Hatters U18s enjoy Cobblers and Posh wins

Hatters started the game well and were 2-0 up within the first 12 minutes as Jerome Jibodu’s cross shot looped over the keeper, while Zac Jules’ strong header saw Jemale McKenzie-Lowe find Zane Banton, who placed his shot into the net.

Town had further chances to extend their lead as Town hit the bar twice, before Arel Amu was also denied.

The third arrived within 90 seconds of the second half as Tinashe Chabata, Ian Rees, McKenzie-Lowe and Banton combined to set up Amu who made no mistake.

U18s boss Paul Driver said: “We started well, maintained the pressure and closed the game out well.

“For his first game, Zac Jules was outstanding and gives us something to seriously consider going forward and Tuki (Tayali) came on for his first game too and did exactly what was asked of him.”

Luton: Barnes, Burtenshaw, Jibodu, Rees, Jules, Chabata, Amu, Smith (Trottman), McKenzie-Lowe (Tayali), Banton, Maguraushe (Ngwala).

Subs Not Used: Carpenter, Pittfield.

Town U18s also played Peterborough at St Neots FC the previous Tuesday and returned with a 2-0 victory.

Midfielder Leeroy Maguraushe came back from injury and Luton impressed from the start as Amu fired into the side-netting, while Zane Banton shot wide from long range.

In the second period, the deadlock was broken as Banton fed Amu and his first time effort from the edge of the box flew into the top corner.

The result was put beyond doubt in the 89th minute when Ian Rees stole possession just inside his own half and found Jemale McKenzie-Lowe, who charged forward, fed Rees and his cross superbly turned home by substitute Darill Ngwala.

Driver added: “This was an excellent team effort against a strong Peterborough line-up.

“Everyone from front to back worked hard when we didn’t have the ball and we looked lively with it.

“Nick Burtenshaw is improving all the time as a full back and was superb while Ian Rees is now giving us much more bite in midfield.

“We just need to keep this level of performance up and keep striving to improve and climb up the league. We had eight first years in the starting line up, too, which was another major plus from the day as we look to kick on”.

Hatters: Barnes, Burtenshaw, Davison, Rees, Chabata, Amu, Smith (Pittfield 92), McKenzie-Lowe, Banton (Ngwala), Maguraushe (Davis 65).

Subs not used: Carpenter, Galliford.

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