Under-18s boss Joe Deeney hailed the never-say-die attitude of his players after his side recorded two victories in three days to keep them top of the Youth Alliance table.

The Town were trailing going into the 89th minute against Milton Keynes on Saturday but two goals from Matthew Takawira earned a 2-1 victory before a Charlie Trustram strike earned a 1-0 win at Leyton Orient on Tuesday with Lucas Thomas also saving a penalty.

“I’m proud of the performances of the lads and I’m delighted with the heart they’ve shown in recent weeks,” Deeney said.

“They’ve had a relentless attitude to go to the very end to pick up important points and for us to take six points in three days has been excellent.

“Over the past month the lads have turned games around in the closing stages of games, earning eight points in the progress.

“They don’t know when they’re beaten and that great resilience is paying off.

“We can analyse the technical side of things all day long but sometimes you need to just praise the mentality and attitude.”

Against Milton Keynes on Saturday, the Hatters trailed at the break with the visitors scoring with their only worthwhile chance.

The Town spurned a number of chances but their patience was rewarded with a minute to go when Takawira headed home Kyron Roberts-Edema’s right-wing cross to level.

Then, deep into stoppage time, Benny Benagr broke up play, drove forward and set-up Takawira who steered a fine finish beyond the keeper to spark scenes of wild celebration.

At Orient on Tuesday, Takawira came close to breaking the deadlock within 30 seconds only to just fail to connect.

However, Trustram put the Town in front when sliding a shot past the goalkeeper after good work from Harry Fox.

Thomas’ moment came on 33 minutes when the goalkeeper guessed the right way, diving to his right to keep out an Orient penalty to ensure the Hatters made it five wins in a row.

Title rivals Oxford continue their pursuit of the Town, who lead the way in the Youth Alliance by seven points having played three games more.

Next up for Deeney’s side is a home game against Portsmouth at The Brache on Saturday. Good luck, boys!