Joe Deeney hailed his resilient Hatters after Saturday’s 4-0 victory over Milton Keynes in the EFL Youth Alliance maintained the Under-18s recent good form.

A brace from Excel Ed-Okungbowa and goals from Benny Benagr and Archie Shepherd sealed an impressive win for the Town as they continue to impress in the youth competition.

Speaking after the full-time whistle, the Under-18s’ lead coach said: “I was pleased with them, it was a bit of a mix and match side today, we’re very young because of the Under-21s game on Wednesday.

“It was fantastic to get Benny Benagr back, he was on half a game and for him get a goal and two assists was brilliant and it was brilliant to see him back because he’s not played since May.”

The Hatters were more than just impressive in front of goal against MK, with goalkeeper Oliver Pipa remaining focused throughout the game to save well when called upon, while the defensive efforts of those in front of him also ensured Town would keep a much-needed clean sheet.

“I think we were utterly ruthless on those transitions, we said to them beforehand that we ‘need to be us’, I thought when we turned the ball over, we looked really effective,” Deeney explained.

“I’m pleased for the boys to get the clean sheet; we always seem to be shipping that one goal every week and the lads threw themselves at the ball really well today.”

It was a first league start of the campaign for Ed-Okungbowa, and by the closing stages of the first half he had scored his fifth in all competitions.

However, it was more than just his ability to put the ball in the back of the net that impressed Deeney.

“I preach it all the time, you’ll get your goals from arriving at the width of the goal and both of his came today through that, I think that’s what you want from your forwards, you want them in the right area in those key moments.

“He’s still building his fitness, he’s had a disjointed start to the season, but I thought he was a handful today and he got down the sides of the opposition.

“I’m pleased with him to get his goals, I don’t like taking a striker off when he’s on a hat-trick.

“He understands that it’s now about getting minutes in the tank ready for next Saturday and hopefully that’ll provide a few more selection headaches.”

The Hatters are back in action when they host Cambridge United on Saturday in the EFL Youth Alliance.

By Liam Wilmot