FA YOUTH CUP: Hatters beat Oldham to reach last 16

The left-back struck a sweet half-volley past Latics goalkeeper Chris Renshaw two minutes before the break as Luton set-up a fifth round tie away to Preston North End.

Paul Driver’s side even missed a penalty on the hour mark, with Alex Atkinson’s attempt saved by Renshaw, but it mattered now as Hatters kept another clean sheet, their 17th of the season, to become the first Luton U18s side to reach the fifth round since 2003.

Town had begun well, as Freddie Hinds was thwarted by Renshaw after just eight minutes, with George Murray then denied by a last-ditch challenge.

Oldham started to dominate the latter stages of the half, but Luton had the crucial breakthrough on 43 minutes when McJannet’s free kick hit the wall, only for the defender to fire home a marvellous half volley from the rebound.

In the second period, Jack Snelus saw his effort parried by Renshaw, while Athletic missed a glorious chance, Jake Hargreaves firing over when well-placed and then Ryan Leonard off target.

Luton have a glorious chance to seal the tie on 64 minutes when Snelus was brought down in the area, but Atkinson’s spot kick was saved.

However, Gooch saved well from Alex Read’s deflected shot and then denied Lee Knight in injury time to book a fifth round trip to Deepdale.

Hatters U18s: Gooch, Bean, McJannet, Famewo, Musonda, Justin, Bakinson, Snelus, Atkinson, Murray, Hinds.

Subs: Gordon-Stearn, Brown, Verney, McGhan-George, Shamola