Another win for Hatters Under-18s
The Hatters Under-18s made is four wins from four Youth Alliance matches with a fine 1-0 win at MK Dons on Saturday morning.
Paul Driver’s side were under pressure for most of the 90 minutes against a highly-rated Dons outfit who bossed possession throughout.
But the Town youngsters are made of strong stuff, and Charlie Smith grabbed his fifth goal in four matches when rounding off a counter attack with an excellent strike from the edge of the box with just five minutes remaining.
In the first half Jemal McKenzie-Lowe forced a good save from the Dons goalkeeper before Ben Barnes kept the hosts at bay with a string of fine stops moments.
Striker Tuki Tyali spurned a great chance for the Hatters before half-time when he shot wide from five yards out.
Both sides continued to play some eye-catching football but only half chances came and went in the lead up the break.
The Hatters began the second half under pressure as the Dons upped the ante but, as the half wore on, the Town grew in confidence, and Arel Amu sent a decent opportunity wide of the post.
However, with five minutes left on the clock, the Town youngsters got the winner. An excellent counter attack left the Dons short at the back and Smith raced up-field to join the move and finished it with a drive from the edge of the penalty area that gave the home goalkeeper no chance.
The Hatters sensibly wound the clock down in the closing stages and held on for what boss Driver believes will be one of the best results of the season come the campaign’s end.
“MK Dons are renowned as the best passing team in the division and have a lot of firepower in attack,” he said.
“So to keep a clean sheet and collect all three points is fantastic for all of the lads. The work ethic, determination and quality of the boys was there for all to see.”
Town: Barnes, Crilley, Chabata, Tamplin, Hawkes, Amu, Rees, Smith, Nwgala, Tyali (sub Banton 60), McKenzie-Lowe. Subs not used: King, Amadi, Allman, Perry.