Staff at the Barnado's charity store interrupted a burglar as he tried to ransack their offices in Abington Street, only to watch him flee the shop.

It meant the offender made off before he could steal any cash or goods - but not before ripping a computer desk from its brackets, kicking in a stud wall and damaging the safe.

The shop's staff have now been left to pay the cost of repairs following the break-in overnight on November 1 and November 2, and are now asking for donations to help get the store back on track.

Barnardo’s Area Business Manager, Samantha Dean, says: “Our shop in Abington Street was broken into and we are working with the police on their investigations.

“It is very upsetting for our volunteers and staff who have worked so hard to get the shop up and running and who want to serve the local community. All the money Barnardo’s shops raise is used to help the disadvantaged children and young people.

“We’d like to reach out to the community for volunteering and donations to help us get back to where we were. Barnardo’s shops provide crucial funding to run services for the UK's most vulnerable children, young people and families so any support would be gratefully received.”

The Barnado's shop opened on October 12 and is one of the latest additions to Northampon's high street.

Lyon boss Pierre Mignoni insists his side are not yet at the level of Saints ahead of Sunday's Champions Cup opener at Franklin's Gardens.

And Mignoni says Lyon's goal is just 'to win a match and maybe two or three' in Pool 1 this season.

Lyon lost all six of their Champions Cup matches last season, failing to pick up a single point in a pool that contained Saracens, Glasgow Warriors and Cardiff Blues.

But Mignoni's men appear to be in a much better position to challenge this season, having won eight of their opening nine matches in the Top 14.

Their only defeat came at Clermont Auvergne last month and they are currently five points clear of second and 14 ahead of third.

But Mignoni is refusing to get carried away as his side prepare to travel to Northampton.

“We took a lot of positive lessons (from last season's Champions Cup), despite the fact that the results were, of course, negative," Mignoni said.

“We’ve done significant work within the team so that we make progress this year.

"I hope we’re going to show that we’ve made progress. That’s the goal that we’ve set ourselves, anyway.

“I think we need to set a reasonable goal, but we want to be in this competition this season and, we hope, in the years to come.

“We’re building the team and we’re building our history. 

“We’re not yet at the level of Leinster or Northampton, who have played a lot of matches in this competition, like (Benetton) Treviso, so we’re trying to build on our past experiences, which are very recent. 

“As I said, we want to continue making progress and to win a match and maybe two or three – why not? And we want to try to do our best.”

Lyon appear to be full of belief heading into the battle with Saints.

But Mignoni said: “I don’t think that (impressive start in the Top 14) gives us more confidence. What gives us more confidence is that we know more about this competition.

“We know that last year we were taken a little bit by surprise in the first two matches, because it’s very different from the TOP 14. It’s a type of rugby that’s sometimes a little different.

“It’s a competition that goes very quickly.

"It will be difficult to qualify, but we’ll grow into this competition and we’ll see what that brings.”

Keith Curle is still expecting to see 'a lot more' from strikers Vadaine Oliver and Harry Smith after both were on target during Sunday's FA Cup win against Chippenham Town.

Smith's 22nd minute header opened the scoring at Hardenhuish Park and took him up to four goals in all competitions this season, one behind leading marksman Andy Williams.

Vadaine Oliver then chipped in with a brace before half-time to open his own account for the Cobblers, however Curle expects further improvement from two of his summer signings.

"It's always important for all strikers to score goals so that was pleasing to see Vadaine and Harry scoring," he said afterwards.

"All centre-forwards learn by putting the ball in the back of the net and the more frequently they do that the better they will become and the more confident they will become.

"But they're two strikers that we've nowhere near seen the best of and we've not seen the end product of either of them.

"There's a lot more to come from both Vadaine and Harry."

Smith has been alternating with Andy Williams as Curle's chief frontman in recent games and both are in contention to start against Crewe this weekend, as is Oliver.

"The competition for places is increasing and we got some good minutes out of the players on Sunday, which was important, and we scored some good goals," added Curle.

"There's an air of confidence about the group and the league campaign is where we're going to earn our money."

After taking over Baroque on St Giles Street this month, new bosses at the late night bar are looking for different ways to drum up business.

