Luton miss out on keeper Lowson

FORMER Ilkeston Town goalkeeper Dan Lowson has missed out on a chance of signing for the Hatters despite his release from Darlington this week, writes Mike Simmonds.

The 22-year-old former England schoolboy started the season at Ilkeston before the club went out of business and then moved to the Quakers on a non-contract basis.

FA rules state that a player can’t sign for more than two clubs during the transfer window, forcing Town boss Richard Money to cool his interest in the youngster.

He said: “This is an unfortunate anomaly for the transfer system that we have in this country.

“He can’t play for anybody else until January, how ridiculous is that?

“We’ll have (Kevin) Pilkington back in January, so it doesn’t look as though he’ll be given an opportunity.

“You could argue he’s lost an opportunity for a contract with us at some stage in the future, simply because of the transfer regulations.

“He only signed for Darlington as a non-contract player and was on the bench a couple of times.

“But because that happens outside the window, he now can’t play for anybody else until the window reopens, which is sad for him and probably something that needs to be looked at.”

Young keeper Lewis Kidd will continue to understudy first choice Mark Tyler, while Kevin Pilkington regains his match fitness at Blue Square Bet Premier rivals Mansfield Town.

The 36-year-old kept his first shut-out on Tuesday night as Mansfield won 2-0 at Kettering under the watchful eyes of Hatters goalkeeping coach Dmitri Kharine.

Money added: “Dimi went to see Kevin play at Kettering, where he kept a clean sheet.

“That’s his third game. We’re getting good reports and high plaudits which is what we wanted for him.

“He’ll be crucial for us in the second half of the season, there is absolutely no doubt about that.

“Lewis Kidd is improving this year. We’ve given him the opportunity to train with the senior players which has lifted his profile and lifted his performance level so we’re pleased with him.”