Charlie Trustram’s injury-time penalty earned the Under-18s a crucial 3-2 victory against Forest Green to keep their hopes of winning the Youth Alliance title alive.

The midfielder remained calm in the 92nd minute to send the goalkeeper the wrong way to ensure Joe Deeney’s side remain in contention for top spot as they battle with Oxford for the championship.

The Town led in the 13th minute when Benny Benagr’s cross was perfect for Archie Shepherd to slide home from 12 yards.

Charlie Booth in the Hatters goal denied Rovers an equaliser with a fine save following a deflected effort but the Town restored their lead a minute before the break when Samuel Hincapie-Alfonso’s impudent Cryuff-like finish nutmegged the Rovers goalkeeper.

After the break the Deeney’s side missed several gilt-edged chances to extend the lead and those came back to haunt the Hatters as with seven minutes left Forest Green equalised.

However, just when it seemed the points would be shared, Benagr was fouled in the box and the referee pointed to the spot. After a slight delay, Trustram stepped up and converted from 12 yards to ensure the race for the title continues.

The Town’s Youth Alliance campaign comes to a close with the final game of the season away to Newport on Tuesday. Good luck, lads!

Town: Booth, Roberts-Edema, Fox, Ioannides, Chigozie, Kwame Anson, Asamoah, Trustram, Takawira, Shepherd, Benagr.

Subs: Harvey, Thomas, Stitt, Hincapie-Alfonso, Evans.