Ryan Cresswell says the Cobblers will not give up on reaching the play-offs until it becomes mission impossible.

Town are now five points adrift of the top seven after taking just a single point from the Easter weekend double-header against AFC Wimbledon and Cambridge United.

And with five games to go, it looks a tall ask for them to book a place in the end-of-season shoot-out.

But Cresswell is refusing to give up hope and says he and his team-mates will give it everything in closing stages of the current campaign.

“Monday’s defeat (to Cambridge) was a massive blow, but we need to pick ourselves up and go again because it’s not over until it’s over,” said the centre-back.

“Until it’s mathematically impossible we’re going to give it everything.

“We gave it everything on Monday and it wasn’t enough but hopefully on Saturday it will be.”

Town travel to Stevenage this weekend, knowing a win is a must as they bid to make up some ground.

Stevenage currently occupy sixth spot and can be caught, with Cresswell hoping Cobblers’ fan power can push them to a vital three points.

“It could be huge for us,” he said. “I think plenty of our fans will be there.

“They saw on Monday and during the past few weeks they effort and the drive is there.

“You can really see the support really ignites the lads and they push forward from it.

“Stevenage will be looking for three points to keep us away and we’ll be looking for three points to get ourselves back in there.

“Hopefully we’ll get a massive crowd behind us and put a big performance in.”

Burglars stole a laptop containing family photos after they broke into a house in Northampton through a dog flap.

The burglary took place in Harborough Road on Thursday, April 2.

The thieves stole a purse, watch and a metallic red 17in laptop computer which contained family photos.

Police would like to speak to anyone who may have witnessed this incident or who may have any information regarding it.

Witnesses or anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101 or the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

The Chief Constable of Northamptonshire Police has announced he is to retire in July this year having completed 30 years service.

Adrian Lee has led the force since October 2009 and previously worked as deputy chief constable of Staffordshire Police. He started his career at Greater Manchester Police in 1985.

Mr Lee, age 56, said he was proud of what he had achieved alongside Police and Crime Commissioner Adam Simmonds, who was appointed in November 2012.

He said: “It has been a huge privilege to serve as the Chief Constable of Northamptonshire Police. The force has so many amazing men and women, serving in all capacities, who share my view about the importance of vision, values and vocation in policing and work so hard to deliver the vision: to be the safest county in the country.

“Northamptonshire has led the way in adopting the new governance arrangements and Adam Simmonds, the Police and Crime Commissioner, and I have a joint commitment to seek the best for the people of the county.

“The Police and Crime Plan is enabling us to deliver better services at a time of significant financial constraint.

“To do that we have established ourselves as national leads on collaboration through our work with other forces in the East Midlands Region, other forces in the country, our work with Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service and with other county partners and stakeholders.

“I am proud of all that we have achieved together and the positive impact the force has had on so many lives. Strong foundations have been built for the challenges ahead.”

Police and Crime Commissioner, Adam Simmonds, who will now begin the task of appointing a new Chief Constable, has paid tribute to Mr Lee.

He said: “I am incredibly grateful for all his support, advice, consideration, grace and friendship over the past two years. He has shown considerable loyalty to our county and to the best principles of policing.

“The fine position of the force, our strategic plans and the direction of travel have been placed in such a good position through his leadership.

“I am very grateful for his dedication in making Northamptonshire Police the best it can be and getting us further on the journey towards Northamptonshire being the safest county in England.”

A woman was assaulted in Upper Mounts during the early hours of Easter Sunday.

The 31-year-old woman was near the former Chronicle and Echo site when the assault took place sometime between 4.30am and 5.30am on Sunday.

The offender was a tall man of large build.

Police would like to speak to anyone who may have witnessed this incident or have any information regarding it.

Witnesses or anyone with information about this incident is asked to call police on 101 or independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Bus fare prices will be going up across the county from this Sunday (April 12).

Stagecoach announced the 2.5 per cent increase earlier today (Wednesday) and said the price-rise was in response to rising staff costs and restrictions on public sector investments in buses.

A spokesman for the firm said: ”The changes mean that weekly unlimited local travel Stagecoach, which has the lowest bus fares of any major operator in the UK, will cost 1.83 a day in Northampton.

“The fares increase, which follows an annual review, is broadly in line with increasing staff costs resulting from growth in the economy.”

Steve Burd, Managing Director of Stagecoach Midlands, said: “Many sectors of the economy are facing rising costs and buses are no different. Prices are also being affected by the continued restrictions on public sector spending on buses.

“We have done our best to hold down prices for our customers. Stagecoach still has the lowest bus fares of any major bus operator in Britain and catching the bus is still significantly cheaper than commuting by car.

“We are continuing to use the money we get from fares to reinvest in greener buses, smart ticketing and other improvements to services, as well as our employees who deliver these vital bus service in our communities.”

More information is available at {http://www.stagecoachbus.com/northants|www.stagecoachbus.com/northants|Stagecoach}.

UK comedian Ross Noble’s television show about Northampton, which aired last night on Dave, emphasised the importance of the town’s modern history, the county council chief executive has said.

Paul Blantern, CEO of Northamptonshire County Council, who featured throughout the programme, said he really enjoyed being part of the filming of the show.

He said: “I learnt a lot about the town and its people that I didn’t know before, especially the amount of celebrities that came from here.

“While we celebrate our ancient heritage, we have a lot of contemporary history that we must remember as well. Factories leftover from our infamous shoe industry, for example, would make really good sites for filming.

