Chris Wilder is confident his young strikers can accommodate the loss of leading goalscorer Marc Richards when the Cobblers take on Burton Albion at Sixfields on Saturday (2pm ko).

And the Town manager will hope to provide further proof to the club’s supporters that the team is making progress after a run of three games away from their home ground in which they picked up two wins and a draw.

Richards, the leading goalscorer in Sky Bet League Two, will be out for between four and six weeks with a recurrence of a hamstring injury suffered in Tuesday night’s win at Portsmouth in the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy.

Wilder says it is now time for his younger strikers to ‘step up to the plate’, with Ivan Toney (18), David Moyo (19) and Lawson D’Ath (21) competing for places in the forward line.

“When you get injuries you ask other players to step up to the plate,” said Wilder, who also has Alex Nicholls available after the 26-year-old completed a full 90 minutes at Fratton Park. “David (Moyo) did that against experienced defenders on Tuesday night.

“I’m proud of the group and we’re digging in. It would be easy to say we’ve got him missing or him missing but players are stepping up to the plate.

“I’d like to think the supporters are happy in what we’re doing at the moment and the way we’re going as a football club.

“We’re playing some decent stuff and we’re getting results. Those are the two biggest things I want to see - for us to compete and play.

“Nobody is rolling us over, nobody is taking liberties with us and we’re physical and aggressive all over the pitch as well as getting on the ball and playing when we get the chance.”

Jim Mallinder says Saints will place a huge emphasis on Europe as they bid to become the first winners of the Rugby Champions Cup.

Mallinder attended the competition launch at Twickenham on Wednesday and excitement is building ahead of the first round of fixtures next weekend.

Saints, who have been placed in Pool 5 alongside Racing Metro, Ospreys and Treviso, will travel to Paris to face Racing a week on Saturday.

And Mallinder knows that match-up between the two fancied teams will be key as his men bid to realise their ambition of securing a home quarter-final.

“There are some good trips, to Paris and to Italy,” he said. “The fans are all looking forward to those.

“We’ve got some tough games, with Racing away first. It’s vital for us.

“We need to get off to a good start, but hopefully if we can play well and get some consistency, we can get a home quarter and we’d be very, very happy.”

Premiership champions Saints currently sit top of their domestic league and will be expected to do well in Europe this season.

Last time round, they exited the Heineken Cup at the pool stages before going on to win the Amlin Challenge Cup.

And Mallinder said: “English sides can compete. Sarries got very, very close in getting to the final last year so it can happen.

“However, some of these French teams have got massive squads and they do compete really well in their domestic competition and in Europe.

“But we’ve got a good chance. We’re going to go out there to win it.

“We won the Premiership last year, which we loved doing, and we’re going to put a lot of emphasis on Europe this year.”

A report in a national newspaper has linked Cobblers boss Chris Wilder with the vacant managerial post at Scunthorpe United.

The Iron sacked former Northampton defender Russell Wilcox, who led them to promotion to Sky Bet League One last season, earlier this week with the team 23rd in their division.

A brief news item in the Daily Mirror said Scunthorpe have made Wilder their ‘top target’ for the job at Glanford Park.

Wilder is under contract at Sixfields until the summer of 2017 after agreeing a long-term deal when he made the move from Oxford United in January.

His assistant, Alan Knill, played for Scunthorpe for four years in the mid-1990s and was their manager for 18 months before being replaced in October 2012 by Brian Laws, who himself was replaced by Wilcox.

THURSDAY, October 9

MUSIC

10cc, Derngate Auditorium, Guildhall Rd, N’pton, 7.30pm. 01604 624811

The Mainline Big Band at the Stirrup Cup, Barton Seagrave, 9pm. Free entry.

Country Jam Session at Kingsley Park WMC, Npton

Open Mic, hosted by Hannah Faulkner at The Obelisk Centre, Npton, 8.30pm

The Ginger Pig Band, Jazz Café, Auntie Ruth’s, George Row, Npton, 8pm. £1 admission.

THEATRE

Becket, by Masque Theatre, The Great Hall, Northampton Guildhall, 7.30pm. Tickets 07586 288793, www.masquetheatre.co.uk or St Giles Music, 16 St Giles Terrace, Npton

Dusk, The Core at Corby Cube,10.30am/1.30pm. 01536 470470

Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, Royal Auditorium, Guildhall Rd, N’pton, 2.30pm/7.45pm. 01604 624811

Tingdene Entertainers present The Vicar of Dibley at the Star Hall, Laws Lane, Finedon, 7.30pm. Tickets £7.50. 01933 680680/682013

OTHER

Comedy Night at Victoria Inn, Poole Street, Npton, 8.30pm

The Garden of Delights at NN, Number Nine Guildhall Road, Npton. Mladen Miljanovic exhibition (until Dec 7). www.NNContemporaryArt.org

Sulby Gardens, near Welford, open as part of the National Garden Scheme, 2pm–5pm. £4 entry

East Northants Association of the National Trust meeting, Corn Market Hall, Kettering, 7.30pm, with Zena Skinner, one of the first TV cooks. Visitors welcome, £3 at door.

