsed with six points.

Christopher Manning, aged 45, of Harefield Road, Northampton, driving at 37mph in a 30mph zone; fined £220, surcharge £30, licence endorsed with three points.

Jayesh Thanki, aged 43, of Dryleys Court, Northampton, driving at 90mph in a 70mph zone on the A45; fined £220, surcharge £30, licence endorsed with three points.

Nicola Hicks, aged 55, of Bentley Close, Northampton, failed to give information relating to the identity of a driver; fined £660, surcharge £66, banned from driving for six months.

Christopher Mason, aged 25, of Horseshoe Cottages, Sywell, no insurance; fined £660, surcharge £66, banned from driving for six months.

Amit Mistry, aged 41, of Timken Way, Daventry, failed to give information relating

to the identity of a driver;

fined £660, surcharge £66, banned from driving for six months.

Mitesh Patel, aged 35, of Pippin Lane, Northampton, no insurance; fined £207, surcharge £30, licence endorsed with eight points.

Mihai-Dan Racu, aged 26, of Cranstoun Street, Northampton, failed to identify a driver accused of an offence; fined £660, surcharge £66, banned from driving for six months.

Christopher Thompson, aged 35, of Shackleton Drive, Daventry, no insurance; fined £660, surcharge £66, banned for six months.

SEPTEMBER 11

Benjamin Gowen, aged 26, of Stanhope Road, Northampton, no insurance; fined £487, licence endorsed with six points. Driving at 90mph in a 70mph zone; fined £162, surcharge £48, costs £625.

Wayne Steele, aged 41, of Darwin Walk, Northampton, failed to comply with a supervision order; fined £100, costs £60.

Lee Tharby, aged 39, of The Peak, Nether Heyford, assault; jailed for 26 weeks, surcharge £149. Damaged a wall; jailed for six weeks concurrent. Assaulted a police officer; jailed for 12 weeks consecutive.

Leanne Andrews, aged 31, of The Dingle, Daventry, failed to identify a driver accused of an offence; fined £322, surcharge £33, costs £85, licence endorsed with six points.

Simon Hussey, aged 55, of Kingsthorpe Grove, Northampton, no insurance; fined £440, surcharge £44, costs £85, banned from driving for six months.

Gemma McCarthy, aged 36, of Cottesbrooke Gardens, Northampton, failed to identify a driver accused of an offencel fined £272, surcharge £27, costs £85, licence endorsed with six points.

Oludayo Akindiran, aged 31, of Oak Street, Northampton, driving without due care and attention; fined £153, surcharge £30, costs £85, licence endorsed with six points. No insurance; fined £230.

Ukshin Lulaj, aged 24, of Hicks Road, Towcester, driving at 107mph in a 70mph zone; fined £230, surcharge £30, costs £85, licence endorsed with six points.

Nathan Mizen, aged 37, of River View, Norhampton, driving while using a mobile phone; fined £40, surcharge £30, costs £85, licence endorsed with six points.

Steven Clare, aged 25, of York Way, Lower Harlestone, assault; community order made, surcharge £90, costs £85.

SEPTEMBER 12

Damian Hinton, aged 28, of no fixed abode, assaulted a police officer; fined £120, compensation £50, surcharge £32, costs £85.

Rene Martin, aged 19, of Treetops, Northampton, breach of a court order; jailed for two months.

Justin Wilson, aged 40, of no fixed abode, stole multiple bottles of prosecco; community order made, compensation £12, surcharge £85, cost £85.

Naomi Woodward, aged 37, of Stanhope Road, Northampton, made off without paying for a taxi; community order made, compensation £92.50, surcharge £85, costs £500.

Alan Coulson, aged 38, of High Street, Silverstone, intent to cause harassment, alarm or distress; fined £127, surcharge £30, costs £85.

Nathan Haycock, aged 25, of Whalley Grove, Northampton, drink-driving; community order made, surcharge £90, costs £85, banned from driving for 36 months. Driving while disqualified; community order to carry out 200 hours of unpaid work.

Florian Valica, aged 29, of Stanley Street, Northampton, drink-driving; fined £253, surcharge £30, costs £85, banned from driving for 20 months.

Gary Jeffers, aged 37, of no fixed address, possession of crack cocaine; community order made.

Callum Knowles, aged 23, of Kingsland Gardens, Northampton, drink-driving; fined £120, banned for 16 months.

Boss Keith Curle believes the Cobblers 'have answered a few questions' after picking up successive 2-0 wins over Salford City and Carlisle United this week.

