Luton Town ran out easy 6-0 winners over Ipswich Town U21s in their Jersey Mike’s Trophy group stage clash at Kenilworth Road on Tuesday night.
Jordan Clark netted a birthday hat-trick, as Devante Cole, Joe Johnston and Dawid Gawel all scored their first goals for the club and to find out how the Hatters players rated, see below.
1. James Shea: 7
Stayed in the side to make it a second successive appearance for the Hatters after being recalled against Bradford on Saturday, enjoying a far more comfortable opening five minutes on this occasion. Was called on just moments after Town had taken the lead when Fletcher went racing through one-on-one, as he stood up well to make an important deflection with his legs that kept the hosts ahead. That was it in terms of his action, as Ipswich failed to test him from then on, allowing him one of the easiest clean sheets of his Hatters career. Photo: Hasnain Ali Photography
2. Zach Ioannides: 7.5
Academy graduate had made one outing in this competition last season but got his first start this time as he slotted into the right back role with Ashby on the bench. One nervy moment when Fletcher sped away from him after Town had taken the lead, but thankfully Shea came to the rescue. After that scare, he looked solid, managing his opponent well. You could see his confidence growing with every passing minute, particularly in the second period, as he had more of an impact on proceedings, getting stuck in to the delight of the Hatters fans on that side of the ground. Replaced on 67 minutes but will take the positives into international duty with Cyprus U21s now. Photo: Hasnain Ali Photography
3. Mads Andersen: 7
One of just five players who kept their place in the starting XI from Bradford City and had a pretty comfortable time of it in the first half as all of Ipswich's best play came in their midfield and defence, well out of reach of the Danish centre half. The ease at which he got through the opening 45 minutes was demonstrated by his need to compete for just one aerial duel that he unsurprisingly won, before going off at the interval for Odoffin in what was a clearly pre-planned switch. Photo: Hasnain Ali photography
4. Kal Naismith: 8
Valuable game-time for the club captain who hadn't played since coming off at half time against Mansfield. Was strong aerially from the word go as he rose highest to meet a corner only to head over. Although he played in the centre of defence, still found time to get out wide and swing in some dangerous crosses, one wonderfully volleyed home by Clark for his second goal. With the press on Town's back-line nowhere like it is in League One, able to always go forward with his passing, also looking sharp to nip in and win several balls forward as well, putting Luton on the front foot. Tried his luck with a free kick from 30 yards after the break that was well handled by the visiting keeper. Photo: James Fearn