Young Hatters defeated by Dons
A Town development side containing eight scholars went down to a narrow 1-0 defeat against AFC Wimbledon on Monday afternoon.
Four first-year scholars were among those involved against a Dons side who included experienced frontman Adebayo Akinfenwa in their starting line-up.
And the 33-year-old Wombles striker had a role in the only goal of the game – his presence in the penalty area deceived Town goalkeeper Liam Gooch and Neset Bellikli’s free-kick floated all the way in.
The young Hatters had chances, however, with Zane Banton, pictured above, denied by a fine save from the Dons goalkeeper following a deflection in their best effort of the game.
Banton had another opportunity stopped by the keeper, as did midfielder Isaac Galliford as the Town searched for an equaliser – but the hosts held out.
Despite the result, Under-18s boss Paul Driver was pleased with the performance.
“We looked good with the ball and developed passages of play really well,” he told lutontown.co.uk. “The only disappointment was not being able to take advantage of our possession with a goal to show for it.
“But we were confident on the ball, the boys weren’t bullied and it’s another game under their belts to aid their development.
“Overall it was a good exercise, a disappointing result but encouraging to see how well they coped individually and collectively with the more physical nature of the game.”
Town dev: Gooch, Trotman, McGhan-George, Famewo, McJannet, Bakinson, Justin, Atkinson (sub Cotter 78), Galliford, Snelus (sub Hinds 69), Banton.
Subs not used: Bean, Brown, Murray, Verney.
Click here for the development squad’s fixtures and results.