“We just don’t do enough to celebrate our localities and people.”

During the show, the Newcastle-born comedian chatted to people in the streets and even went to the homes of some who contacted him through Twitter. The idea to feature the town in the second series of his Freewheeling show followed a tweet from a resident saying the town was “****”.

In July last year, he spent two days in the area as he attached makeshift blue plaques to the former homes of local celebrities such as actor and presenter Rober Llewellyn, comedian and presenter Alan Carr, and radio DJ Jo Whiley.

He also enjoyed a tour of the Museum & Art Gallery and threw a DVD from the top of the National Lift Tower.

During the show, watchers from Northampton took to Twitter to share their views about the town.

@HeavyDale tweeted: “As a newbie to Northampton I quite enjoyed it. Also don’t think it is as bad as people make out.”

@DanBichener tweeted: “I like it - the streets may not be the cleanest but it’s got great parks and pubs and I can get most things via a short walk!”

Mr Blantern, who took part in a staged “conversation” with Alan Carr - which involved implying that he thought it was Jimmy Carr - added: “I wanted to take part as a way to start engaging more with our young people.

“Part of my role is to advocate our county town and, as a council, we often talk about how we can retain the young people who graduate from the University of Northampton. So I wanted to take part in something that would appeal more to them, even if it did involve making a slight fool of myself on television.”

A woman was threatened with a knife and had jewellery stolen from her wrist after four burglars broke into her home in Northampton.

Four men forced their way into a house in High Street, Kingsthorpe sometime between 10.30pm and 11pm on Tuesday, March 31.

The men initially attempted to enter the house through the front door. When this failed, one of the offenders entered through the back door and let the other men into the house through the front.

The victim, who was in the house, was threatened with a knife while the offenders searched the property.

The burglars ran off with jewellery from the house and items that were being worn at the time by the victim.

The men ran from the house after the victim smashed a window and called for help.

They ran to a parked car, that they are believed to have arrived in, which was parked near to Liquid Design.

They travelled in the dark coloured hatchback style car up towards Welford Road and turned right.

All men are described as being white, about 5ft 6ins tall and wearing face coverings.

Officers are looking for witnesses who may have seen the vehicle or individuals acting suspiciously at the time of or after the incident.

Anyone with any information can call Northamptonshire Police on 101. Alternatively, they can call the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

The friend of a Northampton teenager who a coroner ruled took his own life said he was a talented artist who was greatly missed by all who knew him.

Kirk Bradley Green, aged 18, was found dead at his flat in Kingsley Road on November 20.

At an inquest into his death held at County Hall on Wednesday, county coronor Anne Pember read a statement written by his close friend Reed Whiles, which said the teenager was “always laughing and carefree”.

Mr Whiles wrote: “He loved music and made really cool spray paint art. He was a clever guy with lots of interests - whenever he found a new interest he would master it in days.

“Kirk also liked cooking and was really good at it.

“We all miss him and wish he was still around.”

The former Northampton College student spent some time working in retail for a Two Seasons shop before he died.

The coronor ruled Kirk had taken his own life.

Exeter Chiefs prop Tomas Francis believes Saints will be ‘looking for a fight’ at Sandy Park on Sunday.

But he insists his side are ready for the reaction Jim Mallinder’s men will aim to produce after last Saturday’s sobering defeat at Clermont Auvergne.

Saints were beaten 37-5 in their Champions Cup quarter-final at Stade Marcel Michelin.

And they will be desperate to get back on track by continuing to cement their place at the Aviva Premiership summit.

But Francis, who was in the starting 15 for Exeter’s 24-18 win at Saints in November, is adamant his team are not scared of the champions.

He said: “After going to Clermont and getting a bit of a lesson, we know they’ll be coming down here absolutely firing.

“We also beat them up at Franklin’s Gardens earlier in the season, so they really will be fighting here - but that just excites us even more as a group.

“They’ll be looking for a fight and we are ready to take them on in that.

“We put our game on well when we beat them last time, we took them on at what we think their strengths are, and our fitness and everything else came together, so it just came to fruition.

“I think whoever wins the upfront battle will win the game, and if you’re scared about that there’s no point playing.

“It is what you want in rugby - to play the best and to beat them.”

Chris Wilder has stressed the Cobblers have taken huge strides forward under his management.

And the Town boss is adamant they can still finish this season with a flourish as they prepare for a crucial final five games in Sky Bet League Two.

Wilder’s side were beaten 1-0 by Cambridge United at Sixfields on Monday, leaving them five points adrift of the play-off places.

But the manager was happy with the attitude and desire his players showed and he feels it is a stark improvement on how Cobblers were playing before his arrival in January last year.

“I was watching Northampton a year and a half ago and that would have been a three or four nil defeat on Monday,” said former Oxford United boss Wilder, who steered Town to safety last season.

“But it wasn’t and we’ve given it a right go.

“As a manager, I think ‘have we pushed the opposition and have they come off thinking ‘have we had to work to earn that result?’.

“One thing I hate, especially here, is that people walk away with three points and they’ve not had to work hard for it.

“They’ve had to put everything on the line to get those points on Monday.

“We’re bitterly disappointed that we’ve not got the result we want - me, the players, the chairman and, most importantly, the supporters.

“But we go again at Stevenage this weekend, we’ll give it a right go and I’ve never seen a season out at any club, because that’s just now the way I’m built.

