Another game unbeaten for Hatters youngsters
The Town Under-18s progressed to the southern area semi-finals of the Youth Alliance League Cup after a 4-3 penalty shoot-out win over Leyton Orient on Friday afternoon.
After a goalless 90 minutes Paul Driver’s side trailed 2-0 in the shootout – but two saves from goalkeeper Liam Gooch helped a young Hatters side, containing a number of under-16s, progress to the last four.
Defences were on top and chances were few and far between during normal time but the Town seemed destined for an exit following Akin Famewo and Kavan Cotter’s misses from the spot.
However, Gooch saved twice from Orient kicks while James Justin, Jack Snelus, Tyreeq Bakinson and, in his first game back after recovering from a broken leg, Josh Brown scored to secure the Hatters victory.
A pleased Driver told lutontown.co.uk: “It was a young side but it was a good game and our boys battled well.
“Neither side created many chances in the game but we looked very strong defensively. We were disciplined in that area but never really looked like threatening in the final third.
“It’s another game unbeaten, another clean sheet and it sets us up nicely for Monday under the lights for the FA Youth Cup game with Colchester.”
Town: Gooch, James (sub Justin 84), McGhan-George, Famewo, McJannet; Bakinson, Cotter; Verney (sub Belgrove 77), Snelus, Read (sub Brown 74); Murray. Subs not used: Jones, Mead.
Remember the Hatters youth team entertain Colchester at Kenilworth Road in the first round of the FA Youth Cup. Kick-off is at 7pm and entry is £4 adults and £2 concessions.