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‘Help us as we survey the night sky’

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Rural campaigners and astronomers are calling on ‘citizen scientists’ to take part in Star Count 2013 – a cosmic census which will help map light pollution across the country.

CPRE dark skies campaigner Emma Marringto said: ‘The survey will help us measure the extent of light pollution. We want to use this evidence to convince ministers and local councils of the need to take action to tackle it, for example by ensuring that the correct lighting is used only where it is needed and when it is needed. This would cut light pollution, reduce carbon emissions and save money at the same time. Some local councils are already taking action to tackle light pollution in their areas, we need more to do the same.”

You can take part on any night between Friday and next Saturday, February 16.

Locate the Orion constellation, which is in the southern night sky (the direction that satellite dishes face). The main area of the constellation is bounded by four bright stars. Your count should not include the four corner stars – only those within the rectangular boundary – but do include the stars in the middle known as Orion’s three-star belt – see illustration at www.cpre.org.uk

It is recommended that observations are made after 7pm so the sky is sufficiently dark. Try to do your count on a night when the sky is clear, with no haze or clouds. People should make a count of the number of stars seen with the naked eye (not with telescopes or binoculars) and then simply complete the online survey form: www.cpre.org.uk/starcount


Henry demands Hatters take FA Cup form into league campaign

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Hatters captain Ronnie Henry has urged his side to use the confidence gained from reaching the FA Cup fifth round into their league campaign, writes Mike Simmonds.

Town entertain Forest Green Rovers at Kenilworth Road tomorrow, starting the game 12 points behind leaders Grimsby Town and Henry said: “It can only help. We’re quite behind in the league and that is our number one priority to get promoted.

“You can’t ignore an FA Cup run for a club like us. We know we’re a big club and expected to be in the league.

“I’m sure the players are good enough. They’ve shown at Norwich we are good enough to get in the Football League, we’ve just got to do it.

“That’s hanging over our head and we will do it, but the FA Cup is fantastic. It’s such a buzz, when you’re young you dream of winning the FA Cup, who knows?
“It’s going to be difficult. We have to move on and concentrate on the league which is what well do.”

For all the latest Luton Town FC news, reports, stats, player profiles, live match updates, MOM poll, prediction table and a complete fixture list, visit our {http://www.lutontoday.co.uk/sport/football/hatters-microsite|Hatters Microsite|Click here for the Hatters Microsite}.

Jobs: Accountants are raking it in!

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Accountants’ pay has risen by a whopping 7 per cent in the last year, according to a report.

Accountancy and finance recruiter, Marks Sattin, says the average salary in the number-crunching profession has risen by 5 per cent from £60,788 to £64,022.

When the average bonus of £11,012 is included, the total pay of accountants has risen even more.

Dave Way, managing director of 2013 Market Report author Marks Sattin said: “These figures are a huge boost for accountants and offer proof of the resilience of accountancy as a profession. In tough financial circumstances, companies have a stronger focus on their purse strings.

“Obviously accountants aren’t immune from the gloomy economic news, hence their understated bonus expectations, but the news is actually very good for them – these figures represent the third year in a row of solid, above inflation, pay growth.”

All the odds as Town taken on Rovers

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The News/Gazette BetVictor column

No surprise to see Paul Buckle suggesting he will make changes for the visit of Forest Green on Saturday with Lathanial Rowe-Turner a definite absentee given the Hatters’ appeal against the defender’s red card was not overturned earlier in the week, writes Charlie McCann.

With the visit of Millwall in the fifth round of the FA Cup next weekend, Luton have the small matter of six valuable points in the Conference before they take on the Championship side starting with Rovers tomorrow.

Hatters have been well backed and are now even money from 5/4 which is something of a surprise given their recent league form. They are now 12 points behind leaders Grimsby Town and four points shy of the play-off zone.

Town are out to 8s for the title, the biggest they have been since we began betting on the event at BetVictor and 3/1 for promotion; one could argue they ought to be bigger and will drift again if they can’t dispose of third-placed Forest Green who have the best away record in the division. Grimsby who are chasing the Conference/Trophy double are 7/4 favourites for the title and 11/8 for promotion; Forest Green are 7s for the title and 3/1 to go up.

