Luton U18s reach double figures against Dagenham

Luton Town’s U18s opened their EFL Youth Alliance campaign for the season with the comprehensive 10-2 hammering of Dagenham & Redbridge at the Redbridge Sports Centre on Saturday morning.

A hat-trick from Freddie Hinds led the way for the youngsters, who will be hoping to emulate their superb season just gone.

Hinds opened the scoring after just five minutes, while Kavan Cotter and Jack Snelus’ penalty saw Luton 3-0 in front.

The fourth arrived through Hinds on 25 minutes before Snelus netted a second spot kick after 38 minutes, although Daggers pulled one back to make it 5-1 on the stroke of half time.

Hatters were quickly into their stride again after the break, netting a further three goals in just five minutes.

Hinds completed his hat-trick before being substituted and Geo Craig got a brace before also leaving the action.

Some sloppy play from the back allowed Dagenham to pull another goal back but Michael Shamalo notched a brace to complete a great start to the new season for the youngsters.

Speaking to the club’s official website, boss Paul Driver said: “This was an excellent way to start the season and I was particularly pleased with the professionalism and positive attitude shown by the senior boys in the group who have been involved in first team tours and friendlies.

“Some of the play was of a high standard and the work rates throughout were superb, it showed how hard the lads had worked in pre-season.

“We did get sloppy a couple of times and conceded two poor goals, and that was disappointing.

“A lot of what we achieved last year was greatly aided by clean sheets and we need to get back to that as quickly as possible.”

Hatters: Gooch, James, McJannet, Bakinson (Brown 60), Bean (Jones 60), Famewo (C), Cotter, Read (Sorunke 75), Snelus, Craig (Shamalo 60), Hinds (Verney 50).