“We’re going to go right to the end, to the very last minute of the very last game because we’ve got a responsbility to go right to the end and give the supporters 100 per cent commitment.

“Who knows? There’s still five games left, 15 points to play for and we know we can win.

“If we walk off the pitch this week with a win, all of a sudden we’re back into it.

“We’ll go again full of confidence, full of drive.”

THURSDAY, APRIL 9

MUSIC

The Roy Hawksford Band at the Stirrup Cup, Barton Seagrave, 9pm. Free entry.

The Simon & Garfunkel story, Derngate Auditorium, Guildhall Rad, Northampton, 7.30pm. Box Office 01604 624811

Country Jam Session at Kingsley Park WMC, N’pton

Electric Jam Session at The Woolpack, Rothwell, 9pm. Drums provided, bring your own sticks!

THEATRE

Cyrano De Bergerac, Royal Auditorium, Guidhall Rd, N’pton, 2.30pm/7.45pm. Box Office 01604 624811

Our Town, Masque Theatre, Church of the Holy Sepulchre, Sheep Street, Npton, 7.30pm. Box Office 07586 288793 or www.masquetheatre.co.uk

OTHER

County Market in The Chantry House, Towcester, 8.30am–noon.

Yoga at Stanwick Village Hall, 6.30pm–8pm. Free trial session, no obligation. Call Patricia 01832 358329 or email Patriciazstarkey@aol.com

Clickers, Cutters & Quarrymen – Burton at Work exhibition in the Burton Latimer Heritage Museum.

NAB Mobile Sight Centre visits outside McDonald’s, Wellingborough town centre, 10am–1pm

Hairy Caterpillar Workshop at Abington Park Museum, 1pm–3.30pm. Nature themed workshop suitable for all ages. £2pp.

Morning Walk (4.5miles) with Northampton Outdoor Group. Meet at Jubilee Playing Fields CP, Weedon, 10am. 01604 755786

FRIDAY, APRIL 10

MUSIC

Disco at The Sunnyside PH, Boughton Green Road, Kingsthorpe, 8pm

Kontra Roots Club at Kennedy’s Bar, Finedon, 8pm. Free. www.kcbworld.co.uk

BoomBastic celebrating all things 90s at The Picturedrome, Kettering Rd, Npton, 9pm. £6 (advance only)

Russell Watson, Derngate Auditorium, N’pton, 7.30pm. 01604 624811

THEATRE

Cyrano De Bergerac, Royal Auditorium, N’pton, 7.45pm. 01604 624811

Chicago Blues Brothers, The Core at Corby Cube, 7.30pm. 01536 470470

Our Town, Masque Theatre, Church of the Holy Sepulchre, Sheep Street, Npton, 7.30pm. 07586 288793 or www.masquetheatre.co.uk

OTHER

Quiz Night at Brafield WMC, A428.

Tai Chi, Duston Village Hall, Sycamore Road, 1.30pm–2.30pm. £4.

Gentle Yoga at Stanwick Village Hall, 2pm–3.15pm. Free trial session. 01832 358329 or email Patriciazstarkey@aol.com

Bugs About at Brixworth Country Park. Sessions commence 11am, 12.30pm & 2pm. Mini Beast Safari, £2 per child. Booking recommended – www.northamptonshiregov.uk/parks

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

NAB Mobile Sight Centre will be near Corby Cube in Georrge Street, Corby, 10am–2pm

SATURDAY, APRIL 11

MUSIC

TTT Disco, farewell reunion to celebrate disco’s 50th anniversary, 8pm–12.30am at Northants Cricket Ground, Wantage Road, N’pton. Advance tickets £8. 01502 581900.

Riff Raff at Great Doddington WMC, Lower Street

Spencer Jordan, at Brafield Working Mens Club, A428, from 8pm.

The Tom Betts Band – Classic Rock at Walnut Tree, Station Road, Blisworth, 9pm. Free.

Kate Axten at Northampton WMC, Sheep Street, Npton

Club Murphys at Charles Bradlaugh, Earl Street, N’pton. 9pm–3am

Superfly at The Picturedrome, Kettering Rd, Npton, 8pm. £5 entry

Saturday Sessions at Auntie Ruth’s, George Row, Npton, 8pm

Disco at Semilong WMC, St Andrews Road, Npton

The Halestones at Kettering Rifle Band Club, Havelock Street, Kettering

THEATRE

Cyrano De Bergerac, Royal Auditorium, N’pton, 2.30pm/7.45pm. 01604 624811

That’ll Be The Day, Derngate Auditorium, N’pton, 7.30pm. 01604 624811

Jim Dale, The Core at Corby Cube, 7.30pm. Box Office 01536 470470

Our Town, Masque Theatre, Church of the Holy Sepulchre, Sheep Street, Npton, 7.30pm. 07586 288793 or www.masquetheatre.co.uk

OTHER

Military Fitness Class for adults and children at Delapre Park, Northampton, 9.30am to 11am. www.bpt-uk.com

Clickers, Cutters & Quarrymen – Burton at Work exhibition in the Burton Latimer Heritage Museum.

