The Development Squad recorded an impressive 6-0 win over Fox Soccer Academy with three goals in both halves at Top Field this afternoon.
Casey Pettit opened the scoring and Zack Nelson added a brace, the first of which was an impressive strike from 25 yards.
In the final minutes Daniel Idiakhoa, Tyrelle Newton and Tobias Braney got in on the act as the young Hatters maintained their unbeaten start to the 2022-23 campaign.
Adrian Forbes’ side raced into a two-goal lead in the opening 10 minutes, putting their opponents to the sword with a high press which the Leicester-based side found difficult to live with.
After trying a similar corner routine moments before, Callum Nicolson’s deep crosse was headed back towards goal by Ben Tompkins and headed in from close range by Pettit.
The youngsters doubled their lead just three minutes later with a superb effort from Nelson. Having recently featured on the bench in the Carabao Cup, the number 10 continued to impress as he received the ball in midfield and picked out the top corner from distance.
Within minutes of each other the Development Squad had four chances to extend their lead once more but for two impressive stops from the Fox Soccer keeper.
Tobias Braney raced through on goal and was denied low, before Avan Jones broke free down the right-hand-side and fired the ball across for Ed McJannet, but the Republic of Ireland U19 international was inches away from making contact.
Tra Lucas had an effort blocked and the rebound fell kindly to Nelson, but this time he sliced his effort over the bar.
He wasn’t to be denied a brace for much longer, however, as 10 minutes before half-time Nelson claimed his second of the afternoon.
Braney worked his way into the box and crossed for Nelson, who took the ball down, worked into onto his left-foot and fired low past the goalkeeper.
Shortly after the goal McJannet was forced off through injury and replaced by Tyrelle Newton, before the Development Squad threatened again.
In added time at the end of the first half, Callum Nicolson rolled his man and struck towards goal only for the post to deny him.
The Development Squad continued to probe for more goals in the second period, with Tra Lucas and Braney almost combining to great effect.
The latter beat his man and crossed brilliantly for Lucas, but he couldn’t steer his header goalwards. Tompkins also failed to work the keeper with a free header, before Newton was denied after a neat turn to beat his man, and later with a shot from distance.
Their continued efforts were rewarded with three late goals though, the first from Idiakhoa who tapped into an empty net was then followed by an intricate passing move finished off by Newton.
Braney - who had run tirelessly all afternoon - was then in on the act as Lynch unselfishly played the ball across the area for the forward to roll into the back of the net to conclude a very positive afternoon for the Development Squad.
Development Squad: Horlick; Jones (Pinnington 69'), Tompkins, Odell-Bature, Williams; Pettit (C) (Burger 69'), McJannet (Newton 36'), Nicolson (Idiakhoa 61'), Nelson (Trialist 61'); Lucas (Lynch 61'), Braney.
Subs not used: Bentley.
Goals: Pettit (6'), Nelson (9', 35'), Idiakhoa (83'), Newton (85'), Braney (90')