Under-18s triumph in group opener
A second half strike from striker Arel Amu gave the Town Under-18s the perfect start in their quest for Gothia Cup glory in Sweden on Monday afternoon.The Hatters youngsters began their Under-17 Group 4 campaign against hosts IFK Gothenburg in front of the live television cameras and a crowd of almost 600.
Despite the hosts starting on the front foot, Paul Driver's side slowly edged their way back into proceedings - Zane Banton going close in a goalless first half.
But it was the Town who went ahead 15 minutes into the second half when Amu strode clear to tuck home.
Hurt, Gothenburg fought back, but goalkeeper Josh Carpenter came to the Hatters' rescue with a flying save to prevent a 30-yard effort from sailing which ensured all three points.
Driver told the official website: "We told the boys to be patient as we knew the home team would be under pressure to impress in front of an expectant home crowd.
"It has helped that all of the boys who we have for this season's group have come up through the youth ranks at the club. Everyone knows how each other plays. That consistency and familiarity will stand us in good stead and you can see it's already had a positive effect by this result."
Team: Carpenter, Longden, Stephens, Chabata, Jibodu, Smith, Rees, Maguraushe, Davis (sub McKenzie-Lowe), Banton, Amu (sub Allman).
The Town play their second group game on Tuesday against Danish side Esbjerg before playing Brommapojkarna of Sweden on Wednesday.
For further information on the tournament visit http://results.gothiacup.se/2012/division/814720.