Tulipmania, a solo exhibition of work by Northampton Professional & International Selling Artist Angela Stanbridge at Oakapple Art Gallery, 200 Sywell Road, Mears Ashby, 10.30am to 4.30pm. Free entry. www.oakappleart.co.uk

Wellingborough Ramblers walk (7 miles). Start nr the church in Draughton Road, Maidwell, 10am. 01604 450946

Naturally Playful at Brixworth Park, 11am–3pm. Natural collages, nest making, den building, in Baldmoney’s wood or Woodpecker room if wet. £1 per child. www.northamptonshiregov.uk/parks

Northamptonshire Young Farmers’ Big Spring Working Weekend (& April 12). Ploughing Match (on Sunday) at The Mere, Walgrave Road, Holcot. In aid of Warwickshire & Northamptonshire Air Ambulance & Prostate Cancer UK. £5 entry. Booking forms available from YFC Office, Moulton College, Lodge Farm, Pitsford Road, NN3 7QL or

kate-everard@btconnect.com

Wedding Flowers workshop at Bay Tree Cottage, Maidford Road, Farthingstone. www.btcworkshops.co.uk

Rushden Pensioner’s Forum Coffee Morning, St Peter’s Church Hall, Midland Road, Rushden, Cakes, Gifts, Bric-a-Brac. Admission 50p.

Table Top Sale at The Pemberton Centre, H E Bates Way, Rushden, 10am–noon. Entrance £1, children free. To book a stall, email karen_aves@hotmail.co.uk

Morning Walk with Northampton Ramblers (6 miles). Meet 10am at the Church of St Michael and All Angels, Creaton. Walk via Cottesbrooke and Hollowell.

Afternoon Walk with The Ramblers Association (5.25 miles), 1.30pm from the bridge over the A45 (Weston Mill Lane), Northampton.

Fibre to Fabric exhibition at Northampton Museum and Art Gallery (until May 3). Showcasing the many skills of the members of the Northants Guild of Spinners, Weavers and Dyers.

Annual Show of the Northampton Alpine & Rock Gardening Group, Weston Favell Parish Hall, N’pton , noon–3pm.

Annual Jumble Sale at Cranford Village Hall, 2pm–4.30pm. Homemade cakes and plenty of tea and coffee. 20p adm.

From Art To Commerce, workshop for artists; each session has a business focus; NN, Number Nine Guildhall Road, N’pton,11am–1pm. www.nncontemporaryart.org

Table Top Sale, Kingsthorpe Baptist Church (entrance Waitrose Car Park), 10am–noon. Admission 20p

SUNDAY, APRIL 12

MUSIC

Music and Hoy at Queens Park WMC, Npton

TAB, Sunday Jam at Thomas A Becket, St James Rd, Npton, 9pm

D-Trio, Brafield Working Mens Club, A428, from 8pm (plus bingo).

Barry Palser’s Super Six with John Crocker at Walnut Tree Inn, The Blisworth, noon–2.30pm. Admission £8

Christopher Koenig conducts Beethoven & Elgar, Derngate Auditorium, N’pton, 7.30pm. 01604 624811

Harborough Jazz presents two local groups, SUS4 and Free Rangers at Angel Hotel, High Street, Market Harborough, 12.30pm. Admission, members & guests £8, non-members £10. Contact 01858 466737 or www.harboroughjazz.com

THEATRE

Jim Dale, The Core at Corby Cube, 7.30pm. 01536 470470

OTHER

Car Boot Sale, Harpole Playing Field, 8am to 1pm. Sellers 7am.Please park in playing field, not in village.

Circular Day Walk with The Ramblers Association (10.5 miles). Meet leader 9am Church Lane (rear entrance to Church of Holy Sepulchre) for 10am start from slip road off A43 signposted Cottisford.

Valley & Views, circular walks through the beautiful Welland Valley starting at The Village Hall, Wilbarston, (3, 7, 16 or 26 miles). Start times and entry fees vary. See www.waendel.org.uk

St Luke’s Second Sundays, St Luke’s Church, Main Road, Duston, 1.30pm–4pm. Homemade soup & roll, cakes, crafts.

Car Boot Sale at Nene Park Stadium, Irhtlingborough. Sellers 7am; Buyers 8am. www.nenecarboot.info or 07712 114819

Antiques Fair in Wicksteed Park’s newly renovated Edwardian Pavilion, Kettering, 9.30am–4.30pm. Entry £2.50pp (under 16s free). www.fielddogfairs.com

MONDAY, APRIL 13

MUSIC

Acoustic Open Mic with Darryl & Jim at The Woolpack, Rothwell from 9pm.

THEATRE

Cyrano De Bergerac, Royal Auditorium, N’pton, 7.45pm. Box Office 01604 624811

OTHER

Movie Night at The Picturedrome, Npton, showing St Vincent, 8pm. Free entry.

TUESDAY, APRIL 14

MUSIC

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

THEATRE

Cyrano De Bergerac, Royal Auditorium, N’pton, 7.45pm. 01604 624811

OTHER

Classic Movies Afternoon brings you films from the Golden Age of cinema at The Picturedrome, Kettering Rd, Npton, 1pm

Wellingborough Ramblers walk (6 miles). Start nr The Vane Arms PH, Sudborough, 10am. 01604 718576

“Handbook Topic” with Maureen Cross. Discussion groups at NASO, St Michaels Road, Npton, 10.30am to 11.45am. 01604 858252.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 15

MUSIC

J for Jazz at The Coach & Horse, Lubenham, 8.30pm. 01848 463183.

Jazz & Blues at Charles Bradlaugh, Earl St, Npton, 8.30pm. Free entry

The Freight Train Jam at Thomas A Becket, St James Road, Npton, 9pm

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

Legends Open Mic at Kitty O’Shea’s, St Peter’s Way, Npton, 8pm

Riverside Blues Band – Wednesday Blues Club at The Malt Shovel Tavern, Bridge Street, Npton, 8.45pm. Free

Damones – Wednesday Country Music Scene, The Headland, Longland Road, Npton, 8.30pm.