Under the management of Nathan Allard, and owners Adam Gearey and Steve Allen, the trio opened their new venture on November 1 after a facelift.

As of this week, Baroque will be launching their free cocktails offer.

But there is a catch.

The deal starts this Friday (November 15) between 8pm and 10pm where cocktails, including mojitos and gin fizz will be free, for women only.

The offer is being led by Nathan, who has worked at pubs in Northampton before including The Sevens in St James and the Squirrels Inn in Duston.

Nathan said: "It's my first management role here in Northampton but I've always worked behind bars - I know the job like the back of my hand.

"I love this job because you get to meet new people, and it's perfect for me as I can't sit down. I have to be moving around all the time."

Before taking on the role, Nathan started a job at Pontins, in Brean Sands, as a 'bluecoat'.

He is now in charge of five staff at Baroque, has overseen the revamp which includes a bigger bar, new DJ booth and he is excited to be rolling out more of his new ideas next year.

From January he is hoping to host comedy nights, is thinking about serving vegan food and starting kareoke nights, too.

But for now, Baroque is open for drinks from midday to 11pm between Sunday and Thursday, from midday to 2am on Fridays, and from midday to 4am on Saturdays.

The following people were sentenced at Northampton Magistrates’ Court:

OCTOBER 10

Leon Clayton, aged 23, of Spring Gardens, Daventry, driving while banned; jailed for eight weeks suspended for 12 months.

Aleksandrs Morozevics, aged 40, of Lutterworth Road, Northampton, racially aggravated assault; jailed for 16 weeks, compensation £50. Additional assault; jailed for four weeks, compensation £50. Assaulted a police officer; jailed for eight weeks consecutive, compensation £50. Assaulted a police custody officer; jailed for eight weeks, compensation £50. Obstructed a train at Northampton Railway Station; jailed for 16 weeks concurrent. Assault; jailed for two weeks consecutive, compensation £50.

Carl Jones, aged 37, of Windrush Way, Northampton, harassment; community order made, compensation £2,194.57. Damaged a car; community order made.

Ishtiaq Ahmed, aged 39, of High Street, Daventry, driving at 35mph in a 30mph zone; fined £220, surcharge £30, costs £85, licence endorsed with three points.

Vlad Anchidim, aged 21, of Sam Harrison Way, Northampton, driving at 99mph in a 70mph zone; fined £226, surcharge £30, costs £85, licence endorsed with six points.

Juliet Byrne, aged 39, of Spring Gardens, Earls Barton, driving at 64mph in a 40mph zone; fined £189, surcharge £30, costs £85, licence endorsed with six points.

Marc Chesney, aged 36, of Church Road, Braunston, driving at 45mph in a 30mph; fined £384, surcharge £38, costs £85, licence endorsed with six points. Driving without reasonable consideration of others; fined £192.

David Clarke, aged 50, of Redruth Close, Northampton, no insurance; fined £350, surcharge £35, costs £85, licence endorsed with six points.

Mickey Clarke, aged 37, of Balfour Close, Northampton, no insurance; fined £311, surcharge £31, costs £85, licence endorsed with eight points.

David Cooke, aged 71, of Northampton Road, Blisworth, failed to identify a driver accused of an offence; fined £660, surcharge £66, costs £85, licence endorsed with six points.

Lee Daly, aged 33, of Pleydell Gardens, Northampton, driving at 68mph in a 60mph zone; fined £220, surcharge £30, costs £85, licence endorsed with three points. Driving not in accordance with a licence; fined £220.

Daniel Dumitru, aged 22, of Wade Meadow Court, Northampton, failed to identify a driver accused of an offence; fined £660, surcharge £66, costs £85, licence endorsed with six points.

Jean Fallen, aged 30, of Port Road, Northampton, no insurance; fined £270, surcharge £30, licence endorsed with six points.

Carmelia Marques, aged 43, of Gillsway, Northampton, driving not in accordance with a licence; fined £220, surcharege £30, costs £85, licence endorsed with three points. No insurance; fined £220.

