Last-gasp header gives young Hatters another victory
An injury-time winner from Tyreeq Bakinson sent the Hatters Under-18s top of the Youth Alliance table with a late victory over Northampton.
Having been frustrated by the Cobblers for long periods, Bakinson rose highest in the penalty box to nod home Alex Atkinson’s corner in second half injury time to extend the Town’s winning run to five games.
And with Southend’s defeat to Barnet, the three points lifted Paul Driver’s side to the top of the division with an unbeaten record of eight wins and one draw from nine matches.
The Hatters’ best chances came in the final five minutes as they sought a winner. Atkinson went close before a George Murray shot was brilliantly saved by the Cobblers’ keeper.
However, just when it looked as though the Town would had to settle for a point, Bakinson popped up to meet Atkinson’s flag-kick to secure a last-gasp win.
Driver told lutontown.co.uk: “I must credit Northampton because they made it very, very difficult for us. They stopped us playing and gave us no time and no room on the ball.
“We weren’t as good on the ball as we have been this season and at time our decision making was sloppy.
“But we stuck at it and grafted right to the end. It’ll be a learning curve for us.
“We didn’t have it all own way, it was probably our toughest match so far. I would have walked away with a point but to win it is obviously great for the boys.”
Town Under-18s: Gooch; Justin, McJannet, Musonda, Famewo (sub Mead 85); McGhan-George, Bakinson, Cotter, Atkinson; Verney (sub Snelus 65), Murray. Subs not used: Jones, Belgrove.