THEATRE

Cyrano De Bergerac, Royal Auditorium, N’pton, 7.45pm. 01604 624811

OTHER

Meditation with Sounds, at the Elgar Centre, Upton, 7pm–9pm, Adm £7, 07957 646075.

Craft Club – knitting, stitching and cardmaking, Hazlewood Community Centre, Gainsborough Road, Corby, 7pm–9pm. Contact Kay on 07910 989410

Mums, Grannies, Childminders & Toddlers, Church Hall, Edinburgh Road, Kingsthorpe, 1.30pm–3pm.

“Trust Me, I’m Your Tour Manager” with Frank Faulkner. Discussion groups at NASO, St Michaels Road, Npton, 7.30pm to 9pm. 01604 858252.

Gretton Baptist Church Women’s Rally starting at 2.15pm, followed by a tea in the church hall (High Street).

Wellingborough Ramblers walk (7 miles). Start The Montague Arms PH, Barnwell, 10am. 01536 726588

Morning Walk with The Ramblers Association (6.2 miles). 9.30am The White Horse, Norton. Use pub car park. No dogs.

Evening Walk, circular route starting and finishing at The Red Lion, Yardley Hastings, 6pm. 50p entry fee. More info www.waendel.org.uk

Irthlingborough Community Cinema showing “The Ladykillers” at Irthlingborough Methodist Church, College Street, 2pm. £4 (pay otd).

NAB Mobile Sight Centre will be visiting Daventry Town Centre, near Shopmobility, in New Street, 10am–1pm

THURSDAY, APRIL 16

MUSIC

Acoustic Jazz, Blues, Indie & Soul, Bootleggers, Wellingborough Road, Npton, 8.30pm

Rock ‘n’ Roll Tea Dance at the Picturedrome, Kettering Rd, N’pton, 1pm.

All That Jazz at the Stirrup Cup, Barton Seagrave, 9pm. Free entry.

THEATRE

Cyrano De Bergerac, Royal Auditorium, N’pton, 2.30pm/7.45pm. 01604 624811

The Supreme Fabulettes, Derngate Auditorium, N’pton, 8pm. Box Office 01604 624811

OTHER

Quiz at Monks Park WMC, 259 Wellingborough Road, Npton, 9pm. Free entry.

Quiz Night at The Sunnyside PH, Boughton Green Road, Kingsthorpe, 8pm

Pre School Disco Duck Dance – ballet sessions for pre-school and infants (2-4 years) at Stanwick Village Hall, 3.10pm–3.40pm. www.disco-duck.co.uk. Call Lucy to book 07788 983403

Saints fly-half Will Hooley will join Exeter in the summer after agreeing a two-year deal at Sandy Park.

The 21-year-old is a former England Under-20 international and has played seven times for Northampton this season.

“He ticks a lot of the boxes for us. He’s the right age to be developing another 10, he’s got a very good skill set,” said Exeter boss Rob Baxter.

“The timing is good for both of us. Will’s probably ready for a new challenge and we’re ready to bring a young fly-half into the club.”

Hooley will vie with Henry Slade and Gareth Steenson for the number 10 jersey next season.

“Will’s not come here to be third choice,” said Baxter.

“One of the nice characteristics about him is that he wants to come here and become the number one.

“He’s aware we have two very good fly-halves here under contract and he has his work cut out, but the fact that he wants to come here and he wants to work very hard to break into that.”

Heyford Athletic were the weekend’s big winners as they romped to an 11-2 victory at Corby Ravens in Duston Garage Division One.

Zach Pugh-Brooks led the way with six goals, with others coming courtesy of Laurence Buck, Daniel Houverkis, Kasy Morgan, Chris Peck and Mark Hogg.

Weedon put up a good fight against league leaders Clipston but found them too strong, losing out 3-1.

Daniel Jennings got the only goal of the game for Weedon.

Brixworth All Saints will play Welford Victoria in the final of the Duston Garage Premier Division KO Cup after both sides won their semi-final ties last weekend.

Brixworth secured an excellent 2-1 victory over high flying Corby Eagles, while Welford beat Harpole 2-0.

In the Duston Garage Premier Division, Nathan Burrows’ goal couldn’t prevent Earls Barton from going down 2-1 to Gretton.

Twelfth-placed Kettering Nomads held Roade to a 1-1 draw.

Weldon United had a comfortable 3-0 win over Milton to move three places up the table. Goals came from Jake Thompson (2) and Sean McGillick.

In Duston Garage Division Two, Corby Shamrock took another step to a second promotion with a 3-1 home win over mid-table Kislingbury. Kislingbury’s goal came from Stuart Schofield.

Grange Park Rangers recorded only their fifth win in 23 games with a 2-1 away success against Higham Town.

Stanwick Rovers slumped to another defeat at the hands of third-placed Spratton, who won 2-0.

Wellingborough Rising Sun, lying in second place in the table, had the ideal preparation for their cup final with a 3-1 home win over West Haddon Albion.

In Duston Garage Division Three, Inter Corby recorded their second win of the season with a 4-2 home win over mid-table Northampton Obelisk.

Northampton Mereway could not make home advantage count against local rivals Northampton Falcons going down 2-1 to the fourth-placed side.