The Language of Flowers exhibition of paintings by the Northamptonshire Botanical Artists’ Society at 78 Derngate, Npton, 10am–5pm (Tues–Sun until Dec 21) Free entry. More info www.78derngate.org.uk

FRIDAY, October 10

MUSIC

Clannad, Derngate Auditorium, 7.30pm. Northampton 624811

Charity Night in aid of Macmillan Cancer, inc auction, disco plus Irie at Brafield WMC, A428.

Kontra Roots Club at Kennedy’s Bar, Finedon, 8pm. Free.

The Whatevers at Kingsley Park WMC, Npton

Music In Quiet Places at Geddington Church, 7.30pm. For tickets call Robert 01536 746173

Concert by Spring of Pearls Choir at the United Reformed Church, London Road, Kettering, 7pm. Tickets £5.

Carroll Thompson & Dennis Bovell perform night of classic reggae at The Picturedrome, Kettering Rd, N’pton, 9pm, £15

THEATRE

Becket, by Masque Theatre, The Great Hall, Northampton Guildhall, 7.30pm. 07586 288793

The Vicar of Dibley at the Star Hall, Laws Lane, Finedon, 7.30pm. Tickets £7.50, call 01933 680680/682013

Dusk, The Core at Corby Cube, 10.30am & 1.30pm, Ticket Office Corby 470 470

Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, Royal Auditorium, 7.45pm, Northampton 624811

OTHER

Screaming Blue Murder Comedy Club, Royal & Derngate Underground, 8.15pm, N’pton 624811

Quiz at Brafield WMC, A428.

English & American Ballroom at St Alban’s Church, Broadmead Ave, N’pton, 7pm. £3 adm. 01604 787246.

R-Zone Club for ages 8-13 years at the Community Centre, Olden Road, Rectory Farm, 5pm–6pm. 07979 152746.

Towcester Farmers’ Market in Richmond Road car park, 9am–1pm. Profits to charities.

SATURDAY, October 11

Danny Fisher, Brafield Working Mens Club, A428, from 8pm.

Seth Lakeman, Derngate, 7.30pm, Northampton 624811

Steve Perry at Northampton WMC, Sheep Street, Npton

Mod Story at Maltsters Arms, Weedon, 9pm

Scrumpy B****rds, Olde Red Lion, Kislingbury

Anyone Out There, Great Doddington WMC, Lower Street.

Skatoons at Kingsley Park WMC, Npton

Fish & Chips Night with music and bingo at Semilong WMC, St Andrews Street, Npton

Southside Jimmy (rock covers) at Walnut Tree, Blisworth, 9.30pm.

Gunslingers (indie rock covers) at Old George Inn, Stony Stratford, 9.15pm

Andy Stone at Rifle Band Club, Havelock Street, Kettering

Candy Slam at O’Neill’s, the Drapery, Npton

Barn Dance with Tourdion and Friends, Jane and Chris Saunders at Village Hall, Kirby Road, Gretton, 7.30pm. Tickets £10, concessions £8 from Gretton Post Office or from 01536 770302.

Overture in October at Broughton Baptist Church, 3pm.

Community Concert in aid of Pancreatic Cancer Action and Cransley Hospice at Holy Trinity Church Hall, Victoria St, Desborough, doors open 6.30pm. Tickets £5. 07752 132587

NGH Choir autumn concert in aid of the NGH Chemotherapy Appeal. Spinney Hill Theatre, Spinney Hill Road, Npton, 7pm. Tickets £10 (£12 otd)/ £7.50 concessions. www.nghchoir.ticketsource.co.uk

Phil Spalding, The Picturedrome, Kettering Rd, Npton, 7.30pm, £6 advance, £8 otd.

The Ginger Pig at Auntie Ruth’s, George Row, Npton, 9pm, then Miss Mics & DJ Ryan Dorrian.

Lebburn Maddox & guests at Charles Bradlaugh, Earl Street, Npton, 8pm. Free entry.

Australian prog rock band Voyager at the Zombie Hut, Rockingham Road, Corby. Doors 8pm, Entry £5. Support from Agent Band and Divine Solace.

THEATRE

Becket, by Masque Theatre, The Great Hall, Northampton Guildhall, 7.30pm. Tickets 07586 288793

The Vicar of Dibley at the Star Hall, Laws Lane, Finedon, 7.30pm. Tickets £7.50. 01933 680680/ 682013

Dusk, The Core at Corby Cube, 10.30am & 1.30pm, Corby 470470

Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, Royal Auditorium, 2.30pm & 7.45pm, Northampton 624811

OTHER

Wellingborough Ramblers walk (7.5 miles). Start at The Lamb, Stoke Goldington, 10am. 01933 441270

The Giddings – Kettering & District Ramblers Club (6.5 miles). Meet Great Gidding. 01832 275611

Afternoon Walk with Northampton & District Ramblers (5.5 miles), 2pm from the car park next to Holiday Inn, Bedford Road, Npton.

