Goalless for Hatters in Boreham Wood friendly

Luton Town were held to a goalless draw in a hastily re-arranged friendly at Boreham Wood on Tuesday night.
Jake Howells.Jake Howells.
Jake Howells.

Town who also fielded a strong side at Colchester at Kenilworth Road on the same evening, looked solid against a workmanlike Boreham Wood side dominating most of the play whilst always attempting to play football.

As the half wore on the silky skills of Luke Rooney, the threat of Jake Howells, and the assurance of Andy Drury kept the home defence on their toes.

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However on 40 minutes Wood forward Lee Angol - signed by the Hatters this summer but loaned to the hosts - broke through a hitherto steadfast Hatters backline to fire a snapshot at Town keeper Mark Tyler. The visitors’ last line of defence proved equal to the task as he got down low to save. The ball then rebounded to Boreham Wood’s number ten Charlie Walker who drilled a fierce shot which Tyler then gathered.

It was a smart double save which highlighted Tyler’s quick reactions.

With more midfield skirmishing up until the half time whistle Luton went into the break in the fading sunshine not altogether disappointed to be level at 0-0.

Luton started brightly in the opening stages of the second half.

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There was neat play by Rooney who worked the ball out wide only for Jake Howells to be fouled by furious left back Greg Morgan whose invective aimed at all and sundry was surely deserving of a card. Whilst the free kick came to nothing it had the effect of raising the tempo leading to some full blooded challenges over the next few minutes.

On 50 minutes Jake Howells carved some space 30 yards out with an excellent first touch before flighting a beautifully weighting curling shot Boreham Wood keeper James Russell only just managed to palm onto the bar and over. The skill, execution and audaciousness from Howells was worth the entrance fee alone.

Moments later following a corner Rooney fired a powerful shot Russell was glad to hold.

On 55 minutes Rooney showing his undoubted class again drilled a rasping effort low straight at Russell who gathered.

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A Hatters free kick to the left of the D two minutes later saw a powerful effort fly wide from Adam Drury.

A period of nice passing on the deck from Luton saw the hosts chasing shadows culminating in a low shot by Howells after cutting in. Soon after Drury hit another long range shot over the bar.

Howells was clearly enjoying moving inside left back Morgan who struggled to keep pace with Town’s impressive jet heeled forward, completely failing to show his man out wide on numerous occasions.

Town’s mastery of the ball and desire to play one and two touch football allied with impressive movement was testament to the ethos John Still and his management team have imbued in their players. Boreham Wood simply had no answer. The only thing missing was a goal.

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On 73 minutes Kynan Issac fresh from an exacting workout against Bedford on Saturday replaced a lively Rooney.

Two minutes later a Howells corner was glanced on by Ruddock but not firmly enough to direct it at goal. As it flew across the area Griffiths narrowly failed to connect.

On 78 minutes Tyler comfortably gathered a fierce shot from Wood sub Ryan Hope.

More trickery from Alex Wall saw him deliver a dangerous ball in the box just eluding Town’s onrushing forwards.

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As the hosts tired Luton’s fitness levels stayed at the same intensity -another nod to professionalism of their pre season efforts.

Angol summed up BHs poor night by fluffing a chance late on when well placed and was substitued moments later for 17 Jack Vasey.

On the final whistle Boreham Wood’s forwards narrowly missed getting on the end of a ball Tyler gratefully gathered.

So 0-0 it ended in a hard fought result for Luton who were by far the more impressive team both in ambition and technique. Altogether another encouraging pre season performance for The Hatters.

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Boreham Wood: 1) James Rusell, 2) Ben Nunn, 3) Greg Morgan, 4) Luke Garrard, 5) Josh Hill, 6) Callum Reynolds, 7) Matthew Whichelow, 8) Scott Thomas, 9) Lee Angol, 10) Charlie Walker, 11) Graeme Montgomery.

Luton Town: 1) Mark Tyler, 2) Curtley Williams, 3) Scott Griffiths, 4) Alex Lacey, 5) Steve McNulty, 7) Luke Rooney, 8) Andy Drury, 9) Paul Benson, 10) Alex Wall, 11) Jake Howells, 21) Pelly Ruddock.