Yardley United have had a good first season in the Combination, and they won 2-1 against Corby Strip Mills to stay mid-table.

James King Blisworth Reserves won the Duston Garage Reserve Premier Division title with a game to spare with a fine 4-0 victory over Harpole Reserves.

That makes it a league and cup double for Blisworth Reserves, who beat Grampian Reserves in the division cup. Tom Heath, Dale Lewis, Rob Anderson and Sam Anderson were the men on target.

Moulton Reserves played host to Corby Grampian Reserves and it was the home side that sent the 
Corby outfit home empty-handed, Moulton scoring eight without reply.

Roade Reserves enjoyed a fine 6-1 home win over visitors Wollaston Victoria Reserves to stay in second spot for the time being.

Spratton Reserves finished their Duston Garage Reserve Division One programme with a 3-3 home draw against Earls Barton Reserves.

Earls Barton’s goals came from Jordan Hobdey (2) and Darren Bryan.

In Duston Garage Reserve Division Two, Bugbrooke B, lying first in the table, played host to second-placed Daventry Drayton Grange Reserves and it turned out to be a tight game with Grange coming out on top 4-2.

Goals for Bugbrooke came from Jonathan McNeillie (2), but Grange won it with strikes from Scott Baxter (2), Daniel Hutchinson and Adrian Biggins. Grange have a game in hand over Bugbrooke.

West Haddon Albion Reserves came up against in-form Corby Shamrock Reserves and the Corby side showed they have a good chance of snatching the title with a 4-2 away win. Shamrock have games in hand but need to win them to take the title.

An end-to-end League Cup game between FC Shelley Road and Falcons United Reserves finished with Falcons just edging out Shelley by the odd goal in five.

Strikes from Donavan Williams and Ashley Taylor gave Shelley hope, but a double strike from Lee Chester and a single from Richie Collier was enough to give Falcons victory.

However, Shelley Road still progressed into the semi-final, finishing second in group two of the League Cup table and they will play Liberty Stars, 
while the other semi-final will see JLB host Delapre Old Boys.

The Northampton Town & District League are looking for new teams for next season.

Anyone interested in playing football in a well run league on a Saturday afternoon with the minimum amount of travelling, get in touch with league secretary Marjorie Bateman on Northampton 715215 or marjoriebateman822@gmail.com or chairman Roy Ainge on royainge@btconnect.com.

AFC Houghton Magna kept the pressure on Denton at the top of the premier division with a 12-0 win over AFC Trinity.

Andy Pixton and Tom White each helped themselves to five goals, while singles from Jamie Lovell and Ryan Noakes completed the rout.

Denton were also victorious, winning 3-1 against Eastern United thanks to goals from Robbie O’Neill (2) and Ben Cook.

In division one, AC Squirrels had to settle for a point as they were held to a 3-3 draw by Real Roochers.

Nathan Oldham (2) and Roy Long were on target for Roochers.

The battle between second and third place also ended in a draw.

Lord Byron and Kislingbury played out a 1-1 stalemate.

Bat and Wickets closed the gap on third place Kislingbury with a 5-1 victory over AFC Crown.

Norteles secured a good victory last weekend. They beat West Haddon Albion 3-2 to keep them in sixth.

Scorers for Norteles were Seb Thompson and two goals by Tom Martin with Karl Shingler scoring two for West Haddon Albion.

Trinity Old Boys went down by the odd goal in seven against Royal All Stars.

The big match in division two saw second-placed Earls Barton United take on third-placed Nene.

Nene won the game comfortably, securing a 4-0 success thanks to goals from Anthony Bell, Paul Pearson, Stuart Cruickshank and James Beedie.

After winning last week, Albany Athletic came down to earth with a 3-2 defeat against Nomads of Barratts.

In division three, Abington Town City kept the pressure on leaders Sixfields Rangers with a 6-3 victory over Pitsford Rangers Reserves.

Scorers for Abington were Edward Cotton-Howells, Tom Clark, Sean McKenna, Jack Ratcliffe and two from Alex Quatrine.

Sixfields Rangers remain two points clear at top of the table with an 8-3 victory over Jameeah FC.

Two of Sixfields’ strikes came from Connor Leeson, while Chris Lynch and Billy Torpey hit hat-tricks.

Cobblers boss Chris Wilder says Marc Richards could be fit to face Oxford United at the Kassam Stadium on Tuesday night.

But he says Saturday’s trip to Stevenage will come too soon for the striker, who has netted 17 times in Sky Bet League Two this season.

Richards has not played since the 1-0 home win against Portsmouth on March 3 after suffering an Achilles tear.

But he could be back to boost Cobblers’ play-off bid next week, while Ben Tozer, who suffered a knee injury in February, is also nearing a return.

“Ben Tozer trains today, which is a big boost for us,” said Wilder on Thursday. “Marc Richards is another two or three days on with his rehabilitation and getting closer to being involved.

“He won’t be involved at the weekend, but he might be involved for Oxford on Tuesday.

“All the players in that squad are desperate to contribute and get themselves back fit.

“We don’t entertain anyone who thinks their season is over and wants to have a bit of a jolly up.

“Players work extremely hard when they’re not available for selection and they’ll be looking to get themselves fit as soon as possible.”

John-Joe O’Toole missed Monday’s 1-0 defeat to Cambridge United with a hamstring injury and he will be assessed ahead of the game at Stevenage.

“He’s got a problem with his hamstring so he’s another one we’ll assess,” said Wilder.

