Tranmere boss tells Harris to 'enjoy the moment' as Town teen nets maiden Football League goal
Hatters attacker Luker off the mark as well
Luton attacker Taylan Harris was told to ‘enjoy the moment’ by Tranmere Rovers manager Andy Crosby after the young forward scored his maiden Football League goal during the club’s 4-0 League Two victory over Shrewsbury Town on Saturday.
Harris, 19, penned a temporary deal with the fourth tier until January recently and after coming off the bench on the opening day of the campaign, was in from the start at Prenton Park, pouncing with just 19 minutes gone as he swept home Charlie Whitaker’s cut back to break the deadlock. Josh Davison quickly made it 2-0, while in the second half, the visitors were reduced to 10 men when Will Boyle was sent off for his second booking in just 60 seconds.
Harris then made way after the hour mark as Omari Patrick curled home from outside the box, before Dennis made it 4-0, as on Harris’s performance, Crosby said: “T gets into a really good position for the pull back cross, good contact. I just said to him it's not always this good unfortunately, so enjoy the moment, savour the moment, but it’s important to stay humble when things go well, as this game’s got a horrible habit. Try and stay level as 4-0 wins aren’t the norm unfortunately. We will try and do it, but I’m pleased that the young man scored on his full debut.”
Town’s attacking midfielder Jayden Luker was also on target for Notts County in their 2-1 home defeat against Salford City on Saturday. Adebola Oluwa opened the scoring for the visitors in the first half, before Kelly N’Mai added a second after the break.
With the Magpies trailing 2-0, Luker came on with 62 minute gone, as he gave his side a lifeline by swivelling and firing into the net just nine minutes later. He had another effort blocked, but the Ammies held on for victory, as a bitterly disappointed Magpies boss Martin Paterson told BBC Nottingham: "It was a good finish from Jayden who looked bright when he came on.”
Striker Oli Lynch started for Tamworth as they suffered an opening day 2-1 defeat at home to Scunthorpe United in the Enterprise National League. The Luton forward began upfront at the Altair Group Community Stadium, but the hosts were soon trailing when Danny Whitehall brilliantly whipped in a free kick after four minutes. Hayden Hollis drew the Lambs level just following the half hour mark, but the Iron were soon back in front, Oli Ewing lashing into the net. Lynch went off with 10 minutes to go, as the Lambs couldn’t find another leveller.
Luton defender Claude Kayibanda made his first start for Bedford Town as they kicked off their National League North season with a 2-2 home draw against Alfreton Town. The Eagles went ahead on 35 minutes through Tyrone Marsh’s wonderful free kick, before Siya Ligendza levelled the contest. After the break, William Fewster put the visitors ahead on 74 minutes, but Marsh was at it again in stoppage time to earn his side a point.
Liam Coyne missed Biggleswade FC’s 2-1 win at Rayners Lane in the Southern League Division One Central through injury. Discussing the Town youngster, who joined on a 28-day youth loan recently, joint-manager Dave Northfield said: “We’re naturally delighted to get Liam on board. We’ve had a fantastic working relationship with both Cambridge and Stevenage in recent seasons, so to be able to now work with Luton Town too is another feather in our cap and we are very proud to play a small part in developing these youngsters.”