Staples saves the day as Hatters climb up to third

Luton Town Ladies climbed up to third in the FA Women's Premier League South East Division after beating Enfield Town 1-0 on Sunday.
Hatters keeper Hollie StaplesHatters keeper Hollie Staples
Hatters keeper Hollie Staples

Erica Byron had the first chance for Town from Jess McKay’s magnificent pass, as she scuffed wide.

Luton won a penalty on 20 minutes when Nicola Henman found Byron who was brought down in the box.

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Byron stepped up to take the spot kick herself only to fire wide of the target.

Joanne Rutherford missed another good chance, before Hatters broke the deadlock, as Fensome’s cross was turned into her own net by Kerrie Marlborough.

After the break, Enfield piled on the pressure and won a penalty of their own with 20 minutes to go due to Rachel Carter’s foul.

However, Hollie Staples came to Town’s rescue with a fine save from Cally Browne to keep her side in front.

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Hatters almost added to their lead late on when Rutherford, Fensome and Shanice Jimenez went close, but they held on to triumph.

Boss Nikki Baker said: “I am really pleased with the three points as we should have added to the lead several times but it was a tough game and we ground out the win well.

“We worked hard for these six points in the last two weeks and they were well deserved.

“I hope we can use that confidence to finish the season strongly now.”

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Hatters play Offley & Stopsley in the County Cup final on Sunday, the team they went out to on penalties in the final four last year.

Baker added: “I feel that we have under achieved a bit in the league this season so to win the cup will be brilliant for us.

“I am always after silverware so we will prepare well.

“We have some excellent young players in the squad who have excelled this season, and the older players have mentored them well.”