Young Hatters side gain point against local rivals in 2-2 draw
A Town Under-18s side without a single second year scholar earned a fine point against Watford in the Youth Alliance on Tuesday afternoon in their first match in six weeks.Boss Paul Driver was missing several of his senior players with tonight's Bedfordshire Senior Cup tie at Leighton Town taking place. In comparison, Watford were able to field a much stronger side for the Youth Alliance clash.
The Town fell behind as early as the second minute but fought back to level on 25 minutes through Daril Ngwala.
It got better for the Hatters in the second half when Osamu Allman struck a superb 25-yard effort to put Driver's side in front.
Watford levelled with 12 minutes to go to earn a share of the spoils but Driver was delighted with the result and performance despite the Hornets' late equaliser.
"It was a darn good day's work," Driver told lutontown.co.uk afterwards. "Considering we haven't had a game for six weeks and without any of the second year group to get a point is excellent.
"It was an excellent all-round performance. I'm chuffed to be honest.
"The biggest thing to take from the game is that we now know that this group can take us forward next season. They are in a much more advanced position than the current group were last year. That is a major plus."
Town: Whybrow; Crilley, Perry, Hawkes, Tamplin; Ngwala, Oakley, Trotman, Allman (sub Craig 82); McMonagle (K. Smith 85), Tayali (sub Amadi 75).
Sub not used: Justin.