Afternoon Walk with Northampton Ramblers (5.2 miles). Meet 2pm at the village green outside The White Horse, Old.

Charity Jumble Sale in the School Rooms, Main Street, Church Stowe, near Weedon, 2pm. 50p adults/children free. In aid of Army Benevolent Fund.

Table Top Sale, St Francis Church, Eastfield Road, Duston, 10am–noon, with toys, books, clothes, bric-a-brac. Free entry. Book a table £5. 01604 753679 or email office@duston.org.uk

Northampton Town & County Art Society Annual Exhibition, Guildhall Road, Npton, 10am–5pm (until Dec 6). www.ntc-artsociety.co.uk Free entry.

Coffee Morning hosted by Desborough & Rothwell Trefoil Guild at the Trinity Centre, off Market Sq, Rothwell, 10am–noon. Free admission.

Kettering Stamp & Philatelic Society’s Autumn Stamp Fair at Ise Lodge Community Centre, Kettering, 10am–4pm.

Gift & Craft Fair (& Sunday), 80 stalls at Lamport Hall in the stable block, 10am–5pm. Adm £3.50 adults/£1.50 children.

Coffee morning at The Toller Church Rooms, Gold Street, Kettering, 10am–noon, hosted by KOS Musical Theatre Co.

Jumble Sale, Bugbrooke Community Centre, 2pm. In aid of Bugbrooke Girl Guides.

Bath Bomb Workshop at Irchester Country Park, £25, booking on 07896 429738

Ukelele workshop for beginners, 10am–3pm, Northampton Museum and Art Gallery. Tickets £34. 01604 838111 or www.northampton.gov.uk/musems

Coffee morning (and shop) at Laxton Village Hall, 10am–noon.

Harvest Festival Weekend at Harlestone Church. Open church with teas and floral & art displays, 11am–4pm (& Sunday 2pm–4pm).

SUNDAY, October 12

MUSIC

Crazy for Gershwin, Derngate Auditorium, 3pm, Box Office Northampton 624811

Bobby Daniels, Brafield WMC, A428, from 8pm.

Barry Palser’s Super Six at The Walnut Tree Inn, Blisworth in the Ellington Suite, noon–2.30pm. Admission £8

Ali By Request at Kingsley Park WMC, Npton

Open Mic hosted by Hannah Faulkner at Ken’s Diner, Finedon, 2pm–4.30pm

The Annie Whitehead Quartet at The Angel Hotel, High Street, Market Harborough, 12.30pm. Adm £12 (non-members £14). www.harboroughjazz.com

OTHER

Craft, Gift & Vintage Market, Newton Hall Indoor Market, Newton Road, Rushden, 10am–3pm.

Countryside Walk nr Knuston. Meet Whitefriars Junior School, Boughton Drive, Rushden, 10am for 10.15am departure. 01933 316927
Wellingborough Ramblers walk (11.5 miles). Meet at Church Lane (rear of Church of Holy Sepulchre), Npton at 9am for 9.30am start from slip road off A428 Warrington.

Circular Day Walk with Northampton & District Ramblers (5.5 miles). 2pm from the car park next to Holiday Inn, Bedford Road, Npton.

Kettering Vintage, Antiques & Collectors’ Bazaar, Arena Sports, Thurston Drive, Kettering. Entry 8.30am £4, entry 10am £3. www.b2events.info

Antique, Vintage & Collectors Fayre at Cheyne Walk Club, Npton, 10am–4pm

Sunday Walk with Waendel Walkers Club. Circular routes from The Wheatsheaf, West Perry (choice of 6 or 12 miles), 10am. 50p entry. For more info www.waendel.org.uk

MONDAY, October 13

MUSIC

Wind & Strings & Voices at Quaker Meeting House, Wellington Street, Npton, 7.30pm

Acoustic Open Mic at The Woolpack, Rothwell, 9pm

Folk Jam Session at The Artichoke, Moulton, 8pm. Free entry. 07913 615183

THEATRE

Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, Royal Auditorium, 7.45pm, N’pton 624811

OTHER

Movie Night at The Picturedrome, Kettering Rd, Npton, 8pm. Tonight: Edge of Tomorrow. Free entry.

COYS Touch Rugby Club training at Dallington Park, Npton, 6.30pm. www.pitchero.com/clubs/coystouchrugby

Just Voices singing group meet at Kingsthorpe Baptist Church, 7pm. 01604 717866

Northampton Morris Men practice 8pm–10pm, for ages 18–80. Instruction is given. www.northamptonmorrismen.co.uk

TUESDAY, October 14

MUSIC

The Dave Johnson Band at the Wig & Pen, St Giles St, Npton, 9pm. Free entry

Northampton Male Voice Choir meets 7.30pm at Kingsley Park Methodist Church Hall, N’pton. www.nmvc.co.uk

Mugenkyo Taiko Drummers concert of thundering rhythms, masked choreography and inventive lighting at Lighthouse Theatre, Kettering. Tickets 01536 414141.