Curle and his players came in for heavy criticism after their recent 3-0 loss at Scunthorpe United, which followed an equally disappointing home defeat to Leyton Orient.

Those results left Town struggling down in 18th in Sky Bet League Two and caused unrest among frustrated supporters, however Curle could not have asked for a better response since.

They beat Salford 2-0 on Saturday and then returned from their long trip to Carlisle three days later with another victory thanks to second-half goals from Scott Pollock and Sam Hoskins, lifting them to ninth place and within three points of the top seven.

"I think we've answered a few questions because there were questions posed to the players," said Curle.

"The goals we conceded (against Scunthorpe) were disappointing but on Tuesday we were brave in our defending and solid in our defending and we made good decisions.

"We needed people in the right places and we needed a goalkeeper to be on form and make the saves he needed to make and show good hands."

Curle is no stranger to pressure but he earned plenty of praise on Tuesday when his decision to replace defender Michael Harriman with striker Harry Smith at half-time changed the course of the game and led to Town's well-deserved victory.

He also made the bold call to go with Pollock and Shaun McWilliams in central midfield, leaving the experienced Chris Lines on the bench.

He added: "The substitutes all had an impact but I get paid the big bucks to make the decisions and when they go right I put all the praise on the players that make those decisions work.

"Likewise, I'm big enough that when things don't work, I take the blame and I take responsibility, but what I won't do is shy from making decisions that I think are the right ones."

There were days during his recovery when Andy Symons wondered what it was all for.

But last Saturday, the centre was given another reminder of just why he spent so long doing so much to get back in action for Saints.

Symons switched to Northampton from Gloucester during the summer of 2018, but he was soon struck by injury.

He suffered a serious ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) injury in a defeat at Bath in September of last year, and it was to sideline him for the remainder of the season.

It was far from how he imagined his first year in Saints colours.

But he has battled back and now looks in fine fettle.

Symons has already made more appearances this season than he did last time round, when he was only able to start once and come off the bench twice.

He has started three times already during this campaign and was used as a replacement in the 27-25 Gallagher Premiership win at Saracens last Saturday.

And Symons says he owes much to the men behind the scenes at Saints, who played such a big part in his recovery from injury, both physically and mentally.

"My S&C and my physio, Eamonn (Hyland) and Nathan (Allwork), were the two guys who were amazing for me, getting me back in great shape and I feel like I'm in a good space thanks to them," Symons explained. "They're extremely dedicated and unbelievably hard working.

"When I had days where I didn't really fancy it and didn't see the point because I was so far away from playing, they were unbelievable for me.

"I'll always be very grateful to those guys."

And Symons' gratitude doesn't stop there.

"I'm really grateful to the coaches for giving me staggered starts so far this season," said the 28-year-old.

"I've got more game time as I've gone on and then being on the bench and playing for 20 minutes last weekend was great.

"It's just nice to be involved because you take it for granted when you're playing week in, week out.

"But when you get a big injury and you're in the gym all the time, you're just desperate to get back out there.

"The coaches have given me an opportunity to start playing again and it's amazing.

"Every little bit of rehab and effort you put in, you stand there on the pitch 11 months later and think 'I'm so glad I did all that hard work'.

"It was really difficult to be out for so long and it's the hardest part of the game, when you're paid to do a job and you can't do it.

"It was frustrating but luckily I've got amazing people around me here and in my family.

"You've just got to stay on task with little goals and once you can get back involved it's an amazing feeling."

And feelings don't get much better than beating the Premiership and Champions Cup champions in their own back yard.

"It was amazing to be involved last Saturday," said Symons, who came off the bench with 18 minutes to go and made a sizeable impact.

"I've been down there a few times and not got the result so I'm very happy to come away with the win there.

"Not a huge amount was said to me before I came on because I just knew what I needed to do, to go and play my game and try to bring a bit of calm potentially.

"Trying to see out a game against quality opposition isn't easy so you've got to control your emotions.

"I was very fortunate to get on and I'm happy I got to contribute.

"It was a feeling of relief at the end because I've been down there a lot and not got the win.

"Personally and as a team, we worked really hard for that result. I was very happy."

Symons is now ready for the next challenge, which comes in the form of a home game against Worcester Warriors this weekend.

"We've just got to take it one game at a time really," he said.

"Every game we play, we've just got to keep going, but there's definitely a great buzz around the place.

"Worcester will be a big challenge. They got a great win against Leicester last weekend and they're a great team so we've got to back up our performance.

"We're excited about the challenge and looking forward to it.

"Building on performances is key and there's nothing better than playing at Franklin's Gardens so hopefully I get another run out."