PREVIEW: Luton Town v Forest Green Rovers

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Forest Green Rovers head to Kenilworth Road boasting the best away record in the Blue Square Bet Premier this season, writes Mike Simmonds.

In their 16 games played so far, Rovers have won eight, drawn three and lost five, scoring 23 goals while conceding 17, to take 27 points from a possible 48.

Forest Green have played six of their last eight matches on their travels too, and given their fine form, it came as quite a surprise that they were beaten by both Braintree and Stockport County.

They did however bounce back by winning at Lincoln in their last trip, while the highlight in the mini sequence saw them absolutely destroy Newport County 5-0 in Wales.

Not content with that, the club are also introducing a new match analysis method to try and find an extra edge over their title rivals, becoming the first non-league side to use Prozone’s Matchviewer system.

The system is used by all Premier League and Championship clubs and manager David Hockaday said: “This will massively improve our post-match analysis, allowing us to look more technically at our performances and see where we can gain those few extra percentage points that can mean the difference between winning and losing.”

Back on the pitch, Rovers have gained plenty of plaudits this season, with three of the squad joining Andre Gray and Simon Ainge on England C duty in the week, losing 1-0 to Turkey.

Eddie Oshodi and Kierson Forbes were both selected, as was Jamie Turley, who completed a hugely successful personal week, being named the England C player of the year at the FA’s inaugural England Awards.

Although not busy on transfer deadline day, Rovers did bolster their squad in January as Gateshead winger Yemi Odubade joined on loan, while the club also snapped up Watford defender Dale Bennett for an undisclosed fee as Chris Todd moved to Eastleigh.

Team news: For Hatters, Lathaniel Rowe-Turner is suspended, while Simon Ainge, Danny Spiller and Garry Richards are all injured. Boss Paul Buckle is awaiting international clearance on new signing Wayne Thomas.

Rovers midfielder Steve Brogan picked up a groin injury this week and misses the trip to Kenilworth Road, as does defender Aarran Racine (hand), while former Luton target Reece Styche is also out with a knee injury.

Man in the middle: Nick Kinseley - has flashed his red card on plenty of occasions this season, with seven dismissals in eight Conference games.

All seven came in the space of just four matches too including three in Wrexham’s 4-2 home defeat to Alfreton and two in Forest Green’s 1-0 win at Dartford, where he dismissed the visitors’ Jamie Turley on just 18 minutes.

Yet to officiate a Luton win this campaign, taking the 2-2 home draw with Gateshead plus the New Year’s Day’s 3-1 defeat at Woking.

Was in charge of this fixture last season, when Luton drew 1-1, but has only reffed one Luton win, the 5-0 thrashing of Kettering last year.

Top BSBP scorer: Hatters - Stuart Fleetwood (10). Rovers – Jan Klukowski (9), James Norwood (9).

In charge: David Hockaday. The 54-year-old played for Blackpool as a defender, making almost 200 appearances and then joined Swindon Town where he played over 300 games before spells with Hull City, Stoke City and Shrewsbury Town.

In all, his Football League career spanned 20 years where he won three league title and gained two further promotions via the play-offs.

Started coaching at Cirencester Town where he established the first football academy, before joining Watford as U18 coach, and then became first team coach, before moving to MK Dons, Leicester City, Southampton, Cheltenham Town Wycombe Wanderers and eventually becoming Rovers boss in September 2009.

Relegated from the Conference in his first season, Forest Green were reinstated following Salisbury City’s failing in their appeal against demotion for financial irregularities, before they only survived on the last day in his second campaign.

This year though, he has taken Rovers into the top five, with the club having every chance of winning promotion.

View from the opposition: Striker Reece Styche - “We’ve got 17 games left and maybe the play-offs after that, so it could be an amazing time for us.

“I’m gutted to be missing Luton but I’ve got a good feeling about the game. It won’t define our season but we’re more than capable of winning down there.”

One to watch: James Norwood – although currently on a run of four games without a goal, the striker has found sound some real form recently, netting eight in 10 prior to his mini drought.

