Dean Bowditch scored the first goal of his spell on loan at Northampton as the Cobblers defeated Bournemouth 4-1 at Sixfields on Friday evening.

Bowditch netted the game's first goal in the fifth minute, hitting a shot after a run, which deflected past the keeper. The goal was the 21-year-old's first since scoring for Brighton in November 2006 during his period on loan with the Seagulls.

Earlier today, the former England U19 international extended his stay with the League One club for a second month.

Meanwhile, Matt Richards missed out on what would have been the final appearance of his current loan spell at Brighton. Albion's game with Gillingham was postponed by Ipswich-based referee Mick Thorpe due to a frozen pitch.

Richards now returns to Portman Road, but the Seagulls are keen to re-sign him when the transfer window opens.

Town's other loanees, George O'Callaghan, also at Brighton, Sammy Moore at Brentford and Ian Miller with Darlington are due back from their spells at the end of the year.

Elsewhere, Liam Craig, Town's 2005 FA Youth Cup-winning captain, has joined St Johnstone on a month's loan from Falkirk.

Ex-Blues striker Dean McDonald has rejoined former club Gillingham on a two-week trial after falling out of favour at Inverness Caledonian Thistle.

Photo: Action Images

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