THEATRE

Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, Royal Auditorium, 7.45pm, N’pton 624811

OTHER

Wellingborough Ramblers walk (5 miles), start at The Greyhound pub, Milton Malsor, 10am. 01604 762242

“Music Choices” discussion groups at NASO, St Michaels Road, Npton, 10.30am. More details 01604 858252.

WEDNESDAY, October 15

MUSIC

Wednesday Beat Scene at The Headland, Longland Road, N’pton feat Classic Covers Band.

The Tom Gee Band at Wednesday Blues Club, The Malt Shovel Tavern, Bridge Street, Npton, 8.45pm.

The Freight Train Jam at Thomas A Becket, St James Road, N’pton, 9pm

Phil’s Mighty Music Quiz at The Lord Byron, Kingsley, Npton

THEATRE

Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, Royal Auditorium, 7.45pm, N’pton 624811

OTHER

Wellingborough Ramblers walk (8.25 miles). Start at The Swan, Lamport, 9.30am. 01604 405521

Morning Walk with Northampton & District Ramblers (6 miles), 9.30am from Red Lion, Hellidon. Park in pub car park if dining after walk.

Morning Strollers Walk with Northampton Ramblers (3 miles). Meet 10am Harlestone Heath.

Alpine Garden Society meets at Weston Favell Parish Hall, Npton, 7.15pm.

Wear Something Pink! Deafconnect hosting a Coffee Morning at Spencer Dallington Community Centre, Tintern Avenue, Npton 10am–1pm. £1 entry – for Cancer Research

Charity Night in aid of Breakthrough Breast Cancer at The Serina Restaurant, Desborough, 6pm. Pink dress code.

Celebrated singer-songwriter Seth Lakeman returns to Royal & Derngate this weekend.

Lakeman released his seventh album, Word Of Mouth, earlier this year and during his career has successfully steered English folk into the musical mainstream

The new single, The Wanderer is released later this month to coincide with this UK tour.

Earlier this year, Lakeman joined the BBC Concert Orchestra as part of the BBC Radio 2’s D-Day commemorative concert at the Royal Albert Hall

He also appeared on the Folk Awards where The Full English group, which Seth is part of, won two awards Best Album and Best Group.

Word Of Mouth features the stories of West Country people who inspired the album.

His previous albums include Mercury-nominated Kitty Jay and the gold-selling Freedom Fields.

Seth Lakeman plays Royal & Derngate on Saturday, October 11.

Support is by Churchill.

Doors open at 7.30pm, tickets cost from £21.50

For more information, visit www.sethlakeman.co.uk and to book, v isit www.royalandderngate.co.uk

Broad grins on the faces of trainer Robin Dickin and jockey Charlie Poste revealed a thrilling picture after Garrahalish had made a successful transition to fences at Towcester on Wednesday – jumping his five rivals into submission.

Garrahalish was one of five of the seven winners which made all of the running on the Northamptonshire track at its first National Hunt fixture of the season – you are almost tempted to say ‘like a greyhound out of a track’.

With race goers able to assess for themselves the course’s new greyhound track for themselves, with the first meeting on December 6, it was always likely to be a seasonal curtain-raising day providing plenty of talking points.

Yet the victory of the Dickin-trained six year-old placed itself near the top of the list with his second victory from three visits to the course, with the handler, based at Alcester near Stratford, revealing this could be one of six potential ‘Cheltenham’ horses at his yard, also including the likes of Restless Harry and Thomas Crapper.

A clearly buzzed up Poste described Garrahalish’s jumping as ‘electric and explained: “We gave him a school yesterday as we had been waiting for the ground. For a big lad he is incredibly nimble and chasing was always going to be his game.”

Garrahalish was sent off the 9/4 second favourite, a market position which Combustible Kate, the first scorer of the new season, also adopted, although she was returned at 2/1.

Trained by Nick Kent at Brigg in Lincolnshire, Combustible Kate ran out a two length winner from chief market rival The Kvilleken in her 23rd career start.

Kent was able to show a photograph on his phone of a nasty, deep cut suffered by the right year-old bay mare in March, just one of many frustrations to have prevented her from winning before now.

The trainer said: “She was kicked through a fence in the paddock by another horse and the bruising went down to the tendon. That was just one of a series of niggles and setbacks.

Kent looks like a young handler worth following, with this being his third jumping winner of the season as well as one on the flat from a modest string of 14 horses.

Phil Middleton won the valuable Saturday handicap hurdle at Market Rasen and was on the mark with 9/4 favourite Con Forza, who burst through under Ryan Hatch, while the concluding bumper was also a result for folowers of market leaders thanks to the Kim Bailey-trained Gold Man (evens).

Longer priced winners were 8/1 chance Vertueux, a grey handled by Tony Carroll who did most of the work from the front under Lee Edwards, battling back successfully when headed, and Georgian King (5/1) which took the 3m handicap chase for trainer Martin Keighley and jockey Ian Popham.

Towcester’s next National Hunt meeting is on Thursday November 6.

The Chronicle & Echo have teamed up with Tetley’s to offer a lucky reader the chance to watch Saints take on Sale Sharks in the Aviva Premiership this Saturday - and also enjoy some brilliant hospitality in the new Carlsberg Lounge at Franklin’s Gardens.