Three of them came in a superb 5-0 thrashing of Newport County for the former Exeter forward, who is in his second spell with the club, having moved to Rovers on loan from the Grecians back in the 2010-11 season.

Friendly faces: Forward Stuart Fleetwood had a prolific spell at Rovers in the 2007-08 season, netting 32 times in 44 games, before a move to Charlton Athletic.

Midfielder Alex Lawless spent just under three years with the club, playing over 100 times, while striker Scott Rendell played for Rovers in the 2005-06 season, netting twice in 16 games.

Recent signing Jonathan Smith also spent three years at Forest Green, racking up more than a century of games, before he was snapped up by York City.

For Forest Green, hugely popular ex-Town defender Ed Asafu-Adjaye made 82 appearances in five years at Kenilworth Road, but was released by Buckle and has now played 19 league games for his new side after joining in the summer.

Striker Ben Wright had a loan spell with Hatters in the 2009-10 season, scoring once in his five appearances.

We’ve got form: Hatters have won two and drawn one of their three home matches with Forest Green since dropping into the Blue Square Bet Premier.

The biggest triumph was 6-1 two seasons ago, when Andy Drury, Amari Morgan-Smith, Danny Crow (2), Matthew Barnes-Homer and Dan Walker all scored.

Last time out: Hatters were held to a 1-1 draw by Forest Green Rovers at Kenilworth Road last season. The visitors went ahead on 52 minutes when Charlie Griffin scored, before recently released defender Dean Beckwith pulled Luton level on 70 minutes.

Hatters: Kevin Pilkington, Dean Beckwith, Jake Howells, Ed Asafu-Adjaye, Will Antwi, Curtis Osano, Keith Keane, Alex Lawless, James Dance, Matthew Barnes-Homer (Robbie Willmott 63), Aaron O’Connor.

Subs not used: Lewis Kidd, Amari Morgan-Smith, Danny Crow, Adam Watkins.

For all the latest Luton Town FC news, reports, stats, player profiles, live match updates, MOM poll, prediction table and a complete fixture list, visit our {http://www.lutontoday.co.uk/sport/football/hatters-microsite|Hatters Microsite|Click here for the Hatters Microsite}.

The sporting week ahead

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Saturday, February 9

Football

Evo-Stik Southern League, Division One Central: Northwood v Barton Rovers.

Molten Spartan SML, Premier Division: Berkhamsted v AFC Dunstable; Dunstable Town v Stotfold.

Division One: Crawley Green v Sun Postal Sports.

Division Two: Kent Athletic v Wolverton Town; The 61 FC (Luton) v Caddington; Totternhoe v Hale Leys United.

Reserve Division One: AFC Dunstable Res v Holmer Green Res; Langford Res v Kent Athletic Res; London Lions Res v The 61 FC (Luton) Res.

Reserve Division Two: Crawley Green Res v Stony Stratford Town Res; Welwyn Garden City Res v Totternhoe Res.

Rugby

London One North: Luton v Basildon.

Midlands Two East South: Bugbrooke v Dunstablians.

Tuesday, February 12

Football

Molten Spartan SML, Premier Division: Dunstable Town v Haringey Borough; St Margaretsbury v AFC Dunstable.

Wednesday, February 13

Football

Division One: Crawley Green v New Bradwell St Peter.

New alliance aims to support the makers

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Manufacturers and engineering firms from across Bedfordshire are being given the chance to form an unbeatable alliance to go for growth.

The Manufacturing and Engineering Sector Focus Group has been set up by Bedfordshire Chamber of Commerce with the ambition of ensuring the county remains prominent.

“The idea is to create a forum where people come together to support one another and support economic growth,” said Chamber director Richard Cooper.

A launch event at Central Bedfordshire Council on Wednesday, February 27, will see a keynote presentation from Ewan Lloyd-Baker of Hayward Tyler, in Kimpton Road, leads the world-beating pump-maker which has markets for its specialist products around the world, including China. There will also be presentations by supply chain specialist Rachel Eade and funding guru Roy Matthews.

For details contact paula.devine@chamber-business.com or sue.munn@chamber-business.com.

The deadline for bookings is Wednesday, February 20.