Kamil Franus, aged 22, of The Stour, Daventry, driving at 36mph in a 30mph zone; fined £108, costs £85. Driving while using a phone; fined £108.

Michael Haig, aged 35, of Bridge Street, Northampton, no insurance; fined £660, surcharge £66, costs £85, licence endorsed with six points.

Richard Hall, aged 29, of Southfield Road, Northampton, driving while using a mobile phoned; Fined £123, surcharge £30, costs £85, licence endorsed with six points.

Mark Harrison, aged 37, of Old Quarry Court, Northampton, no insurance; fined £660, surcharge £66, costs £85, licence endorsed with six points.

Richard Lee, aged 66, of The Causeway, Northampton, no insurance; fined £660, surcharge £66, costs £85, licence endorsed with six points.

Sinothi Mahlangu, aged 53, of Castle Street, Northampton, no insurance; fined £250, surcharge £30, costs £85, licence endorsed with eight points.

Thomas Mann, aged 22, of Hocknell Close, Northampton, no insurance; fined £300, surcharge £30, costs £85, licence endorsed with eight points.

Katie Markie, aged 25, of Leicester Street, Northampton, driving at 35mph in a 30mph zone; fined £220, surcharge £300, costs £85, licence endorsed with three points.

Tracy Matson, aged 50, of Nether Jackson Court, Northampton, failed to give information relating to the identity of a driver; fined £120, surcharge £30, costs £85, licence endorsed with six points.

Christopher Missen, aged 29, of Carlton Road, Northampton, faulty tyre; fined £40. No insurance; fined £120, surcharge £30, costs £85, licence endorsed with six points.

Chipo Mupamba, aged 50, of St Leonards Court, Northampton, driving not in accordance with a licence; no separate penalty. Faulty tyre; fined £116, surcharge £30, costs £85, licence endorsed with three points.

Michaela Nikolaou, aged 32, of Naseby Street, Northampton, no insurancel fined £660, surcharge £66, costs £85, licence endorsed with six points.

Gheorghe-Mihai Vasiliu, aged 31, of St Pauls Road, Northampton, no insurance; fined £660, surcharge £66, costs £85, licence endorsed with six points.

Jeylani Abdi, aged 63, of Dallington Road, Northampton, driving not in accordance with a licence; no separate penalty. Driving without due care and attention; fined £80, surcharge £30, costs £85, licence endorsed with four points.

Adrian Bailey, aged 52, of Pleydell Gardens, Northampton, driving at 61mph in a 50mph zone; fined £220,

surcharge £30, costs £85, licence endorsed with three points.

Tomasz Borowski, aged 44, of Reedway, Northampton, driving at 67mph in a 40mph zone; fined £438, surcharge £43, costs £85, licence endorsed with six points.

Ian Cockram, aged 55, of Gayton Road, Eastcote, Towcester, failed to give information relating to the identity of a driver; fined £660, surcharge £66, costs £85, licence endorsed with six points.

Nicholas Corbett, aged 20, of Limoges Court, Northampton, driving at 67mph in a 40mph zone; fined £500, surcharge £50, costs £85, licence endorsed with six points.

Krzysztof Ebert, aged 41, of Jubilee Close, Northampton, failed to give information relating to the identity of the driver; fined £660, surcharge £66, costs £85, licence endorsed with six points.

Jake Gent, aged 28, of Skawle Court, Northampton, failed to give information relating to the identity of a driver accused of an offence; fined £660, surcharge £66, costs £85, licence endorsed with six points.

Matthew Goodship, aged 22, of Harcourt Way, Northampton, driving while not wearing a seatbelt; fined £220, surcharge £30, costs £85.

Linzie Hall, aged 37, of Collins Hall, Flore, failed to give information relating to the identity of a driver; fined £660, surcharge £66, costs £85, licence endorsed with six points.

Andrew Jones, aged 26, of Pine Ridge, Northampton, driving at 66mph in a 40mph zone; fined £200, surcharge £30, costs £85, licence endorsed with six points.

Dawid Kazmierczak, aged 18, of Wellingborough Road, Northampton, no insurance; fined £100, surcharge £30, costs £85, licence endorsed with eight points.

