Town go down to narrow defeat
The Town Under-18s went down to a 1-0 defeat in the Youth Alliance on Saturday in an entertaining local derby against Stevenage.
The Hatters came close to opening the scoring several times in the first half with Geo Craig and Daril Ngwala both having efforts cleared off the line.
Isaac Galliford rattled the crossbar as the first half came to a close and in the second period the Town were denied a penalty by a hugely marginal offside decision.
However, Boro won all three points with a goal 20 minutes from time when the Town failed to clear their lines from a set-piece, allowing the hosts to score.
Despite the defeat, boss Paul Driver was happy with the performance. “We played some really good football at times and was pleased with the application of all the players,” said Driver.
“We had some good chances which on another day go in, but given the young age of our lads compared to them we cannot be too harsh. We were probably on the wrong end of a few decisions but they equal them out over the course of the season.”
The game was the Hatters' final game in the South East section of the Alliance and will shortly resume action in a merit league containing the best clubs from the South East and the South West. Fixtures will be announced in due course.
Town 18s: Gooch, Justin, Musonda, McGhan-George, Perry, Bakinson, Maguraushe, Ngwala, Craig, Galliford (sub Murray 25), Allman. Subs not used: Trotman, Fanowa, McJannett, King.