Barton slam former Hatters youngster over tweets

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Barton Rovers have reported former Luton Town youngster David Deeney to the FA for a Twitter rant after Slough’s Evo-Stik Southern League Division One Central game at Sharpenhoe Road was postponed last weekend, writes Mark Wood.

He tweeted: “When we play Barton I’m attempting to end a players career and when I do I’ll say ‘blame your groundsman.’”

His comments drew an immediate reaction as Rovers chairman Darren Whiley said: “Deeney’s comments have outraged the whole club and wider footballing community.”

The tweet looked to have been deleted later in the week with Deeney repentant.

He added: “Would like to apologise to anyone at Barton Rovers FC. Was all a load of banter and disappointed how serious some people have take. I’m not a coward and would never intentionally hurt someone on a football pitch so apologies at how over the top the situation has got.”

Rovers visit Northwood this weekend.

For the full story, see the News/Gazette on sale now.


Fliers claim Herts Plate as they record three-straight wins

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G-Casino Fliers resumed their season with three victories in the space of six days.

With a full strength side and back to something like their best form, Fliers earned a resounding 92-50 victory over Harlow Hawks to claim the Herts Plate last weekend.

An aggressive man-to-man three-quarter press by Fliers saw them register 11 and 12 point leads in the first two quarters as they were 44-21 ahead.

Despite a change of defence in the third period, Fliers stretched their lead by another 12 points and coasted the final 10 minutes to win by 42 points.

The Luton scoring was shared amongst nine of the 11-man squad, with Neil Baker outstanding as he caused the Harlow defence all sorts of problems, scoring 26 points in only 18 minutes playing time.

Three days later Fliers were without Baker and, although took only eight players to play a strong Hertfordshire Warriors side, G-Casino put in an excellent performance to claim a 77-70 Herts Premier League Division One victory.

Rafe Abrook top scored with 18 points, while guard Luke Patterson played the whole 40 minutes as his man-to-man defence stifled the opposition.

G-Casino completed the double over the Warriors by winning the return game 62-53 three days later.

The hosts surged into a 9-0 lead, but tough defence and improved ball movement saw Fliers pull it back to 25-25 at half time.

Further improvement at both ends of the court saw Fliers open up a 10-point lead as they held on to win 62-53 with Baker contributing 16 points and Paul Robson 12 as Fliers went second in the table.

Road set for weight limit?

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Central Beds Council has recommended that a weight limit should be put in place for Poynters Road on the Dunstable/Luton border, but only after a set of criteria is met.

The subject was discussed at a recent Sustainable Communities scrutiny meeting and it was decided that the decision be referred to last night’s traffic management committee.

The recommendation states that the ban on vehicles bearing more than 7.5 tonnes in weight will be implemented ‘no later than’ the opening of the Woodside Link Road.

Before the ban comes into force, air quality reports on both Luton Road and Poynters Road must be made following the completion of the guided busway.

The ban will also be subject to a reassessment of the impact of reduced traffic on Luton Road following the opening of the busway

It was also recommended that the ban be implemented in line with Central Beds Council’s Freight Strategy.

Poynters Road Action Group was set up to campaign for an HGV ban back in 2009.

They say that lorries should use Luton Road instead as it is an ‘A’ road and purpose-built for lorries – it has a noise-reducing, ‘non-undulating’ road surface.

In the meantime, it was proposed that Poynters Road will be resurfaced, and for ‘noiseless’ drain covers to be installed.

‘Advisory’ signage will be installed at the Skimpot roundabout pointing freight vehicles westbound along Luton Road.

The traffic signals at the junction of Luton Road and Boscombe Road will also be remodelled.

For updates on the ban, and to view the council’s Freight Strategy, visit www.centralbedfordshire.gov.uk.

Houghton Regis roadworks reminder

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Motorists in Houghton Regis can expect delays near to Morrisons off the High Street from Monday (February 11), as the second phase of major roadworks begins.

For the full story, see next week’s Gazette (out on Wednesday). For more information, visit the civil engineering contractor’s website at www.miletree.co.uk.

Domestic goats save lives - slideshow

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Wednesday’s Gazette will feature the story of how a family of goats is helping one man battle cancer.

