A young Hatters XI went down by a single goal to Hitchin Town at Top Field on Wednesday night.

Luton fielded a young team against the Southern League Division 1 Midlands outfit and again it was a great lesson for the young Town team in the difference between Youth and Senior Football.

Despite the youthful edge, Luton were the better footballing team throughout the evening, with Hitchin relying on a series of set-pieces and long throw-ins to break down the Hatters defence.

Patrick, Quinn and Jean-Philip Yamfam all came close to giving the visitors the lead during the first half, whilst at the other end, 16-year-old goalkeeper Lewis Kidd - making his debut - made a series of excellent saves to keep the score level at half-time.

Adam Watkins, fresh from his substitute appearance against Swindon 24 hours earlier, was constant threat to Hitchin's midfield.

The Hitchin goal came in the 48th minute when another aerial bombardment wasn't dealt with leaving Jamie Arlick to bundle the ball over the line.

As the game became more stretched both teams had late chances, with Luton's substitute keeper Aaron Fletcher making three great saves.

The best chance of the game fell to the Hatters, after 15-year-old Newman Carney's great work down the left set-up Liam Toomey, but the young striker headed wide when unmarked from six yards.

Overall the match a useful work out for the team, and a steep learning curve in how to deal with a very direct form of football.

Saturday will see a completely different test as the Youth Team travel to West Bromwich Albion to face a team renowned for its stylish football.

Luton Town: Kidd (Fletcher), James (Deeney), Wood, Hoyte, Chimenti (Carney), Watkins, Barker (Nathaniel), Tavernier (Harriott), Yamfam (Da Silva), Patrick (Toomey), Quinn (Walker).