Tashveer Lali, aged 44, of Chiltern Avenue, Northampton, driving at 39mph in a 30mph zone; fined £220, surcharge £30, costs £85, licence endorsed with three points.

Daniel Loveday, aged 34, of Main Street, Hannington, driving at 50mph in a 30mph zone; fined £133, surcharge £30, costs £85, licence endorsed with six points.

Emmanuel Amosu, aged 22, of Lea Road, Northampton, no insurance; fined £660, surcharge £66, costs £85, banned from driving for six months.

Raymond Hutton, aged 39, of Kenilworth Close, Daventry, failed to give information relating to the identity of a driver; fined £325, surcharge £32, costs £85, banned from driving for six months.

Liam Lawless, aged 31, of Great Holme Court, Northampton, no insurance; fined £660, surcharge £66, costs £85, banned from driving for six months.

Alex Stoica, aged 23, of The Vale, Northampton, no insurance; fined £660, surcharge £66, costs £85, banned from driving for six months.

OCTOBER 11

Daniel Crawley, aged 47, of Grafton Street, Northampton, entered B&Q with intent to steal, failed to surrender to custody; pleaded guilty sent to Crown Court for sentence.

Robertas Kulevicius, aged 46, of Harding Terrace, Northampton, assault; jailed for 16 weeks. Failed to surrender to custody; jailed for seven days concurrent.

Colton Thornhill, aged 43, c/o Oasis House, Northampton, possession of a class C drug; conditional discharge for 12 months, surcharge £21, costs £85.

Dylan Geddes, aged 22, of Cluniac Court, Northampton, failed to comply with a community order; ordered revoked, costs £60.

The Leasing.com Trophy second-round draw will take place live on Sky Sports' Soccer Saturday from 2pm this Saturday.

Cobblers finished runners-up to Peterborough United in Southern Group H and will therefore face an away tie in the first knockout round.

Hosted by Sky Sports presenter Julian Waters, former Crystal Palace forward Clinton Morrison and ex-England midfielder Sue Smith will be on hand to draw the teams out.

The group stage of the competition, featuring 64 clubs competing within 16 groups, concludes this week.

Peterborough beat Cambridge 2-1 on Tuesday to finish on a maximum of nine points, four clear of the Cobblers, but there are still some ties to be played this evening (Wednesday).

Thirty-two clubs are involved in round two of the competition with the draw split into northern and southern sections.

The winner of each group will be drawn at home and will play a runner-up of a group from the same region, but not from the same group they competed in from round one.

To ensure these conditions are met the northern and southern draws will be split into two separate draws – Draw A and Draw B. Second-round ties are expected to take place in the first week of December.

The round two draw will be available to watch live on Soccer Saturday and is covered in full on the @LeasingcomTrphy Twitter account.

Possible opponents for the Cobblers: Portsmouth, Brighton Under 21s, Walsall, Exeter City/West Ham Under 21s, Chelsea Under 21s/Bristol Rovers, MK Dons, Colchester.

The Cumbrians, currently 19th, have managed only one win from their last six league games and were beaten 2-0 by the Cobblers last month.

As a result, the club's board have decided to make a change and Pressley will leave the club with immediate effect.

The 46-year-old replaced John Sheridan at Brunton Park in January.

Carlisle Chairman Andrew Jenkins said: “Steven has given his all and has worked tirelessly since the day he joined us.

“We understand the challenges and have supported him throughout, but we haven’t seen the evidence of progress we expected or needed to see.

“This is not something we can allow to continue, so sadly it is time to change, move on and look forward.

“I want to say a personal thank you to Steven, he has been a pleasure to work with and this has not been an easy decision for us to make.

“He leaves with our very best wishes.”

The existing coaching staff will take charge of football matters in the short-term. Carlisle visit Port Vale this weekend.

Police are appealing for help to find a missing girl who may have travelled to Somerset.

Chloe Knight, aged 17, was last seen in Northampton at around 1pm on Monday, November 11.

A spokeswoman for Northamptonshire Police said: "She was wearing a black jacket, red hoodie, blue jeans and was carrying a small bag.

"Chloe is described as white, 5ft 2in and has shaved hair."