In the meantime you can view the slideshow here.

Hatters held by FGR in ill-tempered encounter

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Blue Square Bet Premier: Luton Town 1 (1) Forest Green Rovers 1 (1)

An encounter dominated by the officials ended all-square at Kenilworth Road this afternoon as Luton lost ground in the race for promotion following their 1-1 home draw with third-placed Forest Green Rovers, writes Mark Wood.

Both teams finished the game with 10 men as Alex Lawless was dismissed for two bookings in the space of a minute early in the second half, while ex-Watford man Al Bangura was shown a straight red after tangling with Andre Gray.

Six other players were also booked in an ill-tempered second half in which Town seemed to lose their way as the result leaves them 14 points off the top and six points behind the play-offs positions.

It had started so well for the Hatters with Gray heading them ahead in the fifth minute, only for FGR to equalise soon after through Matt Taylor’s header.

Both teams had their chances in a frenetic encounter, Gray missing the best chance when he ballooned a penalty over the bar, as Town’s supporters were left frustrated at the final whistle.

Town made three changes from the team that slipped to a disappointing 1-0 defeat at lowly Barrow the week before. Lathaniel Rowe-Turner was missing as he served the first of a three-match ban, while Greg Taylor and Arnaud Mendy dropped to the bench.

In came Jake Howells at left-back, Janos Kovacs at centre-half and Scott Neilson on the wing with Lawless moving into the centre.

There were also home debuts for winger David Martin and centre-half Steve McNulty, while international clearance hadn’t come in time for new centre-half Wayne Thomas.

Good natured chants of ‘you fat b***ard’ and cheers greeted McNulty’s early touches, while Martin almost threaded Gray in before the sharp striker was just unable to direct a good cross from the winger.

However, Town did take the lead on five minutes when Martin arrowed the ball into the near post and Gray beat keeper Sam Russell to the ball as his header somehow looped in.

And the pair almost combined again four minutes later when Eddie Oshodi failed to deal with Martin’s superb crossfield ball and Gray managed to elude both the attentions of the defender and keeper before eventually being crowded out.

It was a good start from the Hatters as Jon Shaw headed Howells’ corner over, only for the visitors to level from their first attack. Yan Klukowski whipped in a great free-kick and Taylor’s firm header crept inside Mark Tyler’s near post.

Lawless’ free-kick was headed straight at the keeper by McNulty, while Jamie Turley’s flick header from a corner flashed wide.

The visitors’ pace and movement was causing plenty of problems as Taylor was inches away from getting a toe on Magno Vieira’s dangerous near-post cross.

And the Hatters wasted a glorious chance to retake the lead on 24 minutes when Russell flapped at Howells’ corner and the unmarked Shaw at the far post could only mishit wide.

An end-to-end encounter saw Luton go close again on the half hour when Gray poked Neilson away and he teed up Shaw but his low drive, destined for the bottom, corner was met with a strong paw from Russell as the keeper turned his effort round the post.

Shouts from the home crowd for a foul on Kovacs from a corner met with a blank response from the officials whose decisions were becoming increasingly strange.

A frustrating afternoon took another turn on 36 minutes when Jonathan Smith released Gray and his sleek turn in the box ended with Oshodi whipping his legs away and the linesman signalling for a penalty. Gray picked himself up to pull rank from the spot but could only succeed is lashing miles over the bar.

Rovers continued to threaten on the break as Klukowski speared his header at Tyler, while a swift counter ended in Vieira dragging his daisycutter wide of the near post.

FGR started the second half brightly as Kulkowski saw his effort deflected behind and Turley’s deft header flew just wide as lethargic Luton seemed slightly off the pace.

A swift Luton break saw Martin’s cross pick Neilson out at the far post eight minutes in but he could only volley over.

Town’s hopes were then dealt a hammer blow on 54 minutes as Lawless was dismissed for two bookings the space of a minute. First he stupidly hacked down Norwood close to the halfway line before, trying to hold off Chris Stokes, he could only succeed in pulling down the overlapping full-back as he was somewhat harshly shown a second yellow card as he was left to trudge dejectedly from the field.

