Poppies snap up Hicks as they win again while Steelmen are beaten at home

Midfielder Nathan Hicks has signed for Kettering Town

The midfielder, who had a previous spell with the club during their tough financial times five years ago, had been training with the Poppies from the start of pre-season.

He has featured in every friendly outing this summer and the confirmation of his deal for the new Evo-Stik Southern League Premier Division campaign came ahead of the 4-3 success at Arlesey Town last night (Tuesday).

Goals from Gary Mulligan, Spencer Weir-Daley, Wilson Carvalho and Nathan Bobowicz secured a fourth win from as many outings for Marcus Law’s men this summer.

Corby Town’s first home friendly of the summer, meanwhile, ended in defeat as they were beaten 3-1 by a strong Milton Keynes Dons side at Steel Park.

The Steelmen more than held their own in a goalless first half but the Sky Bet League One side opened the scoring early in the second period when Ben Reeves scored from the penalty spot after he had been brought down by substitute Herbe Buka.

Reeves doubled the lead from close-range before Corby pulled one back with a penalty of their own, Andre Johnson converting from 12 yards after Joe Walsh had been penalised for handball.

But the visitors wrapped up their victory when Sam Nombe headed home.

Don’t miss more news from our local football clubs in Thursday’s Northamptonshire Telegraph