Officers are concerned for her welfare and are asking anyone with information about where she is to call Northamptonshire Police on 101, and quote the reference MPN2/ 3562/19.

A Kettering man has not been seen since Saturday (November 9).

Police are appealing for information about the whereabouts of Duncan Booker, 43, who was last seen in the town.

He is white, 6ft, bald and wears glasses.

At the time he went missing Duncan was wearing a dark green jacket with a fur hood, grey/blue t-shirt with ‘The Who’ written on it, blue jeans and grey trainers.

A police spokesman said: "Officers are concerned for Duncan’s welfare and are appealing for him, or anyone with information about his whereabouts, to contact Northamptonshire Police on 101."

Powell signed for Crewe Alexandra in the summer but hasn’t featured since scoring his first goal for the club away at Carlisle United on October 12.

The 28-year-old has been sidelined with an ankle problem but he returned to modified training earlier in the week to avoid too much contact and is in with a chance of making Saturday's trip to the PTS Academy Stadium.

“Daniel returned to training yesterday and he will train again today," said manager David Artell. "We have modified it a bit but he has been fine.

“We will see how he is this week. He is fit and available then we will be under contention like everyone else."

Meanwhile, defender Eddie Nolan had been an ever-present for Crewe up until he missed their FA Cup victory at Accrington Stanley on Saturday.

But he looks set to face the Cobblers, with Artell adding: “Eddie’s swelling on his ankle has gone down so he will fine and back involved this week."

Goode was part of a strong Cobblers side which made light work of non-league Chippenham Town on Sunday as Harry Smith and Vadaine Oliver scored in a 3-0 victory.

"We made sure we prepared for the game as we would for any other match and as we saw there were a lot of surprising results, like Maldon & Tiptree (who beat Leyton Orient)," said Goode afterwards.

"That can happen in the FA Cup so we had to make sure we were professional and in the end it was a good job well done.

"We got quite an early goal and that set the tone and we got the second and third not long after.

"We weren't really ourselves in the second-half to be honest but it was important to get the clean sheet because that builds confidence throughout the team."

The tie at Hardenhuish Park brought back old memories for Goode, who spent time with non-league sides Hadley, Harefield United, AFC Hayes and Hendon after his release from Fulham at the age of 15.

"I've played in non-league before and that's where I started so it was quite nice to go back to a ground like that," he added.

"I didn't expect to see so many people at a non-league ground. I think we had about 750 fans and it was great for us to have them there and they made for a great atmosphere."

Cobblers were paired with Notts County in Monday's second-round draw and Goode would love a deep run in the competition, adding: "At the end of the day it's more games and games that we want to go and win.

"That builds confidence and momentum. We're in the second round now and then, after that, the big teams come in so you look out for one of those draws."

Saints have been dealt a blow with the news Henry Taylor will miss the next six weeks with a broken thumb.

Taylor was forced off in the 55th minute of last Saturday's 22-13 Gallagher Premiership defeat at Bath.

James Mitchell, who was making his first Premiership appearance for Saints, came on to replace the former Saracens scrum-half for the final 25 minutes.

And it now looks like Mitchell will be needed again over the next few weeks as he helps to cover for Taylor.

The good news for Saints is that World Cup winner Cobus Reinach is now back in training and available to face Lyon in the Champions Cup opener at Franklin's Gardens on Sunday.

But there is no doubt that the loss of Taylor is frustrating for the club as he has made such a positive impression since joining the black, green and gold during the summer.

"Henry Taylor broke his thumb and he's probably six weeks out," Boyd said.

"It's been a bit of a rollercoaster (at scrum-half).

"Alex Mitchell (who is out with a knee injury) had a good report yesterday so he's on track but he's not going to be back until January at the earliest.

"Obviously Cobus is back so that helps.

"But in our specialist areas - hooker, loosehead and half-back - that's where we seem to have accumulated a few dings, but we're not in too bad shape."

Former Sale Sharks and Connacht No.9 James Mitchell joined the club on a short-term deal during the summer and has since made three appearances as a replacement this season.

And Boyd said: "He's a good wee player and he's got a role to play for us.

