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Latest News - Cup Final for Youth Team
Luton Town last night overcame Stotfold in the semi-final of the Bedfordshire Under 18 Floodlit Cup.
Fielding a team made up of five under 15s, five under 16s and one under 17 the young Hatters dominated possession throughout the game against a team who are unbeaten so far in their league. Despite the age and size difference between the two teams, Lutons passing and movement was of the highest level and this made the game very one-sided. Early chances fell to Moses Kaddu and Liam Toomey, who was making his comeback game after three months out with a broken wrist.
Despite the domination, Luton's midfielders were failing to penetrate the Stotfold defence but Cauley Woodrow, Michael Cain and Alasan Ann came close with long-range efforts. The best chance fell to Woodrow whose header from a Cain set-piece was cleared off the line.
The message at half-time was clear, start at a high-tempo, and be cleverer in the final third. Luton started the second period well, Kaddu and Cain came close, before clever movement between Cain and Toomey set up Woodrow to volley home the opening goal. Luton doubled the lead soon after when Woodrow picked the ball up on the edge of the area and drove home.
Just as Luton looked in complete control, naïve defending from Newman Carney and Jerome Jibodu meant that Luton conceded a cheap free-kick on the edge of the area. Everyone in the crowd was amazed when the free-kick was driven into the wall and the referee awarded a penalty for hand-ball.
The penalty was scored and all of a sudden Stotfold had their tails up with ten minutes left on the clock. The young Luton defence had to deal with a series of set-pieces and looked to have ridden the storm when Jibodu again conceded a set-piece on the edge of the area. Luckily for the Hatters the chance was spurned and Luton hung on to put the team into the final against Leighton Town.
Youth Team Coach Martin Prickett said:
"I thought our performance was excellent, especially in our ability to keep possession and to match the physical presence of Stotfold. I was particularly pleased for future scholars Michael Cain and Cauley Woodrow who were outstanding in the centre of midfield. It is very important we play our Under 15s and 16s in this completion as it puts them in the environment where results matter and starts to teach them the uglier side of the game which prepares them for Under 18 football. We will continue to field a young side as it will test them mentally with the stress of being in a final as well as technically and physically.
Under 16 Coach Jon De Souza added:
"Our best performance since we played Arsenal during pre-season, the midfield were magnificent throughout. We need to offer better angles of support in and around the area to break teams down so we can turn possession into chances. This was a great lesson for the defence in what is needed to win a game, and they will have learnt from the mistakes that let Stotfold back into the game"
Brentford 1-2 Luton Town
The Hatters' Under-18s recorded back-to-back victories for the second time this season with a hard fought 2-1 win against Brentford.
Brentford started much the quicker side and only sharp saves from Lewis Kidd kept the scores level. Town eventually settled and started to keep the ball with more purpose and were somewhat fortunate to take the lead.
A mix up between a Brentford centre back and the goalkeeper allowed Adam Watkins to pick up the ball in the box and when it looked like he was about to score he was hauled down by the Bees goalkeeper. Taylor Nathaniel slotted the ball home and the Bees keeper was fortunate not to even be booked for his goal denying challenge.
The Hatters then had to dig deep and fight with the constant bombardment from Brentford and somewhat against the run of play Town doubled the lead. On the break Watkins floated an inch perfect pass into the path of Jean Philippe-Yamfam who brushed off a centre back before calmly slotting home.
This two goal advantage was quickly cut as right from the restart Brentford played a ball over the top that was drilled across the goal, town managed to scramble the ball away to the back post before it was eventually smashed home.
The first half then fizzled out as Town continued to match the fight of Brentford whilst not really creating any clear cut chances of their own.
The second half was much the same as the first with Brentford's more physical approach dominating the game and their pressing game making it hard to for Town to really get going. Once again dominant goalkeeping from Kidd kept the Bees at bay, whilst Watkins and Christian Tavernier went close for Town.
Brentford upped their tempo in the final stages of the game and always looked dangerous on the break, but solid defending from Newman Carney, Janoi Donacien and Alex Lacey restricted the Bees to shots from wide areas or from distance and Town closed the game out recording a victory in their last game before the Christmas break.