We have teamed up with Tetley’s, the Official Beer of Northampton Saints, to offer a pair of tickets to this weekend’s big clash with Sale.

Sharks visit the Gardens, the home of the Premiership champions, on Saturday for a 3.15pm kick-off.

The match promises to be a dynamic clash, and one lucky reader and a friend can be there to watch the action and enjoy some first-class hospitality in the Carlsberg Lounge.

To stand a chance of winning this great prize, simply answer the following question:

Where do Sale Sharks play their home games?

Send your answer via email to chron.sports@northantsnews.co.uk stating your name, address, age and a daytime telephone number.

The winner will be selected at random at 11am Friday morning, and will be notified shortly afterwards.

Windmill Warriors moved to the premier division summit thanks to a 5-1 thrashing of previous leaders FC Gallery.

Ross Arundell (2), Andy Seaton, Ryan Andrew and Matt Culley got the goals for Warriors.

Second-placed Dynamo came out on top of a seven-goal thriller at Monks Park WMC, winning 4-3 thanks to efforts from Dean Lukeman, Liam Grisley, Dave Barrack and Jamie Podkowka.

Midshire Electrical suffered their third league defeat on the trot as Standens Barn claimed a 4-2 away win. Strikes came from Perry Moore, Kieran Flower, Ben Foster and an own goal.

St Margaret’s recorded their second league win of the campaign with a 4-2 win over Royals. Joey Evans, Perry Wells, ex-Cobblers man Courtney Herbert and Lynval Da Costa were the men on target.

In division one, Kingsthorpe Wanderers remain unbeaten following a 3-3 draw at home to Devonshire Club.

Mark Faulkner and John Shakespeare both found the net to earn the leaders a point.

It’s five league losses in five for MDS Rangers, who were beaten 4-1 at home to Wootton Fields Wanderers.

Second-placed FC Victoria eased past Spartak in a 5-2 win. Dan Cotton (2), Darren Wright (2) and an own goal ensured all three points went to the home side.

In division two, FC Locomotiv Moulton hammered bottom club Thorplands Club 81 16-0.

Strikes were shared between Joe Bomben (4), Kyle Daniels (3), Steven Archer (3), David Brown (2), Stephen Duffy (2), Luke Wilson and an own goal.

Billing United eased their way into the next round of the NFA Sunday Vase with a 5-0 win over Parklands Phoenix.

Steve Warner, Ben Turvey, Chris Wilson, Nick Ling and Tom Lavell were the men on target. Deers Leap were also 5-0 winners as goals from Joe Dewar, Danuals Newby, Danny Brown, Darrel Earl and Scott Hardy sent Kettering Park Avenue packing.

Zac Adams’ goal couldn’t prevent Manfield Rangers from exiting the competition as they were edged out 2-1 at Corby Sporting Club.

Karl Hoy, Dane Salmon and Denham Salmon rose to the occasion, all bagging doubles in an 8-0 home win over Park Royal. Alex Nimmo and Ryan Elliott also netted.

Thorplands Club 81 Reserves go through thanks t0 a 3-1 win at the expense of Kettering BTT United. Andrea Cranston, Maurice Hogg and Nathan Garofalo were the men on the mark.

Monks Park WMC Reserves are out as they went down 4-1 at home to FC Jeckyll. Sean Bellham (2), Sam Mennell and Ollie Anderson did the damage.

Earls Barton and Golden Horse also successfully progressed. Barton won 4-0 at AFC Obelisk, while Golden Horse beat Pitsford Rangers 3-1 thanks to strikes from Gareth Errington, Ant Kirby and James Dean.

In the NTFA Plester Shield, Billing United Reserves came out on top by the odd goal in five at AFC Pioneers. Lee Fellgate, Tom Wiles and James Bell got the goals.

AFC Thorpe smashed five past The Dons without reply to comfortably progress to round two. Men on the mark were Ricky Matthews, Ryan Thomson, Matthew Phillips, Kyle Genner and Thomas Jeffs.

Yusen Logistics are out after losing 2-1 at Abington Town City. Butcher Loco had no such problems though, romping to a 6-0 success over Swan & Helmet Reserves. Jake Carley led the way with a hat-trick, while there were singles from Ben Spick, Chris Agnew and Chris Culley.

Hartwell Forest scraped through on penalties after scrapping out a 0-0 draw with Sixfields Rangers. Forest won 4-1 on spot-kicks.

Northampton Hotspur strolled through thanks to a 5-1 home win over Spring Park, goals coming from David Williams (2), Danny George, Jonnie Spooner and Mike Thornley.

Richard Dunkley, Jack Grant and Luke Johns all netted to steer Thorplands Club 81 A to a 3-2 win at Pitsford Rangers, while Thomas Davies and Jordan Wallington sctruck for Woodford United in a 2-1 victory at Royal Reserves.

Frankie Belfon scored five times as Zedi United tonked FC Pioneer 8-1. Luke Pankewycz chipped in with two, Jack Kirton a single.

