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Hatters progress through to Bedfordshire U18 Floodlit Cup final
Town youngster knock out Stotfold
A youthful Luton Town team progressed to the final of the Bedfordshire U18 Floodlit Cup with a 2-1 victory over Stotfold on Wednesday night.
Fielding a team made up of five u15s, five U16's and one U17 the young Hatters dominated possession throughout the game against a team who are unbeaten so far in their league.
Despite the age and size difference between the two teams, Luton's passing and movement was of the highest quality and made for a very one-sided game.
Two econd half strikes from Cauley Woodrow put Luton in the ascendancy and, although Stotfold netted a late goal Town clung on for victory.
Youth Team Coach Martin Prickett said: "I thought our performance was excellent, especially in our ability to keep possession and to match the physical presence of Stotfold.
"I was particularly pleased for future scholars Michael Cain and Cauley Woodrow who were outstanding in the centre of midfield.
"It is very important we play our U15s and U16s in this competition as it puts them in the environment where results matter and starts to teach them the uglier side of the game which prepares them for U18 football.
"We will continue to field a young side as it will test them mentally with the stress of being in a final as well as technically and physically."
Meanwhile, U16 coach Jon De Souza said: "Our best performance since we played Arsenal during pre-season, the midfield were magnificent throughout.
"We need to offer better angles of support in and around the area to break teams down so we can turn possession into chances.
"This was a great lesson for the defence in what is needed to win a game, and they will have learnt from the mistakes that let Stotfold back into the game."
Early chances fell to Moses Kaddu and Liam Toomey, who was making his comeback game after three months out with a broken wrist.
Despite dominating, Luton's midfielders were unable to penetrate the Stotfold defence, but Woodrow, Michael Cain and Alasan Ann came close with long-range efforts.
The best chance fell to Woodrow whose header from a Cain set-piece was cleared off the line.
Luton started the second half well, with Kaddu and Cain coming close before clever movement between Cain and Toomey set up Woodrow to volley home the opening goal.
Town doubled the lead soon after when Woodrow picked the ball up on the edge of the area and drove home.
Just as Luton looked in complete control, nave defending from Newman Carney and Jerome Jibodu result in Luton conceding a cheap free-kick on the edge of the area.
And controversy ensued when the free-kick was driven in the defensive wall only for the referee to award a penalty for hand-ball.
Stotfold scored from the spot and, although they pressed for an equaliser, Town's defence held firm to set up a final appearance against Leighton Town.
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Weather for Luton
Friday 25 May 2012
Today
Sunny
Temperature: 11 C to 24 C
Wind Speed: 21 mph
Wind direction: East
Tomorrow
Sunny
Temperature: 11 C to 22 C
Wind Speed: 20 mph
Wind direction: East
