A double from Liam Toomey got the Town's youth team back to winning ways on Saturday with a hard-earned win over Youth Alliance league leaders Southend United.
On a blustery morning this was never going to be a game for the feint-hearted as headers and scrappy second balls dominated the opening exchanges.
The first chance fell to Town after Alasan Ann's flicked header fell to Toomey whose shot was well saved.
Southend then had a chance of their own as they got in behind the Town back four only to fire the chance well over.
The game remained an even contest but it was the Town who broke the deadlock. After clever play between JJ O'Donnell and Ann, Ryan Dasilva slid the ball through to Toomey who powered the ball home.
Worse was to follow for the Shrimpers shortly after as when were reduced to 10 men.
Just before half time the Hatters almost extended their lead but neither Matt James or Ann could connect with Dasilva's well-worked free kick.
The second half started at a frenetic pace with Southend starting the brighter of the two teams. Jean-Phillippe Yamfam was unlucky to see his speculative effort drift narrowly wide and Ann should have done better with a header shortly after.
The hosts eventually got the equaliser their work rate deserved, as they broke at speed and clinically finished their counter attack at the far post.
The match was finally settled in Town's favour, however, when O Donnell's cross was headed back across goal by Matt Harriott, half cleared by Southend, and Toomey volleyed home from 12 yards.
Understandably manager Martin Prickett was delighted with his side's first victory in 2010.
"I'm obviously pleased with the win and I'm more pleased with the way we went about it," he said.
"In the first half way we got good success from playing out as well as being clinical in the final third.
"We were not as imposing after half time but we hung in there and once Southend's legs went we punished them.
"Harriott and Christian Tavernier both put in a shift today and worked hard against a good Southend midfield.
"Toomey took his chances well and goalkeeper Aaron Fletcher looked secure making a couple of really smart saves to keep us in the game.
"To go and beat both QPR and Southend who are the two best teams in the league this season is a great credit to this group of players and we have made some good progress especially with the first years.
"We now need to follow this great result with another one to keep this momentum going."
Squad: Fletcher, James, Lacey, Baker, Carney, Dasilva, Harriott, Tavernier, O'Donnell, Toomey, Ann, Yamfam, Bufano, Blake.