“Diego (De Girolamo) was involved on Monday, which was really good, and he comes into our thoughts as well.

“We’ve got a change of shape in us and we did that on Monday, but we have the shape that has done particularly well since Christmas.

“There’s a lot of thinking to be done because it is a big game, but we’ve got to take a lot of things into consideration.”

Devonshire Club won the NFA Sunday Trophy after coasting to victory in a one-sided final against FC Victoria.

Devonshire won 5-0 thanks to goals from Matthaus Bates, Ryan Brown, Joe Hanley, Stephen Chambers and Dan Healey.

Zedi United and Butcher Loco will contest the Captains Cup final after both sides won their semi-final ties on Easter Sunday.

Luke Pankewycz got the only goal of the game in Zedi’s game at Thorplands Club 81 A, while Chris Cully (2), Ben Spick and Chris Moore all struck in Butcher Loco’s 4-2 win over Spartak Reserves. Harry Mundy netted twice in response for Spartak.

Dynamo moved five points clear at the top of the premier division with a 3-0 win at Royals.

Dean Lukeman and Bayley Leslie netted, with the other coming via an own goal.

Second-placed Standens Barn, who were without a game on Sunday, will win the league title if they win their two games in hand.

In division one, MDS Rangers ended their season without a league win as they were edged out 1-0 at home to Kingsthorpe Wanderers.

Adam Quigley got the only goal of the game.

AFC Dee remain four points clear thanks to a 3-1 win at Spartak.

Kieran Faulkner, Andrew Smith and Dthaniel Westorn were all on target for Dee.

Second-placed Devonshire Club won 5-3 at Wootton 
Fields Wanderers. Ryan Brown led the scoring with two, while there were also singles from Stephen Chambers, Sam Nunn and Robert Hanley.

Wootton replied through Pierre Coleman, Ollie Judge and Matt Hall.

Division two champions Golden Horse ended their league campaign in style with a 7-2 victory at home to Billing United.

Gareth Errington (2), Charlie Whiting (2), Richard Cricket, Darren Sterling and James Dean got the goals. Tom Wilds netted twice in vain for Billing.

Hartwell Forest replace Butcher Loco at the top of division three following a 3-1 win over AFC Pioneers.

Matt Souster scored for visitors Pioneers, but strikes from Michael Winch, Ricky Reeve and Jarvis Bigley won it for Forest.

In division four, AFC Thorpe and Welland Valley were forced to settle for a point apiece after a 3-3 draw.

Adam Hillyard, Ryan Thomson and Michael Cromey netted for Thorpe, Lewis Collings (2) and Nick Marriott doing likewise for Welland.

Vesta’s long run of league defeats continued as they were edged out 2-1 by Yusen Logistics.

Taylor Shelton’s goal was cancelled out by efforts from Ashley Meeks and Nathan Crook.

Health secretary Jeremy Hunt has accused Labour of making false promises after his opposite number agreed to hold talks on expanding Northampton General Hospital if elected.

In January NGH bosses outlined plans to expand the facility with new wards for children and babies, an eye surgery hub and an expanded critical care wing.

Last week Labour’s shadow health secretary Andy Burnham promised to hold a ‘health summit’ in the town to discuss the proposals if his party wins the election, which would almost double the footprint of the site.

The plans would need government approval and funding.

But on a visit to Northampton yesterday, the current health secretary Mr Hunt refused to make the same promises as Andy Burnham.

He said: “I think that was just talk - what we can offer is much better than that - because if the economy carries on growing because we stick to our economic plan then we can actually put more money into the NHS.”

He added: “We will always look very carefully about plans developed locally for a new hospital footprint, but all of it is just talk unless you have a strong economy.”

Mr Hunt said Mr Burnham was using NGH as a political football.

“It’s the oldest trick in the book to turn up at a marginal seat and give a hint that you will build a new hospital without giving any idea where the money would come from,” he said.

“All I would say is an experienced politician like Andy Burnham should know better.”

Mr Hunt had been knocking on doors in the Abington area with Northampton North Conservative Michael Ellis and said that people he spoke to had generally positive things to say about NGH.

He said: “What people can see in Northampton is that they are seeing a hospital that is doing more than it has ever done with more doctors and more nurses.”

MP Mr Ellis said: “Frankly it’s political opportunism promising hundreds of millions of pounds in un-costed and un-funded development, which is misleading and irresponsible.”

Last week Mr Burnham said that Northampton’s hospital staff were “working in facilities that are long past their useful life.”

Though he promised to table talks about expanding he hospital in Northampton, he said: “I can’t wave a magic wand today and say it will all be paid for.”

Parliamentary candidate for Northampton North sally Keeble has been contacted for a comment.

A record number of Wootton Road Runners took part in the Oakley 20 mile race in Bedfordshire last weekend as the warm-up to the spring marathon season continues.

With many runners hoping for success at London, Manchester and Hamburg in the coming weeks, the undulating 20 mile race offered a popular pre-marathon challenge for 42 of the clubs hardiest runners.

Lazloe Boden made short work of the blustery conditions to take 15th place overall in an impressive time of 2.11.21 with Mark Nightingale and Graham Hollowell the next Wootton runner’s home in times of 2.32.18 and 2.32.50 respectively.

Solid performances from Chris Chapman, 2.34.34 and Mike Carrea, 2.34.51 put them just ahead of Paul Northern in 2.38.31, Niall Gardiner 2.41.44 and new runner Andy Mayes in 2.42.23. Nick Matthews, 2.45.04 and Phil Wood, 2.47.01 also dipped under the 2.50 mark while John Ferris’ good form ahead of the Manchester marathon later this month continued with a time of 2.46.19.