"With Henry dinged, Connor Tupai and James Mitchell will have to share that load with Cobus until one of those other two guys get back."

There is some good news at loosehead for Saints with Alex Waller and Francois van Wyk both fit to return this weekend.

"Franner's available for selection," Boyd said.

"He's come back from a small bicep tear that was a little bit problematic for him, but he's ready and available for selection.

"Alex Waller's fine. He just had a little issue that meant he couldn't quite get through last week and he had to pull out at the last minute, but he's fine."

As for Saints' two new All Blacks aces, prop Owen Franks and centre Matt Proctor, they are also available for selection this weekend.

"They're both ready to play," Boyd said.

"They've both enjoyed coming here, apart from the cold obviously. It was 27 degrees for them at home the other day!

"The temperature is a bit different but they've really enjoyed the people and the town so they're ready to make a contribution."

Saints have welcomed back their World Cup stars this week, with the likes of Reinach and Courtney Lawes resuming training at the Gardens.

Dan Biggar, Lewis Ludlam and Piers Francis are also back.

And Boyd said: "Pretty much everyone's available so we've got choices to make.

"Some guys have played quite a bit and some guys haven't played as much so there's a bit of rust to shake off of some guys.

"But everyone came in this week really energised, they all want to play.

"I offered them all another week off but they all turned it down so they are ready.

"I know some guys coming back from international duty aren't very stimulated by the club stuff, but I'm sure all our guys are fully engaged so they're looking forward to it.

"We've got some complex selections."

Cllr Sam Rumens and Chairman of the Kettering Conservative Association Cllr Paul Marks have been put under suspension for historic social media posts about Muslims while an investigation takes place.

A dossier compiled by anti-racism twitter campaigner @matesjacob was given to the Guardian who exposed the social media postings of 15 current and 10 former Conservative councillors.

The Conservative Party has now taken action and has said in a statement released today that it will ‘never stand by when it comes to prejudice and discrimination of any kind.’

Cllr Marks, who has been a member of the Conservative Party since 1979 said he received a letter marked private and confidential today telling him of his suspension.

Cllr Rumens, who was first elected in May 2017 made a series of tweets in 2012, when he was 16. He has today suspended his twitter account, previously being an active user and taking part in political debate.

The tweets said: “I just saw a white muslim, what the shiz” and “if only I was muslim I could be doing much more explosive things.”

He has not responded to emails and phone calls today.

In a social media post Cllr Marks, who works at Wicksteed Park, told called London Mayor Sadiq Khan a ‘vile creature’.

Speaking today he said the comments had been made in a private group rather than in public, that he did not dislike muslims and did not know what Islamaphobia was. He said he had liked a comment in a post making allegations about Sadiq Khan but did not know who the person making the alleggations was.

He told the Local Democracy Reporting service he did not feel anything abot being suspended and it was ‘standard practice’.

He said “If I accused you of eating babies, you would be suspended. The lesson to draw from this is don’t use social media. It can be used against you.”

A Conservative Party spokesperson said: “All those found to be party members have been suspended immediately, pending investigation. The swift action we take on not just anti-Muslim discrimination, but discrimination of any kind is testament to the seriousness with which we take such issues.

“The Conservative party will never stand by when it comes to prejudice and discrimination of any kind. That’s why we are already establishing the terms of an investigation to make sure that such instances are isolated and robust processes are in place to stamp them out as and when they occur.”

The Conservative party has been under pressure to clamp down on Islamaphobia within the party with Baroness Varsi saying the party has a ‘serious and deep problem’ with Islamaphobia.

Northants head coach David Ripley is hoping the club has unearthed another hidden pace bowling gem following the news that Jack White has signed a new one-year contract at the County Ground.

The 27-year-old was part of the squad last season and did feature in the seconds, but failed to make a first team appearance due to a series of frustrating injuries.

The County's track record of kick-starting and rejuvenating fast bowlers' careers has been good in recent years, with the likes of Jack Brooks, Richard Gleeson and Ben Sanderson making the most of chances given to them at Wantage Road.

And Ripley is confident that White could be the next one to make the breakthrough at a relatively late stage in his career.

