Hatters development team triumphs over Dons
Town development squad travelled to Hitchin where they hosted AFC Wimbledon in the Final third development league match.
Town started off strong as Pelly was clipped in the penalty area by a Dons defender, with the referee waving off the penalty appeals. Just five minutes after, Atkinson headed in a beautifully curled cross from Trotman sending the Hatters 1-0 up.
It took almost eighteen minutes for Wimbledon to have their first shot as Pilbeam crossed the ball into the box but Azeez was unable to find the target. Six minutes later Azeez made another run straight past the Hatters’ defence as he beat the keeper with a left footed strike to settle the score.
Town didn’t sit back and continued to pile on the pressure after the goal. Luton’s second came from a fantastic lay off from Justin as Pelly kept his composure and slotted the ball in the back of the net. The score was 2-1 going into the break.
The second half got off to a slow start with neither side having any real chances of note. In the 62nd minute Awford changed Pelly and Pigott for youngsters Galliford and Snelus.
Then in the last 15 minutes the Hatters sprung to life as Justin headed in a beautifully crossed corner to send the score to 3-1.
In the last 10 minutes Magnus made way for McGhan-George at centre back. Then in the 87th minute Trotman's misjudged tackle in the 18 yard box left the referee no choice but to award The Dons a penalty. Azeez drilled home a confident penalty to take the final score to 3-2.
Andy Awford summarised “Really pleased with today’s result. It was important that some senior players were given some minutes to get their legs ready for the weekend. Their attitude was spot on as they treated it like any other league game, but moving forward the most important reason of these development games is to provide a platform for young players to earn a chance to break into the first team.”
Hatters; Justham, Trotman, McJannet, Bakinson, Okuonghae, Famewo, Atkinson, Justin, Pigott, Ruddock-Mpanzu, Banton
Subs: Galliford, Gooch, Cotter, Snelus, McGhan-George
AFC Wimbledon; Mannion, Pilbeam, Harrison, Gallagher, Kalambayi, Sibbick. Fitzpatrick, Stripp, Azeez, Olusanya, Kennedy
Subs: Wilson, Wingate, Bellikli, Egan, Ano