Poppies return to top of table

Kettering Town returned to the top of the Evo-Stik Southern Central Division One after a 2-1 victory over struggling opponents Beaconsfield SYCOB.

The Poppies battled hard to pick up three points at a freezing Latimer Park, after not having played since their 2-2 draw with fellow title contenders Aylesbury over three weeks ago.

An early goal from Andy Hall and one 12 seconds into the second half from Dubi Ogbonna proved to be too much for the Rams.

The visitors had the first real chance of the game, with Tom Grant’s free-kick being poorly cleared, before Kurtney Brooks attempt was deflected over by Poppies midfielder Brett Solkhon.

Ogbonna allowed team-mate Hall to get on the score sheet in the 29^th minute, providing a through ball to the unmarked winger who tucked the ball past the helpless Brendan Hackett.

The Poppies came close to doubling their lead just a few minutes later, with Elliot Sandy’s back-heeled pass finding Ogbonna who forced Hackett into making a save.

The Rams managed to find their way back into the game just before the half-time whistle through a wonderful strike from Ollie Jones. Brooks found the midfielder on the edge of the box, allowing him to unleash a half-volley into the top corner.

Ogbonna got the goal that he deserved as soon as the second half went underway, finishing calmly into the far corner.

The Luton Town target went close to getting a second after the hour mark, with a fantastic ball from Hoban finding the forward. Hackett managed to parry the first effort but the follow-up effort had to be cleared off of the line.

The Poppies' next game sees them travel to Potters Bar Town on Saturday afternoon, with the aim of staying at the top of the table.

Attendance 401

Mayor of Kettering opens new enquiries desk

The Mayor of Kettering has officially opened Northamptonshire Police’s new enquires desk at Kettering Borough Council’s headquarters.

Superintendent Andy Cox also joined the Mayor, Councillor Duncan Bain, at the facility’s opening, with the headquarters located at Bowling Green Road.

Councillor Bain stated: "We now have a centre here for all kinds of things. We've got things like blood testing services and council services, so it makes sense to have the police here too. It's a win-win situation.”

It was announced in December 2014 by the police there were plans in place to relocate the front desk to the neighbouring council building from the Kettering police station.

The main aim of the relocation is to improve the force’s visibility in the town in relation with the police’s Futures Programme, which was created to ensure policing was at the core of the community in Kettering.

Supt Cox stated: "There was a bit of a sterile feeling around the old front desk at the police station and it wasn't particularly user friendly.

"Here, the footfall is much greater. Even though we were in the town centre previously, we're finding that we're far more accessible and more people are coming to see us."

A select few of police staff have been shifted to the council’s headquarters as a result of the relocation, however, Kettering Police Station will continue as a functioning centre for police officers and support staffs, which mean no changes will take place there.

A move comparable to this took place in Northampton in February 2014, when the public enquiry desk was relocated to Northampton Borough Council’s One Stop Shop at the Guildhall from Campbell Square.

Talking about the upsides of relocating to a more predominant site, as well as functioning with the council, the District Commander for Northampton, Supt Mike Stamper, stated: “Since moving our front desk to the Guildhall, we've seen an increase in the number of visitors and people have told us they would have been unlikely to visit a police station, but feel much more comfortable going to a multi-agency building.

“I’m really encouraged by the positive response we've had and believe the move has proved we can provide a quality service to the public without being based in a traditional police station.”

By Matt Hamblin

Saints sign Samoan full-back Tuala

Ahsee Tuala. Image here.

Northampton Saints have signed Samoan full-back Ahsee Tuala until the end of the season.

The 25-year-old will help cover for the loss of England international Ben Foden, who suffered a knee injury earlier on in this campaign that will keep him side-lined until next season.

Tuala has made one international cap for Samoa, and has played 51 games for former New Zealand club, Counties Manuaku.

Saints Director of Rugby Jim Mallinder said: "Ahsee is a quality player who can play in a number of positions.

“And he is well known to our other Samoan internationals, who will no doubt help him fit into the culture here at Northampton and the way we do things.

“Ben Foden’s unfortunate injury means that we need cover at full-back ahead of what is a challenging few months for us."

Northampton Saints next game sees them entertain London Irish on February 13.

By Daryl Greenland