Luton’s Development squad produced a battling performance in a 2-2 draw against Southern League Premier Central Division outfit Biggleswade Town at the Yvette Brewer stadium this evening.
Ben Stevens put the Hatters ahead a minute before half-time, and following a swift equaliser after the restart from the home side, Callum Nicolson kept his cool to put the Town back ahead.
With minutes left, Biggleswade hit back with a goal of their own from the spot as it finished all square in the friendly match.
The young development side more than held throughout the 90 minutes against a physical outfit, and that began from the first minute. With the lion’s share of possession, it was only clear-cut chances missing from Town’s game in the opening stages.
It was Biggleswade who seemed the more likely to hit the front initially, but Jameson Horlick – who featured for the first team in the 5-0 win against Bedford Town during pre-season – was alert to scamper across his line to deny a Biggleswade free-kick, after he was momentarily caught off guard with a shot from range.
Just before half-time Town made their dominance pay, as Stevens put the Hatters ahead with a tidy finish inside the area. Avan Jones latched onto a long ball up field and hooked it into the centre. With a touch to switch onto his left-foot, Stevens found the bottom corner.
The Waders hit back two minutes after the restart with a fine strike from the edge of the box, a curling effort that left Horlick with no chance.
But the reaction from the Hatters was impressive, as they quickly regained a foothold in the match and created chances of their own.
Tyrelle Newton found space in the area and his attempt stung the gloves of the Waders’ goalkeeper. The lose ball fell to TQ Addy in the box, but he, neither Stevens were able to direct an effort back towards goal.
Captain Ed McJannet, who was fresh from international duty with Republic of Ireland U18s, almost marked his return with a goal, but for a strong arm to turn the ball behind.
As the youngsters continued to dominate, they were rewarded for their efforts. After Nicolson’s cross was handled in the area, the wide man stepped up from 12 yards and rolled the ball into the bottom corner to put the away side back in front.
However, there was another twist in the tale as Horlick was penalised for a foul and Biggleswade converted from the spot via the crossbar, three minutes from time.
Development squad: Horlick; Jones, Francis-Clarke, Moloney, Swan; McJannet (C), Newton, Stevens; Trialist 1, Nicolson; Addy.
Substitutes: Cowler, Lynch, Burger, Heron, Corbit.
Goals: Stevens (44’) Nicolson (70’)