Stotfold 0 Luton Town 1

A third minute penalty from exciting youngster Scott Sinclair was enough for Luton Town U18s to see off Stotfold and earn Bedfordshire Premier Cup success.

Sinclair, who has been in red-hot goalscoring form during the pre-season campaign, including a hat-trick against Dunstable, was instrumental in winning his side the early penalty.

After a surging run forward, he was grounded by a Stotfold player, giving referee Darren Flanagan no option but to point to the penalty spot. Sinclair stepped up and coolly placed his penalty past Brad Gillham to give Hatters the lead.

The reigning United Counties League Premier Division champions gave as good as they got and had a couple of good chances, although Callum Donnelly and Freddie Morris could not trouble Aaron Fletcher in the Luton goal. Sinclair had a decent opportunity to extend the lead in the second half but, unfortunately, put his shot wide.

Last season's Beds Senior Cup winners had one last opportunity to level, but Fletcher did well to hold on to Ryan Aldrin's shot on the turn.

The success meant Hatters regained the Beds Premier Cup, following last season's 3-2 defeat at the hands of Dunstable Town.

Town's director of youth Alan Neilson said: "It was very pleasing as we competed against a very strong side.

"There were a few tackles flying about, and the game was slightly different to the kind we'll play week in week out, in that it was more of a physical battle.

"But it was nice for the boys to get involved and experience that kind of game as it will stand them in good stead for the future. We worked hard, passed the ball quite well and created a few chances, but also we defended well against a very strong side."

Hatters: Fletcher, Deeney, Hogarth, Morgan, Howells, Farthing, Owusu (Cleaver 85), Barker (Biggi 80), Nathaniel (Wood 45), Sinclair, Triallist.