Defender Anthony Charles played an hour for the Hatters development squad as Hakan Hayrettin’s side came back to beat Oxford 2-1 at Ely Way on Wednesday.
Charles, who injured his shoulder during the first team’s 2-0 win over Salisbury in August, came the hour unscathed in another victory for the second string.
In a game consisting of three 30-minute segments against the unbeaten League 2 side at the Town’s training ground, Oxford took the lead before striker Alex Wall levelled. Charles was involved in the move that led to the frontman’s fine thumping first-time header that flew into the top corner.
The Hatters continued to dominate and secured victory with a goal from a trialist – much to Hayrettin’s delight.
He told lutontown.co.uk: “It’s another win and winning is good – it’s a great habit to have. It’s something we’re trying to instil right the way through the football club, from the first team to the development squad to the youth team.
“We’re asking the players to work hard as a team and as individuals and it is reaping rewards. It is also enabling players push for a place in the first team. Andy Parry, Jim Stevenson and Alex Lawless have shown that recently in their performances in these development squad matches.
“Their selection for the first team shows that displays in these games are crucial. We’re making sure that players are ready to step in to the first team at a moment’s notice. It also goes to show how fit and organised our players are and this something again we want to have right the way through the club.
“We’re playing and beating the likes of Peterborough, Brentford, Stevenage and Oxford – very accomplished Football League clubs – and it’s a testament to the attitude and application of the players involved. They have taken on board what we tell them very well and it has shown in their level of performance and the results.
“It’s good for the club and encouraging for everybody. I think the word is out that we have a very good development squad.”
Town development v Oxford: Justham; Longden, Trialist, Trialist, Charles (sub Trialist); Amu (sub Taiwo), Robinson, Trialist, O’Donnell; Banton (sub McKenzie-Lowe), Wall.