A pleased Martin Prickett said after the game: "Today certainly wasn't a classic and Brentford were probably the more dominant side throughout the game. It's a bit of a reversal really, because in the first game I felt we were the better side and didn't get the result we deserved and I'm sure they are feeling the same way today.
"I said to the players afterwards that we need to look after the ball better and pass with real quality and I think they were a little shocked.
"Without question we defended and fought gallantly today and the boys have to realise that its hard work to defend all the time, so when we have the ball we need to keep it so we can affect teams with the way we want to play. That said, at the start of the season we would have rolled over and been beaten today so I'm very pleased with the fight and spirit we showed.
"I'm delighted with the recent form of Lewis Kidd, his performances in the last few weeks have been outstanding and it makes such a big difference when you have a goalkeeper who is comfortable coming for crosses and is an excellent shot stopper, there is no question in my mind that that he put in a match winning display again today."
"We set ourselves a target of being unbeaten in the five games leading up to Christmas and I would have been happy with nine points from those matches, so to get twelve points out of fifteen is a terrific run for us and now we must make sure it continues into the new year".
QPR 1-2 Luton Town
The Town's Under 18s bounced back from disappointment last week to record a fine 2-1 victory at Queens Park Rangers.
In the opening exchanges QPR started much the quicker with their first chance coming within 30 seconds of the kick off.From a throw in a wide area Grahame ran in behind, pulled the ball back and Sutherland fired over from just outside the 6 yard box under good pressure from Sam Barker.
After this early scare Town picked up their tempo and started to get their passing game together and with Adam Watkins linking play well Town always looked dangerous on the counter attack.
The first real chance for Town fell to Watkins, however his long range effort was comfortably saved.
Rangers' direct approach continued to give Town problems as German and Grahame continued to stretch the Town back four.A mixture of excellent goalkeeping and competing with midfield runners restricted the hosts to shots from distance or from wide areas.
Midway through the first half Town were much the better side with Watkins, Barker and Jack Wood dominating in midfield and through excellent passing football Town's best chance fell to Matt James.
After stringing together 11 passes Newman Carney fired a diagonal ball beyond the R's defence and James stole in between the centre back and full back and his half volley was well saved by Wright in goal.
Shortly before half time Watkins was fouled right on the edge of the box and Newman Carney stepped up to take the free kick.His low shot flew past the sprawling Wright and agonisingly came back off the post and bounced to safety.
The second half started in the best possible way for Town, after a hand ball by the corner flag, Ryan Dasilva floated in the delivery and Wood rose and headed home from close range.
Town were unlucky not to be two up a couple of moments later after another slick passing move swept through the QPR midfield.Watkins was again involved and eventually Wood slid the ball through to Alasan Ann who fired home. Unfortunately he was caught narrowly offside.
This inspired a fight back from Rangers and they began to take charge of midfield which made it increasingly difficult for Town to get any good possession in advanced areas.However the young Hatters' rearguard stood firm and Lewis Kidd in goal again produced a some good saves and showed reliable handling on crosses.
Town continued to look dangerous on the break and after good build up play involving Ann and James, Watkins was unlucky to scuff his shot to safety.However moments later Watkins got the goal his hard work deserved. Alex Lacey's pass found Ann, who slid the ball wide to Wood, whose ball across the box found the late arriving Watkins.He faked to shoot and skipped around a desperate lunge from an R's defender and then fired home with his left foot between Wright's legs.
Rangers found a way back into the game as after Lacey allowed the tricky winger Sterling to keep a ball in play by the corner flag and then fouled him after he had wriggled free.From the resulting free kick Barker's diving header was smashed home from distance by the impressive Sam Bewick.
Rangers again pressed hard for the equaliser but were restricted to blocked crosses and half chances from distance thanks to disciplined defending and hard work across the midfield.In fact Town were unlucky not to wrap the game up after Wood's through ball found Jean-Philippe Yamfam onside in behind the QPR defence only for the referee to pull the game back for a foul on Wood.
Town closed the game out in style and deserved their win against one of the best sides in the division.
A delighted Martin Prickett said afterwards: "What a game it was today. I love playing QPR, they try and play and move the ball well and because of this leave themselves open to counter attacks.
