Zoko on trial for Hatters in Beds Senior Cup exit

Former Stevenage Borough striker Francois Zoko was on trial for Luton Town in their Beds Senior Cup first round exit at the hands of AFC Dunstable at Kenilworth Road last night, with Hatters defender Scott Griffiths’ brother Terry, netting the winner.

The 32-year-old Ivory Coast forward, who has represented his country at U20 and U23 level, was with Blackpool and Bradford City last season, scoring twice in 35 appearances.

He enjoyed a better campaign the year before, netting 16 in 41 games for Stevenage and has also spent time at Notts County and Carlisle, with spells at Nancy, Laval, Mons, Hacettepe Spor Kulubu and KV Oostende earlier in his career.

Zoko was among a Luton side who gave starts to Magnus Okuonghae, Mark O’Brien, Mark Onyemah and Matt Robinson, alongside a host of youth team players.

A low-key first period saw the Hatters dominate but couldn’t seriously test AFC goalkeeper Ricky Perks.

Four minutes into the second half, Hatters stopper Liam Gooch turned BJ Christie’s rasping effort on to the crossbar.

However, shortly before the hour, AFC Dunstable took the lead when Terry Griffiths slid the ball home after Newman Carney’s low shot from the edge of the box rebounded off the post.

Luton upped the urgency and tempo in search of an equaliser to take the tie to penalties.

Robinson saw his free kick from 25 yards clawed away by Perks with 20 minutes left, before substitute Freddie Hinds sent a shot on the turn wide.

As the Town continued to press, Zoko had his low shot from the edge of box strike the post on 79 minutes as Hatters went out,

Hatters: Liam Gooch, James Justin, Mark Onyemah, Magnus Okuonghae, Frankie Musonda, Mark O’Brien, Matt Robinson, Kavan Cotter (George Murray 85), Alex Atkinson, Tyreeq Bakinson (Freddie Hinds 67), Francois Zoko.

Subs not used: Akinlolu Famewo, Craig King, Kyran McGhan-George.