MDS Rangers Reserves and Welland Valley were two other big winners last weekend.

Rangers saw off Real Roochers 7-2, while Welland hit six past FC Beath in a 6-2 win.

Joining them in round two will be Bat & Wickets Reserves and Brafield United. Bat won 4-1 at Spartak, Brafield swept aside Vesta 4-0.

Part of a road in Northampton has been closed to traffic after an accident involving a vehicle.

The accident happened in St George’s Avenue,outside Avenue Campus at about 11am.

Ambulance service vehicles and police cars attended the scene.

St George’s Avenue has been cordoned off between Barrack Road and Trinity Avenue.

With Thorplands Club 81 struggling to field a full team through a long injury list, 73-year-old club secretary Colin Lee played in goal becoming the oldest player in the league’s history.

Duston Dynamo took full advantage of Thorplands’ weakened side hammering them 13-0.

Samuel Mizen led the scoring for Dynamo with five 
goals and was well supported with two strikes each for Phillip Day, Daniel Parry and Jimmy Tkilla plus singles from Matthew Bruley and Ben Jones.

FC Shelley Road moved up to second spot on the back of a convincing 8-1 triumph over Sporting Bat & Wickets. Aston Pink and Donavon Williams both completed a hat-trick to go with a double strike from Paul Ekins which left Greg Barnard to score the pub mens consolation.

JLB beat Liberty Stars 3-2 with their goals being shared between Ben Gerner, Aaran Goodman and James Tyne.

In the NFA Area Cup, Falcons United Reserves were edged out by the odd goal in five by Corby Ravens Reserves. JK Blisworth A lost 2-0 at home to Deanshanger.

Sam Astle and Robert Harrison played starring roles as Northampton Obelisk cruised into the next round of the NFA Area Cup.

Astle and Harrison both struck twice in a 6-2 win over Corby Pegasus Reserves. Graeme Ahearn and Ben Smeeton were also on target.

Northampton Mereway had a thumping win over Irthlingboro Rangers, winning by a 10-1 scoreline.

In an all-Combination game Weedon Res had a good tussle with Corby Kingswood and it was Weedon that progressed with a 5-3 win.

Corby Eagles Res had a close-fought game with Bugbrooke A with the home team going through 7-6.

Daventry Drayton Grange secured their passage to the next round with a 5-1 win over Wilby Res.

Earls Barton Reserves will join them as they comfortably saw off Corby United 6-2.

Spratton Res had a good day, knocking out lowly Milton Reserves in a 12-1 win.

Heyford Reserves played host to North Bucks League side Silverstone Reserves and the hosts went through 2-1 courtesy of goals from Darren Kahan and Blake Threadgold.

In the premier division, Brixworth shared the points with Corby Eagles after the sides fought out a 1-1 draw. Brixworth’s goal came via Craig Rose.

James King Blisworth took advantage of struggling Corby Locomotives, hammering six goals without reply. Ross Arundell, Andy Seaton and Aaron Chilton (4) all netted.

Harpole made home advantage count by beating Earls Barton United 2-0.

Harpole goals came from Shaun Markie and Daniel Surridge.

Milton held league leaders Gretton to their first 1-1 draw of the season.

Roade romped to an 8-0 victory over Stanion Redstar, who are struggling to fine their form.

Weldon United were just too strong for Moulton and overcame them 2-1. Moulton’s reply came from Darren Inns.

Division one action saw a 4-2 win for Drayton Grange over rivals Burton United, while Wootton St George were edged out 3-2 by Corby Grampian.

Fourth-placed Heyford Athletic slumped to a 2-0 loss against Kettering Orchard Park.

In division two, Grange Park Rangers’ disappointing start to the season continued as lost out by the odd goal to FC Titchmarsh.

Higham Ferrers had a bad day and dropped down a place after a defeat by Northampton SPA.

West Haddon Albion thrashed Stanwick Rovers 9-3, while Kislingbury shared the spoils in a 2-2 draw with Walgrave Amber.

Third and fourth played each other and it was third-placed Spratton that took the spoils against Wellingborough Rising Sun by 8-3 a game that Spratton went on all-out attack from the kick off.

Division three leaders Northampton Spartak had a good win against bottom markers Corby United by 9-0 to keep them top of the table.

Wellingborough Gleneagles was the game of the Division with a total of 8 goals 4 for Gleneagles and 4 for Northampton Falcons.

Falcons’ goals came from Brady Smith (2), Duane Hall and Jamie O’Keefe.

Phil Spalding and Neil Taylor take their collective musical talents to The Picturedrome on Saturday.

Bassist Spalding (pictured) has played with the likes of Mick Jagger, Elton John, Joe Cocker and Suggs while guitarist Taylor has performed with acts including Tears for Fears, Robbie Williams and Tina Turner.

Spalding is bringing his acclaimed bass playing and chat show, Music and Mayhem, to the Northampton venue while Taylor will be performing some solo material before the pair unite for a finale. The night is being held to help raise money for the charity, Hep C Positive.

The group was founded by Spalding who is keen for his first support self-help group to be set up in Northampton.