"To a man we fought and stood up against them today.I am so pleased for Lewis Kidd in goal, he gave a confident and assured performance and it took a real worldy to beat him today.
"Along with that it is fantastic to have Adam Watkins back fit, he is a clever player who really has a positive effect on the game and he took his goal well.
"Credit must also go to Jack Wood and Sam Barker who put in a real shift today and it was their quality on the ball in midfield that allowed us to have good spells of possession.
"Today is the best response from the disappointment of Brentford last week, we felt we deserved more from that game and today we got the result our performance deserved.I am very proud of all the hard work the players have put in during the week"
Next up Town are away to Brentford on Saturday 12th December.
Luton Town 2-4 Brentford
It was another frustrating morning for Martin Prickett's young side as they were unluckily beaten by Brentford in a highly entertaining game on Saturday morning.
Luton started much the brighter side and pressed Brentford into making mistakes throughout the opening 10 minutes.
The Town had half chances themselves in this opening period, however it was Brentford who struck first.
A communication error between Alex Lacey and the rest of the back four found Lacey one-on-one with the Bees centre-forward who drove towards goal, rounded goalkeeper Lewis Kidd and slotted home.
Undeterred, the Hatters got straight back on the front foot and enjoyed a large spell of pressure.
Chances fell to Adam Watkins and Alasan Ann but both found the Brentford stopper in fine form to deny these chances.
Town thought they had got themselves the goal their build up play deserved when Matt James swung a cross to the far post and an onside Ryan Dasilva fired home. However, the goal was controversially ruled out for offside.
After that disappointment the Hatters fell further behind after poor defending allowed the Bees left-back to pick the ball up in the centre of midfield, skip by a couple of weak challenges, and lift over a stranded Kidd.
It was a blow as Town had dominated so much of the first half and unsurprisingly it galvanised the young Hatters who went at Brentford once again and deservedly reduced arrears.
Following good link up play in midfield the ball went wide to Ash Deeney who found Ann in space. His shot was blocked and looped into the air where Adam Watkins rose and headed over the goalkeeper into the net.
The second half was more of an equal affair as Brentford pressed higher up the pitch and made it harder for Town to find their way through midfield.
Kidd had to make a couple of smart saves as Town found it hard to create any clear cut chances.
The introduction of Jean-Phillipe Yamfam gave the Hatters another thrust going forward and he was unlucky to see his leaping header well saved by the goalkeeper.
Town continued to press and Jack Wood found himself in the box and in a mêlée managed to steer the ball towards goal for it to be deflected onto the cross bar.
However, from the resulting corner Town were level. Watkins swung the ball in and Wood rose unchallenged at the far post and his flying header went in off the crossbar.
After all their hard work to regain parity, Town felt again aggrieved after yet another offside decision went against them. This time it was in favour of Brentford. A fiercely struck shot was parried well by Kidd and the knock down was turned in by a Bees striker.
Worse was to follow as poor defending from Lacey and Newman Carney allowed a Brentford forward to run by them both and lift the ball over Kidd to give Brentford a flattering 4-2 victory.
A disappointed Prickett believed his side were unfortunate to be on the receiving end of a defeat.
He said: "I'm a firm believer of looking inwards when you don't win games and there are lots of things we should of done better throughout the game to make sure we come away with the result we deserved.
"We showed tremendous fighting spirit and work rate for 80 minutes today and deserved to get back on level terms with Brentford and I am delighted with that aspect of our performance.
"Some of our build up play in the first half was sublime and Ryan Dasilva, Sam Barker, Jack Wood and Adam Watkins were all excellent at linking play.
"However our defending left a lot to be desired and our centre backs certainly could have done better with three of the goals.
"A few decisions went against us today which is really frustrating and although we have come out of today's game with a load of positives it still leaves a somewhat bitter taste in the mouth."
Next up for the under 18s are QPR next Saturday at their Harlington training ground.
Luton Town 3-1 Barnet
Luton Town under 18's recorded back to back victories for the first time this season as they comfortably beat Barnet 3-1.
Town started much the faster side and could have been ahead within 2 minutes as a defensive error gifted Adam Watkins with the chance to open the scoring, after delicately lifting the ball over the goalkeeper he was unlucky to see his effort come back off the post.
