Back on the desktop now, & everything's so easy! I'm certain it is the nova now - have updated the pic with two extra stars labelled. The nova is smack bang between them - nothing anywhere near this bright is shown in SN, and the position (RA, Dec) is very good.
A link for anyone who's interested:
http://www.aavso.org/publications/alerts/alert362.shtml
http://www.skyandtelescope.com/obser.../11354426.html
Cheers -