Hatters edged out by Go Ahead Eagles in final friendly clash

Luton fell to their first defeat of pre-season in their final friendly match as they were beaten 1-0 by Eredivisie side Go Ahead Eagles at Kenilworth Road this afternoon.

The visitors were roared on by almost 1,000 visiting fans who had made the trip to Bedfordshire, non-stop singing in both Dutch and English emanating from the packed away end throughout, who helped create a terrific atmosphere for a warm-up contest. Having picked a side to play the Go Ahead Eagles B team yesterday, Town boss Jack Wilshere went with an XI with the aim of getting some 90 minutes into his players, as new signing George Johnston began alongside Hakeem Odoffin in the centre of defence, the ex-Bolton captain catching the eye.

Home supporters got their first look at new addition Callum Marshall, having joined from West Ham United on Thursday, but the Northern Ireland international, like the rest of his team-mates, were largely spectators in the opening 45 minutes as the hosts spent much of that time out of possession, with their opponents incredibly comfortable on the ball in all areas of the field.

Town did manage one early break down the right that saw Jordan Clark’s cross gathered by Kjetil Haug, Palmer’s bobbling attempt cleared away too, as despite the visitors dominating, it didn’t lead an anything resembling a meaningful chance, Josh Keeley having to gather one overhit pass forward, while Luton grew into the game themselves as an attacking force.

One terrific one-touch move on the left saw Palmer and Jordan Clark combine impressively as the latter’s cross was just in front of Marshall, with the striker’s follow-up header deflected over, leading to a corner that was hacked away after a bout of pinball. With the game in something of a lull, the Eagles managed to go ahead with their first real foray into home territory, as they got down the left and put the ball into the box where Stefan Sigurdarson athletically volleyed beyond the despairing dive of Keeley.

Marshall was shown yellow for a rash tackle on Alfons Sampsted, as there was definitely an edge to the contest throughout, Liam Walsh and Victor Edvardsen having to be pulled apart earlier, as the visitors almost doubled their lead on 38 minutes, Edvardsen blasting over from inside the area.

On the stroke of half time, the visitors should really have made it 2-0. A long ball cut the defence open and although Keeley initially did well, racing out of his area to get it first, he put his clearance straight at Sigurdason, who controlled on his chest, but with an open goal to aim at, could only loft his attempt into the Hatters fans situated behind it.

Devante Cole replaced Marshall at the break, as Luton thought they had a penalty just a minute into the second half when a free kick was floated in and headed goalwards by Odoffin, straight at Haug. Referee Adam Herczeg blew his whistle and, despite no appeals from anyone in white, appeared to point to the spot and signal a handball, but then following a chat with the players, simply gave the ball to Haug and let him carry on with a drop-ball.

He soon had possession again when Clark had a crack from 25 yards, as Luton began to enjoy far more possession and create some momentum themselves, Cole showing a good turn of pace to almost get away from Giovanni van Zwam who brought him down for a yellow on 64 minutes. The free kick was hung up and headed out to Johnston, who teed up Walsh for a blast that was once more straight at Haugh to gather at the second attempt.

The Eagles stopper was certainly the busier in the second period, but Town’s efforts were all coming from range, Palmer fashioning space to send a drive goalwards that he collected. Set-pieces were always a threat for Luton as with 15 minutes left, Jake Richards sent a corner in, Odoffin won the header and following Cole’s aerial challenge with Haug, a stretching Palmer flicked over from a few yards out.

A few moments later and Luton threatened again, Richards playing a lovely one-two with Cole and advancing into the box, his low shot parried away by the keeper. Young striker Dawid Gawel came on and was immediately booked for a rash challenge which saw words exchanged between both sets of players, but the hosts couldn’t force the equaliser their second half efforts probably deserved, Richards finding Cole, who turned his man, but then skewed disappointingly well wide of the target.

Hatters: Josh Keeley, Izzy Jones, Joe Johnson, Hakeem Odoffin, George Johnston, Liam Walsh, Jordan Clark, Jake Richards, Gideon Kodua (Dawid Gawel 84), Kasey Palmer, Callum Marshall (Devante Cole 46). Subs not used: James Shea, Jayden Luker, Christian Chigozie, Harry Fox, Benny Benagr.

Go Ahead Eagles: Kjetil Haug, Alfons Sampsted, Joris Kramer ©, Dean James, Evert Linthorst, Stefan Sigurdason, Soren Tengstedt, Victor Edvardsen, Mathis Suray, Melle, Giovanni van Zwam. Subs: Nick Marsman, Nando Verdoni, Adam Benbouker, Richonell Margaret, Terence Lantveld. Booked: Marshall 33, Suray 54, van Zwam 64. Gawel 87. Attendance: 5,837 (920 Eagles).