Injury-hit youngsters earn point
A Town Under-18 squad containing six Under-16s fought back to earn a deserved point in a 1-1 draw against in-form AFC Wimbledon in the Youth Alliance on Saturday morning.The Hatters fell behind in the 25th minute but after that slow start that goal woke up the Town youngsters, and after a series of near misses, striker Tuki Tayali headed home an equaliser 10 minutes later.
As half-time approached, the Town came close to snatching the lead with Tayali heading over and an Alex Atkinson lob falling inches over the crossbar.
After the break both sides went in search for all three points, and the Town weren’t far away from a winner when firstly a Geo Craig header from close range dropped wide before a shot from Jack Snelsus, one of the Under-16s in the squad – also crept wide of the target.
However, in the end the points were shared and manager Paul Driver had no complaints.
“I’m really pleased. To have six first-team regulars out and to have six under-16s taking their place you have to be happy and I’m proud too.
“Wimbledon have strung together a good record of results so to come from behind to get a point is terrific.
“Of course we want to win matches but given the injury situation we’re happy to keep the points ticking over. It’s another point and we’ll take it.”
Town U18: King, Maguraushe, Perry, Justin, Hawkes, McJannett, Atkinson, Galliford, Craig, Tayali (sub Snelsus 53), Amadi (sub Amu 74).
Subs not used: Smith-Bubbins, Brown, Gooch.