A Connor Tomlinson brace saw the Hatters round off their pre-season in style as they defeated Bedford Town 2-0 at The Eyrie last night.

Tomlinson got a goal midway through each half to ensure victory, with the Town playing a mixed team of pros and Under-18s. It was also a chance to see a number of former Hatters involved – with Paul Benson and Dan Walker leading the line for the hosts.

The Hatters had the lion's share of the chances, with Aaron Jarvis going close within the opening ten minutes after he rounded goalkeeper Kyle Forster, but the impressive Mason Watkins-Clark did well to block the striker's goal-bound effort.

Jack Senior provided a real threat down the left wing all evening, and after seeing a cross for Tomlinson blocked, the same combination of players weren't going to be denied again, as the left-back's low ball into the box was tucked away at the back post by Tomlinson after 22 minutes, giving the Town a deserved lead.

Jarvis again had a great opportunity to get his name on the scoresheet just two minutes later, but he was unable to convert from Tomlinson's superb cut-back – Forster thwarting the former Basingstoke Town forward's effort with a low save.

Drew Richardson looked to get in on the action as he went to hammer one in from range as the stopwatch just passed the half-hour mark, but the Bedford keeper did well to gather after getting two strong palms on the strike to stop it heading for the top left corner.

Watkins-Clark was again on hand to deny Tomlinson just after the restart – this time Musonda picking out the forward, but the Bedford defender's strong challenge inside the hosts' box ensured the attack was over.

Arthur Read and Richardson tested substitute keeper Niall Cooper with some digs from range, but the stopper did well to deny both.

He was unable to stop Tomlinson finding the back of the net again though, when Musonda headed down a cross from a corner, the striker was there to smash it in on the half-volley to double the Hatters' advantage.

Harry Isted was called into action late on, dealing with a strike bound for the bottom right corner really well as he tipped it round the post, as the Hatters ran out comfortable winners on the evening.

Bedford: Forster, Longdon, Jarrold, Grant, Watkins-Clark, Swaine, Daniels, Donnelly, Benson, Walker, Draycott.

On the bench: Cooper, Abbey, Roache, Woods-Garness, Rhiney, Harriott, Dummett.

Town: Isted, Musonda, Senior, Swindells, L Jones, Byron, Richardson, Read, Tomlinson (A Jones 84), Jarvis, Neufville (Boorn 78).

On the bench: Greco, Kalonda, Panter, Parker, Holden.

Town goals: Tomlinson 22, 75

Attendance: 762