In a bid to shore up their midfield and keep up their energy levels up, Neilson and Martin were sacrificed for Mendy and JJ O’Donnell.

And having been a man down for 13 minutes parity was restored on 67 minutes when Gray muscled Bangura off the ball and the ex-Watford man fouled him as trouble flared and both sets of players clashed. Bangura was eventually shown a straight red card, while O’Donnell was booked.

Rejuvenated Town came storming back, Kovacs’ downward header from Howells’ corner clipping the bar on 69 minutes and Gray taking advantage of another Oshodi error to burst clear on to Smith’s ball, but he could only fire wide.

Jared Hodgkiss was booked for a foul on O’Donnell and Klukowski also saw yellow for a foul on substitute Stuart Fleetwood, who had just replaced Gray.

Both teams were still looking for a winner as Shaw’s downward header from Howells’ free-kick was palmed away by the keeper.

Mendy joined the growing list of names in the book with five minutes to go for a tame foul on halfway, Smith followed for a foul and Dale Bennett for his reaction, as an ill-tempered second half was dominated by the referee.

Four minutes of stoppage time were added as Fleetwood dragged well wide and boos from the disappointed home faithful rang out at the end.

Hatters (4-4-2): Mark Tyler, Steve McNulty, Janos Kovacs, Alex Lawless, Jon Shaw, Jake Howells, David Martin (JJ O’Donnell 61), Scott Neilson (Arnaud Mendy 60), Jonathan Smith, Ronnie Henry (C), Andre Gray (Stuart Fleetwood 78). Substitutes not used: Greg Taylor, Scott Rendell.

Rovers (4-3-3): Sam Russell, Jared Hodgkiss, Chris Stokes, Al Bangura, Jamie Turley, Yan Klukowski, Magno Vieira (Yemi Odybade 70), Matt Taylor, Eddie Oshodi (Dale Bennett 75), James Norwood, Paul Green. Substitutes not used: Ed Asafu-Adjaye, James Rowe, Saul Williams.

Booking: Lawless 54, 54; O’Donnell 68; Hodgkiss 73; Klukowski 78; Mendy 85; Smith 87; Bennett 87.

Sent off: Lawless 54; Bangura 67.

Referee: N Kinseley.

Assistant Referees: G Kane and J Pike.

Fourth Official: S Lea.

Attendance: 6,374 (Rovers 110)

Star Hatter: Steve McNulty. Combative showing from the distinctive centre-half on his home debut.

Buckle: Missed opportunities cost Town

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Hatters boss Paul Buckle felt missed chances cost his side dear as they were held to a 1-1 draw by fellow promotion hopefuls Forest Green Rovers at Kenilworth Road yesterday, writes Mike Simmonds.

Andre Gray gave Luton the lead after just four minutes with his 12th of the season before Matty Taylor equalised shortly afterwards.

Town striker Jon Shaw missed a glorious opportunity to put Luton back in front, before also hitting the post while defender Janos Kovacs saw a header flick the top of the bar in the second period.

Buckle said: “We’re disappointed we haven’t won the game. We set out to win the game and it was a fantastic start from us.

“I thought we looked very bright, got a goal in front and were in total control. We’ve conceded from a set-play which is a disappointment but I’m absolutely delighted with the players’ work ethic.

“We made chances all afternoon right to the very end. We hit the post, hit the bar, but in football when you make that many chances and are that dominant, it’s important to be in front.”

Gray went to miss a penalty midway through the first half, but Buckle refused to blame striker as he continued: “Andre was practising penalties yesterday (Friday). He’s scored a goal, is confident, and put everyone in the top corner yesterday, so I can’t blame him for not practising them while Scott’s (Rendell) not on the pitch and I fancied him to score.

“It was a huge disappointment for us because we score that, we get momentum.”

Both sides were reduced to 10 men in the second half when Alex Lawless was dismissed for his second yellow card in the space of a minute, while Al Bangura was also given a straight red for tangling with Andre Gray and JJ O’Donnell.

Buckle continued: “There wasn’t a bad tackle in the game. I don’t know where the decisions have come from and I’m as mystified as you are and the supporters.”

