Luton Town Ladies reached the League Cup final on Sunday afternoon following a dramatic 3-1 extra-time victory over league leaders Royston Town.

The Hatters got off to the best start possible when Fiona Buttigieg, back from international duty, delivered a corner into the box and the ball fell at the back post for Leyah Maddix to bundle the ball home.

Just five minutes later, Royston was awarded a penalty after Emma Slater was fouled in the area. However, the Town were let off as the penalty was hit high over the crossbar.

Tasha Fensome came close to doubling Luton’s lead when her shot was dragged wide of the post, following a ball over the top by Jess McKay.

With 10 minutes of the first half to play, the Hatters had a penalty appeal of their own waved away. Fensome’s cross appeared to have been blocked by the arm of a Royston defender, but the referee thought otherwise.

But in added time at the end of the first half, Royston levelled. Similarly to the Hatters’ opener, the visitors bundled the ball into the back of the net from a corner.

Chances were at a premium for the Hatters in the second half. McKay’s free-kick from the edge of the area, which was held well by the Royston keeper, was the home side’s best chance of the half.

Royston almost took the lead with 15 minutes to play, but could only drag the ball wide of the post. Another attempt, from distance, was well held by Hudson.

The sides couldn’t be separated after 90 minutes and the tie went to extra time. Royston started on the front foot and hit the post three minutes into the added 30 minutes.

But in the final moments of extra-time the Hatters turned the tie on its head. With five minutes left to play, Buttigieg’s corner floated past everyone in the box and flew straight into the net.

If that wasn’t incredible enough, Tsaianne Leander sealed victory in the final minute. A determined press saw the goalkeeper’s clearance strike Leander and land in the back of the net.

Victory means the Ladies now have two finals booked – the County Cup and the League Cup. The Hatters will face either Stevenage or Enfield in the final of the League Cup.

Report by Owen Williams

Photo by Duncan Jack

Visit Luton Town Ladies' new website: www.lutontownladiesfc.co.uk