Hatters youngsters record opening day victory
The Town Under-18s fought back from a goal down to beat MK Dons 3-1 in their opening fixture in the Youth Alliance on Saturday.
The Hatters were caught cold in the third minute to trail to the visitors, but Paul Driver’s side settled after a 20-minute period of dominance that saw an Alex Atkinson effort hit the post.
Trailing at the break, the young Town side rallied to level on the hour when a Kyran McGhan-George cross was met by Isaac Galliford and his shot was tucked home by Tuki Tayali on the rebound.
Eight minutes later the Hatters were ahead when Tayali caused confusion in the MK Dons defence and Luke Trotman volleyed home a superb dipping shot from 20 yards.
All of a sudden it was all the Town and the result was put to bed with 15 minutes to go when Osamu Allman sped clear and finished with aplomb to make it 3-1.
Boss Driver told lutontown.co.uk: “We took our time to find our feet but once we did we played some excellent football. It was a good result against opposition who always give you a competitive game.
“The performances of some of the first-year scholars were a particular highlight, once again showing the benefit of their experiences of playing in youth team matches at the back end of last season as Under-16s.
“We’re now in the situation where we’re comfortable fielding any of the 17 lads that make up the squad.
“There was a lot to be encouraged by, but the most rewarding was the appearance of Leeroy Magaurashe as a second half substitute following a year out with a cruciate knee injury. All credit goes to Leeroy for his work-hard and determination, as well as the work by Jonathan Chatfield, our physiotherapist.”
Town: King, Trotman, Hawkes, Atkinson (sub Justin 80), Tamplin, Musonda, Galliford (sub Magaraushe 75), Tayali, Allman (sub Amadi 80), Ngwala. Subs not used: Gooch, Craig.