A deserved victory for Town youngsters at Southend
A confident young Hatters XI went brought home a well-deserved victory against Southend in the Final Third Development League this afternoon with a fine performance.
They took the lead mid-way through the first half with an Alex Atkinson goal, which was followed by a very comfortable spell of play with some good chances going wanting and some decent saves from the Southend keeper.
Southend got back into the game 10 minutes before the break, but the Hatters first half display had been dominant.
Just 2 minutes into the second half, Isaac Galliford slotted the ball home to give the Town the lead once more, and from there the youngsters didn’t look back. A bit later, Trotman made a burst into the box and was fouled for a penalty, and Zane Banton stepped up to convert for 3 – 1.
Youth Academy and Development Manager Andy Awford said “We put out a very young team this afternoon. It was a very strong performance all round with Zane putting in a particularly strong performance, he was a threat all afternoon and I’m pleased for him that he got his goal.”
This afternoon’s match saw some of this season’s successful youth team players on the team sheet.
“The important thing for these young players is, can we get them through to the first team environment – that’s got to be the end goal. League titles and cup runs are great, but that’s where the end goal has to be and today they showed that they can use a game like this to bridge the gap. I was pleased that the boys from the U18 group held their own and played very well” he said.
Gooch (GK), Trotman, Onyemah, Bakinson, Musonda (C), Famewo, Cotter, Snelus, Banton, Atkinson and Galliford.
Subs: McJannet, Brown, Murray, Verney and Bean.