For more information about the group, visit www.hepcpositive.org.uk

Doors at the Kettering Road venue open at 7.30pm and tickets cost £8 on the door. For more details, visit www.richardsonsevents.com

Crazy For Gershwin brings Broadway glamour and toe-tapping tunes to the Royal & Derngate on Sunday in a celebration of the works of George and Ira Gershwin.

The pair wrote some of the most-loved music in the American Songbook and this concert celebrates some of their very best work.

Songs including Someone To Watch Over Me, A Foggy Day in London Town and excerpts from Porgy And Bess will be performed by the London Concert Orchestra who will be joined by guest vocalists, Meeta Raval (pictured) and Rodney Earl Clarke.

Ballroom duo James Wilson and Leila Stewart will bring fast-paced dance to the show, alongside West End tap dancing sensations Oliver Botterill and Lucy-Alexa Gilbert and pianist Jonathan Scott.

Crazy For Gershwin is on Sunday 12 October at 3pm.

Tickets cost from £29.50 before fees and are available by calling 01604 624811 or via www.royalandderngate.co.uk

Rhythm and blues legends Dr Feelgood and folk rock pioneers Steeleye Span both head to the Lighthouse Theatre in Kettering for shows this weekend.

Formed on Canvey Island in Essex in the early 1970s, {http://bit.ly/1xxchyb|Dr Feelgood|} are one of the most popular rhythm and blues acts in the world and have enjoyed global success with a string of hit singles including Milk and Alcohol, Down At The Doctors and See You Later Alligator which gave the group their first gold record.

They play tomorrow, October 10.

Doors open at 8pm, tickets cost £18.50.

Steeleye Span play the venue this Saturday as part of their 45th year anniversary tour.

The folk stalwarts re-release their album Wintersmith which was written in collaboration with Terry Pratchett as a Deluxe Edition this month and earlier this summer introduced Jessie May Smart to their ranks.

Doors open at 7.30pm and tickets cost £21 in advance.

Tickets for both shows are available in advance via www.lighthousetheatre.co.uk

Sixteen-year-old Academy player Saif Zaib has signed a three-year contract with Northamptonshire.

Zaib made his first team debut last summer at the age of 15 when he struck an unbeaten half-century in the second innings of a game against Durham University.

He continued to impress for the County’s second team and also hit a double hundred for the Royal Grammar School in Wycombe, where he also comleted his GCSE exams this year.

Zaib also scored his maiden Home Counties Premier League hundred for High Wycombe and was selected for the England Schools Under-17 side in their game at Lord’s recently.

County chief executive David Smith said: “This is a ground-breaking move for Northants and reflects Saif’s potential and our view that his progress will be further accelerated by training alongside our professional staff.

“The game is getting younger and faster and Saif, being a three dimensional cricketer, is exactly the profile of cricketer we need more of and will invest in.”

Academy Director and second team coach Phil Rowe added: “Saif is a gifted lad who has learned very quickly in his time with us.

“He’s a popular lad, who plays with a smile and who has an obvious love of the game.

“I’m very pleased that the club has shown this level of support for a developing young talent from our Academy.”

A burglar who pushed her way into a house in Northampton stole a handbag containing photos and other items.

Police are appealing for witnesses following the burglary in Beech Avenue, Abington, Northampton.

A police spokesman said: “A woman walked into a house, pushing past one of the occupants, claiming that she was there to clean. She stole a handbag which contained a quantity of cash and irreplaceable family photographs, again pushed past one of the occupants, and left.”

The burglary happened on Tuesday, October 7 at about 9.30am in the morning and police released details of it today.

The burglar is described as white, 20 to 25 years old, 5ft 2in, slim and wearing a dark grey cap and a lighter grey, knee-length coat.

PC Richard Bailey said: “This was a horrible crime committed against two elderly and vulnerable victims in their own home during the day.

“Aside from the monetary value of what has been taken it’s also notable that irreplaceable family photographs have been taken too.

“I doubt these mean much to the thief but are of significant sentimental value and the victims would very much like them returned.

“The best chance we have of doing this is to catch the person who did this, so I would ask anyone who has any information at all to contact us.”

Witnesses, or anyone with information, are asked to call Northamptonshire Police on 101. Alternatively, they can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

Work to build the new East Stand at Northampton Town Football Club has ‘temporarily stopped’ according to a Cobblers spokesman, following a ‘dispute’ with the contractors managing the project.

The announcement today confirms rumours that workers on the site of the multi-million pound development at Sixfields had downed tools on Monday.

The new stand is set to include corporate boxes and the Legends’ Lounge area, paying tribute to the history of the club, as well as a large concourse and indoor family fans’ village, providing activities on match days.

It was initially due to be open in September, but a fortnight ago the club made a statement to say it would not be ready for the foreseeable future.

However a statement issued by the club in the last few minutes confirms that work has currently stopped on the stand.

The statement reads: “Northampton Town Football Club would like to apologise to supporters that updates regarding the building of the East Stand haven’t been as detailed or as regular as we would wish.