“Jack had some injury issues last year but when we saw him fit and firing, he’s a very fine seam bowling prospect," said the County's head coach.

"He’s a little bit similar to Ben Sanderson in many ways, very skilful and hits the seam, he’s a very English style seam bowler."

White, who is originally from the Lake District and has played minor counties cricket for Cheshire, actually caught the County's scouts' eye while playing grade cricket in Australia.

And it was the impression he had clearly made on some of Australia's international stars with during that time that ensured Ripley kept a close eye on the player.

"Jack's arrived with us through a different route and he reminds me a bit of Jack Brooks," said Ripley, who gave Brooks the chance to step up from minor counties cricket with Oxfordshire to make his way in the first-class game, and he has since gone on to star for Northants, Yorkshire and Somerset.

"Phil Rowe had seen him (White) a couple of years ago and kept in touch.

"What was noticeable is when we played Australia A (in a one-day match in June) and Jack was around, the number of guys who played against him when he had two or three really successful years playing club cricket in Australia, they had a lot of time for him and respect for what they’d seen of him.

"I thought that was a really good sign and very interesting as he was still a little unknown to us.

"He’s an older cricketer in terms of someone having their first stab at professional cricket.

"He’s not your archetypal lad off the academy or young prospect, but his age is almost irrelevant because the miles on the clock are low.

"We’re very excited and I’m sure he’s not going to let anybody down."

Mark Duncan Redhead, 34, is wanted in connection with an incident of harassment.

A police spokesman said: "Anyone who sees Mark, or has information about his whereabouts, should call Northamptonshire Police on 101."

Northampton middleweight Carl Fail looks to boost his Olympic hopes in Serbia this month.

The 22-year-old from Far Cotton ABC tore his bicep during the Feliks Stamm tournament in May and in his absence, Mark Dickinson went to the European and World Championships.

He made early exits at both and with Scotland’s Sean Lazzerini also missing out on medals, Fail steps back in for this month’s Golden Belt tournament in Serbia.

It starts on November 26, with the race to go to the Olympic qualifiers wide open, and Fail is determined to prove he is Britain’s No.1.

The qualifiers for the Tokyo Olympics get underway early next year and southpaw Fail, silver medallist at the EU Championship 12 months ago, said: “I need to come back with gold.

“If I win gold in Serbia there’s no reason why I shouldn’t go to the Olympic qualifiers. I need to get the coaches believing in me.

“This is a big opportunity for me. The coaches have told me that.

“I believe I’m the best middleweight in Britain and it’s up to me to prove it to them.

“The coaches have told me it’s wide open.

“I have let it slip in the last few months and people who aren’t as good as me have had a chance.

“I tore my bicep six weeks before the Europeans and I did think I might get a shot at the Worlds.

“I didn’t go, but I didn’t let it bother me. I haven’t sat around feeling sorry for myself.

“The qualifiers are around the corner now and I have to go out there and perform to my best.

“I have to go out there and prove I’m No 1.

“Every day I’m thinking about being on top of that podium with the gold medal around my neck.

“I’m training five and six days a week in Sheffield, London and Northampton. I haven’t missed a session for months.

“It’s down to me to give it everything I’ve got and if I’m the best I can be, I’m confident I will get the gold medal.”

​Chris Boyd has described this week's review of the defeat at Bath as 'pretty brutal'.

And he says some of the rugby his side played at The Rec last Saturday was 'some of the worst we've played in two years'.

Saints were beaten 22-13 by Stuart Hooper's side, who were reduced to 14 men eight minutes after the break due to Aled Brew's dismissal.

Bath were fired up by that red card and scored twice more, building on a 10-8 lead to inflict a first Gallagher Premiership defeat of the season on Saints, who had Ben Franks and Paul Hill sin-binned during a difficult finale.

And ahead of Sunday's Champions Cup opener at home to Lyon, Boyd said: "It (the post-match review) was pretty brutal to be honest.

"Forty minutes of the 80 was probably the worst rugby we've played in two years really.

"If it wasn't a decision error it was a skill error, if it wasn't a skill error it was an effort error.

