In a not-so-typical Exeter double header this week, the Hatters first-team progressed to the next round of the Vertu Trophy before the U21s secured their first victory at the fourth attempt in the Premier League Cup just a day later.
First-half goals from Charlie Trustram and Jamie Odegah saw the young Town side earn their first win in a challenging group including the likes of Brentford and West Brom, Alex Lawless’ side will be looking for positive results in their final two group games to reach the next stage of the competition.
Speaking after the full-time whistle against the Grecians, Lawless discussed his side’s performance, the pathway the young Hatters face and how the team have gelled in recent weeks.
The U21s lead coach said: “I think we deserved the win. We had plenty of chances alongside the goals we scored, as always, you’re not going to have it all your own way. I think there were a few moments where if we had got that third, we might have been out of sight.
“With that third not coming, it keeps them in the game and then they get their goal, but the boys stuck it out towards the end, and they worked hard to make sure the scoreline stayed in their favour.”
In a somewhat cagey opening period for Town, goalkeeper Charlie Booth was called into action on more than one occasion and even produced a fine double save from Exeter’s George Birch to keep the Hatters in the game, with Lawless praising his shot-stopper for playing his part.
“There were a few moments, a few rebounds, there were some really good reaction saves from him, that was probably the pleasing thing in terms of the team doing their part all over the place.
“We’ve got strikers making runs and gambling on things to get a goal, and we’ve got Charlie doing his bit in there as well, I thought we deserved it going into half-time.”
On top of a stellar performance in the Premier League Cup for the likes of Zach Ioannides, Harry Fox and Jack Lorentzen-Jones, Lawless was keen to highlight the balance of jubilation and determination for his young players following senior debuts for Zach and Jack in the Vertu Trophy the previous night.
“Zach’s growing in confidence playing out in that wider channel, I think his confidence will be as high as it ever will be after the elation of last night, it’s great for the boys to have those moments," said the former Town midfielder.
“But playing in front of the fans at Kenilworth Road for the first team, they need to do the business the next day. It’s a good mentality to come and work hard and we’ve been impressed with their efforts.”
With several players progressing through the academy phases, Lawless explained how the side are starting to play more cohesively following increased playing time for his squad, highlighting the likes of Fox and Dylan Stitt’s performances in the game against Exeter.
“Harry played for the 18s, then the 21s and then the first-team, sometimes it can limit things when it comes to cohesive play.
“Now that these players have played quite a bit recently together, forming relationships, it was the same formation and almost the same team as our last game against Bromley, where we performed really well.
“People like Dylan and Harry are linking up, they’re a forming a good combination and a good relationship thanks to that continuous play.”
The Hatters U21s side travel to Brentford in the Premier League Cup before rounding out the group stage away to West Bromwich Albion, with those games taking place on Sunday 14th and Monday 22nd December respectively.
Words: Liam Wilmot
