The Hatters Under-21s have played two games in the last week, winning 2-1 in the Premier League Cup at Brighton last Friday before going losing in a friendly with Peterborough on Tuesday afternoon. Lead coach Alex Lawless gives us the lowdown on both matches...
Friday 8th November
Premier League Cup: Brighton & Hove Albion 1-2 Luton Town
"We set out the game to sit back and frustrate a good Brighton team and catch them on the break.
"This started very well when we scored a good breakaway goal after five minutes, where good work from Tyrell Giwa released Benny Benagr down the left hand side, and his low cut back cross found on an oncoming Jacob Pinnington, who calmly side footed back across goal.
"On the half-hour mark, a good ball and run in behind by Benagr caused a foul in the box, and Zack Nelson confidently sent the keeper the wrong way to slot home the penalty.
"Brighton dominated possession throughout, but our disciplined units frustrated them and limited them to few opportunities until they managed to break our resolve two minutes from time, when a shot deflected onto the bar and they reacted to the rebound first.
"A very long extended injury time period, caused by a ref change, saw Brighton bombard our box with crosses but we held on well for a big win to make it back-to-back away wins in the Premier League Cup."
Tuesday 12th November
Friendly: Peterborough United 4-2 Luton Town
"After lots of changes to the line-up, including losing the experience of Jack Bateson, Joe Johnson and Zack Nelson, it was a great opprtunity for some younger players to stake their claim for a chance in the next Premier League Cup game against Burnley.
"Despite stealing the ball up high on numerous occasions, we were unable to finish, while Peterbrough were ruthless and clinical in their attacks, punishing us on quick switches of play and crosses into the box, and we we found ourselves 3-0 down inside 25 minutes.
"Another goal from a well worked free-kick subjected us to a four-goal half-time deficit, but the introduction of Oli Lynch, Sam Anderson and Matthew Takawira added some extra bodies to the attack to try and turn the game around.
"A strong, front-footed second half performance which saw Lynch and Anderson reduce the deficit to 4-2, with Anderson's goal coming a little too late to influence the end result.
"A very good learning experience for the squad in a different type of game to Brighton, with the players showing a good attitude to recover from a poor first half."