"We made about nine back-to-back errors and put ourselves in a really difficult situation.

"Ultimately, we didn't have enough time to come back and win it.

"It was hugely disappointing."

But Saints have a chance to bounce back this weekend as Top 14 table-toppers Lyon come calling.

And when asked what he is expecting from the French giants, Boyd said: "They're certainly very different to Bath.

"They're eight wins from nine games in the French league and that's not a mistake.

"Although they've only had one player away at the World Cup, they're incredibly dangerous across the field.

"They've got a very nippy nine and Charlie Ngatai, who I know pretty well, runs a lot of their game for them.

"They've got very big wings, a hard-working forward pack, they scrum and lineout well and they're a Clermont-type side.

"We need to be at nine out of 10 or nine and a half out of 10 to pose some threats to them so it's going to be a massive challenge."

Saints lost to Clermont Auvergne in the quarter-finals of the Challenge Cup last season, which was their first campaign under the stewardship of Boyd.

And the Kiwi boss now gets to take his side into the Champions Cup for the first time, with excitement building ahead of Sunday's curtain raiser.

"Unfortunately we were in the Challenge Cup last year playing Clermont but I was looking forward to it because they're a great club and a great side," Boyd said.

"All high performance sports people want to pitch themselves against the best and Lyon are comfortably the best side in France right now so for us to play them here at Franklin's

Gardens on Sunday is going to be a massive occasion and one we're really looking forward to.

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Steve Arnold's long-awaited return to competitive action has given manager Keith Curle a conundrum between the sticks with three goalkeepers battling it out for the shirt.

Arnold, a summer signing from Shrewsbury Town, had been out of action since the second game of the season when he damaged his hamstring against Port Vale.

But the 30-year-old was back in the team for Sunday's FA Cup tie at Chippenham Town and kept his first clean sheet for the Cobblers in a 3-0 victory.

"Steve Arnold was excellent and as important as it is for strikers to hit the back of the net, it's also important for goalkeepers to come in, put in a performance, make saves when needed and keep a clean sheet," said Curle.

"That gives them confidence and he's been banging on my door because he wants to be involved.

"Andy Fisher has come in and done exceptionally well also and Steve's been fit for a couple of weeks but not been involved in the squad.

"When you have a 6ft 4in giant knocking on your door asking why they're not involved, I tell Westy to tell him I'm not in!

"But Steve knows I need to get him minutes. We've been struggling to arrange reserve games so he hasn't had many opportunities but Sunday was a chance to play a competitive game."

First-choice stopper David Cornell has done little wrong in Arnold's absence and will be confident of keeping the gloves in the coming weeks.

Curle added: "That's why we bought Steve Arnold to the club - because we want direct competition for Dai and Dai knows he needs to be performing.

"To be the number one choice, that goalkeeper has got to work harder than the number two but if you're number two and you want to be number one, you also have to work harder.

"That's the type of competition that we've created and I know I've got three very good goalkeepers available for selection now."

Former Saints back Andrew Kellaway has found a new club.

Kellaway will be playing for the Melbourne Rebels during the 2020 Super Rugby season.

The 24-year-old made 19 appearances for Saints after joining in 2018, scoring four tries in the process.

But the Australian ace was to leave the black, green and gold after just one season and has now returned home.

Kellaway, who has recently been playing for Counties Manukau in New Zealand's Mitre 10 Cup, is now looking forward to adding to his tally of 25 Super Rugby appearances, all of which came with the Waratahs.

"Wanting to be back in Australia and trying to get my name on the national radar was a huge driver behind coming home," Kellaway said.

"I think the Rebels were unlucky to miss the finals in 2019 and I'm excited about what the group they've built can achieve moving forwards."

Kellaway enjoyed his the experience he gained during his time in Northampton and is now ready for another shot at life in Super Rugby.

He will be up against a host of Wallabies, including Dane Haylett-Petty, Marika Koroibete, Reece Hodge and Jack Maddocks, for a starting role at the Rebels.

"The UK was huge for me in terms learning about what I enjoy most about rugby and, I suppose, getting back to what it's all about which is enjoying the process and letting performances speak for themselves," said Kellaway.