A last-minute winner from Harry Fox earned the Hatters Under-18s a priceless 3-2 victory over Stevenage in their hunt for the Youth Alliance title.

The Town were two goals up at half-time in a game dominated by windy conditions which made it tough for both sides.

Joe Deeney’s side broke the deadlock eight minutes before half-time when a Stevenage defender’s mis-placed pass across goal was finished by Matthew Takawira from two yards.

Then, with the last kick of the first half, the Hatters made it 2-0 when Charlie Trustram’s cross was nodded home at the back post by Christian Chigozie.

However, Boro halved the deficit six minutes into the second half and then levelled nine minutes from time when the visiting forward finished from eight yards.

But the Town dug deep and found a winner in injury time when Harry Fox drilled a low left-foot finish from the edge of the box.

Ten minutes of additional time were added in which Charlie Emery came close to making it 4-2 but the Town held on to earn a vital victory and return to the top of the table.

“At 2-2 we had that feeling we were going to lose two points from a strong winning position so for the lads to keep going was terrific,” said Deeney.

“I was happy with the character the boys showed to make sure the game didn’t peter out.

“It wasn’t the best game on the eye but a win’s a win and we keep going.”

The Hatters’ next test in the Youth Alliance is a trip to Bromley on Saturday.

Town: Thomas, Asamoah, Fox, Roberts-Edema, Chigozie, Kwame Anson, Ioannides, Martins, Takawira, Stitt, Benagr.

Subs: Shepherd, Hockey, Trustram, Emery, Ed-Okungbowa.