Meanwhile, Rovers boss David Hockaday was delighted with the point as it kept his side six points clear of the Hatters.

He added: “Given everything that’s gone on and the crowd here, they’re very partisan and appeal for everything. We get fouled and they won a penalty, so given all that, it’s a point, it means they don’t get any nearer to us which away from home at this stage of the season is vital, so I’m pretty happy with it.”

For all the latest Luton Town FC news, reports, stats, player profiles, live match updates, MOM poll, prediction table and a complete fixture list, visit our {http://www.lutontoday.co.uk/sport/football/hatters-microsite|Hatters Microsite|Click here for the Hatters Microsite}.

Runaway animals tailed across Europe

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While it may lack a little in charm and warmth, MADAGASCAR 3: EUROPE’S MOST WANTED (U: Paramount), the latest film in the animated comedy franchise, is technically brilliant.

Alex the Lion and co are still animals abroad and desperate to get back home to the New York zoo they escaped from.

Having made it to Monte Carlo, they join a European travelling circus as a means of travelling undetected.

But with a dogged French animal-control officer (Frances McDormand, a new addition to the voice cast) in hot pursuit, they soon discover that you have to be careful what you wish for - because you just might get it.

The ‘mobster’ penguins effortlessly steal a show that lurches maniacally from one haphazard scene to another, too often mistaking franticness for fun.

But despite its hyperactivity, it’s a good-looking movie and this goes some way towards compensating for the dimensions it otherwise lacks.

Character voices are provided by Ben Stiller, Chris Rock, David Schwimmer and Jada Pinkett Smith.

> If you loved the original, you should enjoy THE THREE STOOGES (PG: Twentieth Century Fox), an energetic tribute to the comedy trio from the Farrelly brothers.

The film cleverly captures the speed and wildness of their 1930s slapstick routines, but updates their antics to the present, allowing them to cause havoc in a world of smartphones and reality TV.

A flimsy plot gives Larry (Sean Hayes), Curly (Will Sasso) and Moe (Chris Diamantopoulos) the job of saving the orphanage where they grew up after they were abandoned on the doorstep as babies.

But they have grown up into bungling, accident prone maintenance men and as they try to raise money to keep the home open, they somehow get drawn into a murder plot with a femme fatale.

The story though is not the point here – it’s the performances. The three leads are terrific, executing the comically violent set pieces with vigorous aplomb and amazing precision.

Although primarily for fans, The Three Stooges is far more enjoyable than it perhaps ought to be and will appeal to all those who like their comedies dumb but well developed.

> Sensitivity combines with jump scares in twisting yet clichéd HOUSE AT THE END OF THE STREET (15: Momentum), a teen chiller perfect for the Twilight crowd.

Hunger Games star Jennifer Lawrence plays a new girl in town who unearths deadly secrets when she falls for a troubled outcast (Max Thieriot).

He is still living in the neighbouring house where his sister murdered their folks before disappearing without trace.

The two leads deliver strong and sympathy-inducing performances, creating characters that are surprisingly well drawn for a horror movie.

Unfortunately, the plot isn’t as accomplished, feeling like a patchwork of second-hand ideas.

The most interesting aspect - the underlying tragedy of events - is simply thrown away, lost amid a hole-riddled and lame cat-and-mouse climax.

Genuine tension gives way to irritating ‘shaky-cam’ visuals, signposted jolts and clumsy use of sound and score.


Vote for Town’s MOM against Forest Green Rovers

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The Luton News/Dunstable Gazette online man of the match poll for yesterday’s 1-1 draw with Forest Green Rovers is up and running.

Town took an early lead through Andre Gray’s 12th goal of the season, but were pegged back by their opponents shortly afterwards as they lost further ground in the promotion race.

To vote for your MOM, visit {http://www.lutontoday.co.uk/sport/football/hatters-microsite|Hatters Microsite|Click here for the Hatters Microsite}.

Town being cut adrift in title race

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Hatters fell 14 points behind leaders Grimsby Town and six points away from the play-off places after being held by Forest Green Rovers on Saturday, writes Mike Simmonds.

