Hatters youngsters go down to Grecians
The Town Under-18s went down 2-1 at Exeter City on Saturday in their latest Merit League fixture in the Youth Alliance.Paul Driver’s youngsters went into the game having won their last two games but fell to a goal five minutes from time against the Grecians.
The Hatters went a goal down after seven minutes when the hosts’ striker latched onto an under-hit back-pass and fired past goalkeeper Liam Gooch.
But the Town rallied and created a number of excellent chances in a bid to level. A James Justin free-kick rebounded off the post and George Murray’s effort bounced wide.
As the Hatters continued to threaten, James Verney hit the post, Kavan Cotter shot over from 30 yards and Tyreeq Bakinson saw a drive tipped over by the Exeter goalkeeper.
After the break the Town upped the ante and on the hour it was 1-1 when Alex Atkinson’s 25-yard low drive flew home.
The Hatters created the better chances with efforts from Bakinson and Jack Snelus both saved by the home keeper.
But just when it looked as though the Town would earn at least a point from their trip to Devon, Exeter snatched all three points on 85 minutes when, following a quick throw-in, a shot from the edge of the box beat Gooch.
Despite the final result, Driver was happy with the level of performance from his side.
He said: “It was wet, windy and horrible conditions but both sides played some truly excellent, fast flowing football.
“For me the plus was that we created a lot of chances and worked their goalkeeper. That’s something we’ve asked for recently and I’m really pleased that we were able to create the better chances. The game could have gone either way but they nicked it at the end.
“We rested a few of the lads again with the Shrewsbury game in mind and from now on we’ll look to make the side stronger as we work towards that.”
Town: Gooch; Justin, Bean (sub McGhan-George 60), Famewo, James (sub McJannet 60); Bakinson, Brown, Cotter, Murray, Atkinson; Verney (sub Snelus 60).
Please note the Under-18s' game this weekend away to Barnet has been switched to Friday 1st April.