Jenny Green was the first Wotton lady to complete the race in a time of 2.43.14 ahead of the improving Eliza Kurczewska in 2.48.54 and Laura Stevenson in 2.54.57, a PB of over 10 minutes.

Running together, Gabby Deere and Helen van Uem recorded a time of 2.57.41 just ahead of Steve Borondy, 2.58.25, Tony Swindells, 3.00.02 and Angus Stevenson, 3.00.20.

Despite illness, Deana Loveridge finished in a creditable 3.09.48 and there was another PB for Vicky Greenshields whose excellent form continues as she took another 10 minutes off her previous best to finish in 3.14.26, just ahead of Sharon Mayne in 3.19.49.

Initially hoping to complete the race in under 3.20, Mick Turner will be very pleased to come home in 3.12.05, while a sprint finish for Tim Molloy gave him a time of 3.22.19.

Liz Cahill and Tracey Ferris finished together in 3.28.23 just ahead of Estelle Young in 3.30.46.

Several Wootton runners have also journeyed further afield to take on races in the US over the last couple of weeks with Nicola Deether completing the San Francisco Half in 1.57.13 and Michelle Lewis competing in both the New York Half Marathon and the New Orleans 5km.

Priors Hall’s Joe Tyler claimed the overall prize in the third event on Shires Junior Golf Tour as the 21-handicapper grabbed 38 points at Wellingborough.

Millie Billson (Northants County) carded the same mark to clinch the Silver Division by one from Natasha Wainsley-Thomas (Whittlebury), who won the longest drive, and Owen Watts (Kingsthorpe). Kibworth’s Stephen Hebborn bagged the nearest the pin prize.

The Bronze category went to Fabien Clark as the Staverton member’s tally of 35 points lifted him two ahead of Finlay Cummings (Beds & County).

Third spot went to Northampton’s Ellis Whittles, who hit the longest drive, while the nearest the pin went to Woburn’s Tyler Crosta.

Andrew Watson (Overstone) struck the longest drive on his way to first place in the Golf Division as a total of 35 points nudged him one ahead of the Beds & County duo of Tom Mead and Elliot Smith. Mead also picked up the nearest the pin in two prize on the 18th hole.

Not for the first time this season some of the best scores came in the Copper section as Kettering’s Ashleigh Critchley took the plaudits with 30 points over nine holes.

Brampton Heath’s Amelia Humphries (28) finished runner-up by three points from Kai Williams (The Bedford), while Katie Amos (Northants County) won the longest drive and the nearest the pin prizes.

EuroPro

Five Northamptonshire golfers will be looking to earn full playing rights on the 2015 EuroPro Tour as they compete in the Final Stage of Qualifying School at Frilford Heath this week.

Wellingborough pros Ryan Evans and Kyson Lloyd, Brampton Heath’s Dan Wood and Matt Hodgkiss and Northampton amateur Simon Williams play 36 holes on the Red and Blue Course. The top 80 in a field of 240 players then compete over 18 holes on the final day.

Evans goes into the event in great touch after shooting the lowest score in any of the five regional qualifiers as he won the first stage at Burhill with a three-under-par total of 141.

Lloyd and Wood also qualified at Burhill in 23rd spot, Hodgkiss finished 24th at Mottram Hall, while Williams carded two consistent round at The Players Club on his way to 19th place.

Kingsthorpe

Tony Carter and Chris Dolman carded the joint best round of net 66 in the April Medal as they finished one shot ahead of Nigel Cole. Leigh Woodward (73) picked up the Alfa Romeo prize, which goes to the leading player who won a Medal last season.

Davy Brown’s tally of 40 points secured victory in the Seniors Easter Cup as he squeezed one ahead of Seamus McCabe. A further four points off the pace were Ryan Woodhouse and Bob Lees.

Whittlebury

Gill Long and Kevin O’Keefe were successful in the Mixed Betterball Cup as their Good Friday tally of 43 points lifted them one ahead of Joanne De Waele and Paul Wikeley.

A strong start and a brilliant finish were the key to Michael Urwin’s convincing victory in the Tony Dear Bogey Competition as he finished four holes up. No other player managed to get the better of the course with runner-up Nigel Troup one of five players to end all square.

Overstone Park

A steady back nine made the difference for Alan McNeil in the April Midweek Medal as he beat Chris Hoy on countback with a net 73. On a difficult day for scoring, Mark Wheeler was third on 74.

Matt Wake carded 10 gross pars in the April Medal as the 17-handicapper romped to a four stroke victory from Dave Mandley (net 70).

Collingtree

Andrew Garner drove to victory in the opening stableford of the season as he won the Audi Stableford by two points. Runner-up Conor Rosling and Andy Billson, who picked up the gross prize, both carded 39 points.

Colin Wilson overcame a difficult start to win the Seniors Residential Challenge on countback from Peter Scholes as both men shot 35 points.

Brampton Heath

Consistency was the key factor for Michael Grimmer in the Seniors Easter Stableford as he carded the leading mark of 38 points. Norman Vaughan (35) took second by one point from four others.

Delapre

Carolyn Coxon recorded a comprehensive victory in the Ladies Stableford Challenge Cup as the high-handicapper smashed a brilliant score of 40 points. Pamela McCarty was a distant second.