The Mariners edged past AFC Telford 1-0, while Hatters remained seventh after the majority of results went against them.

Wrexham beat Stockport 3-1, while Kidderminster defeated Cambridge 3-2 and Mansfield hammered Barrow, last week’s conquerors of Luton, 8-1.

Newport’s home draw with Tamworth was one bright point for Hatters but boss Paul Buckle was remaining positive as he said: “I’m looking at the next game. We have got three games in hand on a few clubs and we’ve got to win them.

“We know what we’ve got to do. It’s in our own hands, we’ve got to win those games and I thought on reflection we deserved to win (on Saturday).

“Sometimes you can play poorly and nick it but we played very well and only got a point for our troubles. If we play like that and we show that commitment and desire, we’re not going to be too far away.”

For the latest league table, visit our {http://www.lutontoday.co.uk/sport/football/hatters-microsite|Hatters Microsite|Click here for the Hatters Microsite}.

Bedfordshire make England history

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Bedfordshire became the first-ever county to have three players qualify to play at an International Event following the England Youth Pool Trials in Leicester at the weekend.

New vice-captain James Molloy (Dunstable) and Callum Flecknell (Luton), in his first full year, were both named among the eight qualifiers for the England squad out of 64 triallists.

There were only three places left in the squad for the European Championships in two weeks time and Molloy and Flecknell grabbed two of the spots. They join captain Josh Riddaway (Greenfield) in the England team for the European Championships – the first time that one county has had three players in the team.

In addition, Tom Church (Wilden), captain up until he moved up to mens last year, is in the U21 team along with his county team-mate Glen Hannibal.

Unfortunately, M-Jaye Waller (Luton) missed out by one round and Joel Riddaway (Greenfield) did not qualify at his second attempt.

The whole team now heads to Yarmouth at the end of February to try and go one better than their runner-up position at the national inter-county championships last year.

Next up, they start the defence of their region title, at home to Suffolk, on February 10.

Buckle hopeful over Thomas’ international clearance

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Town boss Paul Buckle is hopeful that new signing Wayne Thomas will receive international clearance in time for Tuesday night’s trip to Dartford, writes Mike Simmonds.

The 33-year-old signed on Monday from Greek side Veroia, but wasn’t available for the 1-1 draw with Forest Green Rovers yesterday.

Buckle said: “We need everyone involved, especially as (Alex) Lawless will miss that.

“I’m hopeful that the clearance will come through although with the Greek authorities, it’s a strange one, they can hold things back and hold things up.”

The boss recalled Janos Kovacs to the starting line-up for Saturday to play alongside recent signing Steve McNulty and would have no hesitation in sticking with the new partnership.

He added: “Certainly Kovacs playing like that alongside McNulty, they (Rovers) never got through the middle of us.

“They put dangerous balls in, played a bit shorter and had some powerful strikers, but we looked solid.

“I was angry at Barrow because I felt we were little bit weak, but I didn’t see any weaknesses this time.”

For all the latest Luton Town FC news, reports, stats, player profiles, live match updates, MOM poll, prediction table and a complete fixture list, visit our {http://www.lutontoday.co.uk/sport/football/hatters-microsite|Hatters Microsite|Click here for the Hatters Microsite}.

Be red-dy for next picture challenge

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Readers really rose to the challenge for our January photo competition, producing some great shots on the theme of ‘Urban Decay’.

As with previous months the standard of entries was high, but the judges decided the image that best captured the theme was Jenny Angliss’ shot of discarded mattresses in a yard in Guildford Street, Luton.

Jenny, 47, of Brierley Close, Dunstable, opted for a black and white photo of the scene, which our judges felt added to the sense of drama and dereliction.

Herald&Post photographer Jane Russell said: “It was clear that Jenny had used her imagination to find something that really represented the sense of urban decay that we were looking for.

“We received lots of photographs from around Luton and Dunstable but felt that Jenny’s was a clear winner.”

And our February photo competition is now live – this month’s theme is ‘Red’. So get creative and get snapping, and you could win a fantastic prize of a meal for two at Jimmy’s World Grill in Luton.

Visit www.facebook.com/heraldandpost for details and terms and conditions.

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