Hatters youth team lose to Bees
The Town’s Under-18s fell to their first defeat in the Youth Alliance on Saturday following a 4-2 reverse against Barnet.Paul Driver’s youngsters were two goals behind in an opening 20 minutes that also saw goalkeeper Craig King save a Barnet penalty.
However, the Hatters rallied to level the score before half-time. Daril Ngwala halved the deficit on 35 minutes when striking home from just inside the penalty area before defender Harry Tamplin levelled matters in first half stoppage time.
The Town started the second half lively but Barnet restored their lead shortly before the hour mark when the Hatters defence were too slow in reacting to King’s initial save allowing Barnet to score from the rebound.
However the Hatters’ chances of earning a point were dashed with 20 minutes left when the Bees made the game safe when a shot was poked home in the penalty area.
A disappointed Driver told lutontown.co.uk: “We recovered well from two goals down but we failed to take our chances when we were on top and that cost us.
“Take nothing away from Barnet because they created more chances and used the ball better when in possession.
“We lacked the quality with the ball and that little bit of defensive nous – and that was the difference.”
The Under-18s are next in action on Saturday when they travel to Peterborough in the Youth Alliance (kick-off 11am).
Town: King, Trotman, Magaraushe (sub Perry 70), Tamplin, Musonda, Justin, Atkinson (sub Amadi 70), Galliford, Ngwala, Tayali, Allman (sub McGhan-George 16). Subs not used: Gooch, Hawkes.