“There is currently a contractual dispute and building on the new East Stand has temporarily stopped. This has not come as a surprise or a shock to the club and was expected.

“We understand that supporters are eager for detailed information and we also understand that in the absence of such information the vacuum is filled with rumour, counter rumour and speculation, with nearly all such speculation incorrect.

“We accept the need to communicate in much greater detail, and as soon as we can, we will.

“However, we hope supporters understand that with legal matters pending we are unable to do so currently. We apologise for this but we have no choice. We know this is frustrating for supporters and it is equally frustrating for the club.

“We would like to thank all supporters for their patience and we will update in as much detail as soon as we possibly can.”

Those who had bought season tickets for the East Stand have been given seats in alternative stands.

A fortnight ago a statement on the club website, said this was not “an admission that the stand will not open this season.”

The statement went on to read: “When the stand is open we will of course swap the season tickets back but the club feel this is the method of least disruption for those supporters affected.

“Wheelchair and carer supporters do not need to change, they should keep their East Stand season tickets.

“The club will be working to contact all East Stand match and season ticket holders by phone, but supporters affected who wish to contact the club are welcome to do so, either at box.office@ntfc.tv or by calling 01604 683777.”

A 45-year-old man has been taken to hospital following an accident involving three cars in Northampton today.

Police and Northamptonshire Fire Service attended the scene near a Tesco garage on Wellingborough Road.

The fire service said they removed a person from a vehicle, who was then taken to hospital.

Police confirmed a 45-year-old man who had been in the middle vehicle of the three-vehicle accident was taken to hospital.

All other passengers were “shaken” but unharmed and it is also believed that the rear vehicle may have been leaking fuel.

The fire service closed the road at 1.10pm, causing a road block and slow traffic around the area.

The Cobblers will be without their leading goalscoring for the visit of third-placed Burton Albion to Sixfields on Saturday (2pm kick-off).

Marc Richards’ name was added to a lengthy Cobblers injury list after the striker strained a hamstring in the 2-1 win at Portsmouth on Tuesday night.

Richards, who has scored eight times this season, is set to be out for between four to six weeks.

Chris Hackett was rested completely at Fratton Park to keep him fresh for Saturday and Ivan Toney only played the final 13 minutes of the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy second-round tie.

Kelvin Langmead is now fully fit and goalkeeper Matt Duke should return to the squad after shaking off a thigh problem. Gregor Robertson is available again after suspension.

Lewis Hornby, Ian Morris, Evan Horwood, Emiles Sinclair, Danny Alfei and former Burton Albion defender Zander Diamond will all be missing for the game.

Burton’s only absentee is Jimmy Phillips, who damaged a posterior cruciate ligament in his knee in the summer.

County A skipper Barry Wilson fears the lack of an outstanding fifth player ‘buffer’ could yet be harmful to his side’s chances of retaining the John Henry Winter League title.

County’s period of summer dominance came to an end when Corby TC A snatched that crown from their grasp, ending a winning streak of five years, but Corby do not take part in the winter competition.

Even so, County were only able to kick off their defence with a 7-1 win away to Duston United A on Friday night, a contest they would normally have expected to breeze. Certainly, Duston coach David Barr and his partner Olli Conopo exuded happiness after taking a set from Jonny Searle and Ben Foster, in Barr’s case, after many years of trying!

In the first round of matches, Wilson and Dave Garrett beat Barr/Conopo 6-2, 6-3 while Searle/Foster were 6-3, 6-4 scorers against Ian McIlwaine and Connor Evans.

Then after the turnaround, Wilson/Garrett beat McIlwaine/Conopo 6-2, 6-3 while Searle/Foster halved 3-6, 6-3 with Barr/Conopo.

Wilson said: “It was a match where we would probably have expected to get an 8-0 and although Jonny and Ben weren’t too happy about it at the time, it was a case of their opponents playing well. You had to say ‘well done’.

Wilson especially had words of praise for Conopo, last year’s Barritt Young Player Of The Year for the league, and added: “He’s a good lad with the right attitude and is playing well. Our match with them wasn’t an easy 6-2, 6-3 – the score probably didn’t do them justice.”

Looking at the bigger picture, Wilson added: “We should have our usual four for most of the winter matches but we found out in the summer we can drop the odd set when we don’t. Dean (Gayton) is our fifth man but is not often available due to his coaching work which is quite full on. It is good that Ben is happy to commit, while also playing his football for Brixworth.”

Barr said: “We are only in the top division due to a league re-shuffle so that was a good start for us.”

Twenty four hours earlier, Dallington A men had opened their winter campaign with a 5-3 win away to Rugby A, despite not being able to field the quartet which brought them success in the Mellor Cup final in September.

Stephen Guy and Oli Reis picked up three sets, winning one match and halving another, while Dan Pawlusek and Richard Leder won one and lost another, dropping an exciting tie-break 14-12 in the finale of the first set. Pawlusek said: “Whoever won that first set was probably going to take the second which they did 6-3.”

Both County A and Dallington A’s next matches are against Northampton B, on October 24 and 27 respectively.