Town continued to dominate although it was Barnet who had the next chance to take the lead. Very slack defending by Janoi Donacien and Alex Lacey allowed the a Barnet forward in on goal, thankfully his poor finish and a good block from Lewis Kidd kept the scores level.
The deadlock was finally broken when Taylor Nathaniel drove from the left back position, skipped past a couple of challenges and his attempted cross was handled in the box. Nathaniel took the penalty himself and slotted home comfortably.
The game continued to be dominated by the young Hatters, although sloppy defending kept giving Barnet hope. Any real resistance was ended midway through the first half when Alasan Ann played a sublime reserve ball to Jack Wood who was brought down inside the box for a second penalty. Nathaniel stepped up and again slid the ball home.
The second half started well for Town as the lead was further extended from a set piece. Ryan Dasilva swung in yet another fantastic delivery and after a scramble Janoi Donacien poked the ball home from close range.
This ended the game as a contest and although Town kept looking to extend the lead they lacked the real clinical edge they had in the first half. The only downside to the game was that sloppy defending and poor goalkeeping contrived to give Barnet a goal which they scarcely deserved.
Maturely Town decided not to press on and try and extend their lead further, but instead killed the game through good possession, chances did fall to Mason Blake and Alasan Ann that were both met with good saves from the Bee's goalkeeper.
Youth team Manager Martin Prickett said afterwards "I am pleased with the result and almost happy with the performance. Going forward we were much brighter and quicker than we have been in recent weeks, we played at a really good tempo today. I was disappointed with our defending as I thought we gave them far too much time on the ball in our final 3rd and managed to give them a goal as well, at least it gives us something else to work on! Overall though I was happy with our attacking intent and it's another step in the right direction for the group."
Next up Town are at home to Brentford in the Youth Alliance on Saturday 28th November.
Luton Town 2-0 Northampton Town
After a month's break from competitive action the Hatters' Under 18s returned to winning ways in the Youth Alliance to earn a valuable win against a talented Northampton Town side.
The game started at a good tempo and both sides had chances early on.The Cobblers, who fielded a young side because of their FA Youth Cup tie in midweek, had a couple of early chances that a more experienced attacking side may well have finished.
Eventually the Town settled into their stride and began to create chances.Ash Deeney struck a volley from a cross which was well saved by the Northampton goalkeeper and moments later following a Ryan Dasilva cross, Sam Barker's close range drive was well saved.
Deeney had another chance with a back post header but he failed to make good contact and the ball disappointingly drifted wide.
The game was affected by the rain and wind and both sides found it hard to put sustained possession together and as half time arrived the visitors were much the happier with score being at 0-0.
In the second half the Town again failed to make a huge impression on the game as their passing game stuttered.
The introduction of Alasan Ann made a big impact and his work rate to shut down players and hold up play allowed the ball to stick when it went forward.
However, eventually the dead lock was broken and unsurprisingly it was Ann who got his name on the score sheet.It was a scrappy goal after the Northampton goalkeeper failed to deal with the ball before the substitute bundled the ball home.
This should have settled the Hatters down, however it was the Cobblers who almost equalised and only the combined efforts of Deeney and goalkeeper Lewis Kidd kept the ball out of the net.
But the game was put beyond doubt on 85 minutes when Jack Wood tucked home after a flowing counter attack.
Following a Northampton corner, Town cleared the ball and eventually the ball fell to Ann, who linked play terrifically, switching the ball onto the on running Wood who calmly slotted home.
Youth team manager Martin Prickett said afterwards: "It was great to get game under our belts today, especially as we now have players returning from injury.
"Northampton gave a good account of themselves, especially considering how young they were.
"We found them hard to break down and they had good chances in the first half and could have had the lead at half time.We looked rusty today and we need to get back to moving the ball quickly, pressing high up the pitch and being clever and industrious when we have possession.
"We can only improve and it's about taking the positives from today and making sure we are even better on the areas where we let ourselves down.
"They need to work hard in training, which I'm sure they will as they are an enthusiastic and motivated group."
Next up for the Under 18s are Barnet who visit Ely Way on Saturday.
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