Mixed month for Hatters shadow squad

LUTON Town’s U18 shadow squad have enjoyed an up and down time of it recently, writes Mark Wood.

Coach Adam Balletta, pictured, said: “It’s been a mixed month. We have had to fight for results and come back from a goal down twice.

“It has been character building and made us stronger as a team and as individuals. We have learnt from our mistakes and will be better for it.

“We still sit in a good position in our league and we are starting to play the way we would like to.

“We are getting the ball down, moving it quickly and having to interchange within positions.”

Hatters started November with a 2-1 League Cup first round win against Spalding United.

Town fought back from 1-0 down with Kevin Lema equalising from the spot and Dontelle Harris grabbing an 89th-minute winner.

They then came from behind to win 2-1 at Winchmore Hill in the Football Conference Youth Alliance League South Division.

Luton struggled to break their hosts down, but Lema levelled with another penalty and Martin Collins curled the winner into the top corner.

However, they suffered their first defeat of the season on November 17, as Bishop’s Stortford netted a 90th-minute winner.

Balletta said: “It’s a shame. We had the majority of the possession, played some really good passing football and created the better chances within a very tight game.

“We knew this day would come and before kick-off I mentioned to the boys that they cannot takes risks in their own final third, otherwise at some point it will cost them.

“It cost us this time. We had five opportunities to clear the ball on the edge of our own box and we tried to pass our way out of trouble.

“It’s a learning curve and I can guarantee they will not make the same mistake again this season.”

Hatters then defeated Cray Wanderers 3-1 on penalties in the second round of the League Cup after a 2-2 draw.

First half goals from Michael Welsh and Mason Lacey put Luton ahead and, after Wanderers pulled a goal back 15 minutes into the second half, they levelled late on.

Matt Evans then produced a great save from a header destined for the top corner.

Luton held their nerve in the shoot-out to triumph 3-1 and move into the third round.