Youthful Hatters fall to Dons defeat

A young Hatters team containing eight scholars, with only Zane Banton and Luke Trotman having played for the first team, were up against a Dons side who included experienced frontman Adebayo Akinfenwa in their starting line-up.

The 33-year-old striker had a role in the only goal of the game too, as deceived Town goalkeeper Liam Gooch, allowing Neset Bellikli’s free kick to float all the way in.

The young Hatters had chances, however, with Banton denied twice by the home keeper, who also saved from midfielder Isaac Galliford.

Despite the result, U18s boss Paul Driver was pleased with the performance as he told the club’s official website: “We looked good with the ball and developed passages of play really well.

“The only disappointment was not being able to take advantage of our possession with a goal to show for it.

“But we were confident on the ball, the boys weren’t bullied and it’s another game under their belts to aid their development.

“Overall it was a good exercise, a disappointing result but encouraging to see how well they coped individually and collectively with the more physical nature of the game.”

Hatters: Liam Gooch, Luke Trotman, Kyran McGhan-George, Akin Famewo, Cameron McJannet, Tyreeq Bakinson, James Justin, Alex Atkinson (Kavan Cotter 78), Isaac Galliford, Jack Snelus (Freddie Hinds 69), Zane Banton.

Subs not used: Harry Bean, Josh Brown, George Murray, James Verney.