Hatters hit four past Rovers in Beds Cup
The Hatters selected a fledgling side for the match, with only Frankie Musonda and Aaron Jarvis having any Football League experience to their name.
However, the youngsters impressed from the first whistle, with Connor Tomlinson opening the scoring on just three minutes, racing on to Kitan Sorunke’s header to find the bottom corner.
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Hide AdOn 15 minutes it was 2-0, as Arthur Read twisted his way into a shooting position, before curling beyond keeper Charlie Jones from 20 yards.
Hatters, who were managed to Inigo Idiakez on the night, then had a further chance on the half hour when Jarvis was tripped in the area.
Musonda stepped up, but his effort flew over the bar, as it remained 2-0.
However, two minutes later the third did arrive as Drew Richardson’s swirling effort beat Jones.
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Hide AdAfter the break, Town brought on Michael Shamalo and Josh Neufville, with the former reacting quickest to convert Corey Panter’s low cross on 58 minutes.
Barton’s Ewan Fieldhouse netted a late consolation for the hosts, as Idiakez said: “It was really good again, I have been saying that for the last two months.
“The players from the first team showed a fantastic attitude. We created a number of great chances in the first half – we could have scored six or seven.
“The second half I have to be honest, it was quite sloppy. But when you are winning 3-0 it is quite normal.
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Hide Ad“I am really happy with all of them. We are in good shape, we are training hard, working hard and it’s paying off. It was quite a difficult game, but we still played good football. Full credit to the players, it’s difficult to come here, to play and create chances and we did.
“This kind of experience from the first team players helps the youth team to grow.
“The help of the first team players with their attitude and the quality they have got, tonight was a good example of them showing good qualities.
“I think Nathan (Jones) is doing a great job with the players, because every time they play with the youth team they show a great attitude.”
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Hide AdHatters: Harry Isted, Jack James, Joe Mead, Frankie Musonda, Corey Panter (Avan Jones 61), Drew Richardson, Arthur Read, Kitan Sorunke, Connor Tomlinson (Michael Shamalo 46), Scott Belgrove (Josh Neufville 46), Aaron Jarvis.
Subs not used: Tiernan Parker, Jake Peck.