Hatters U18s fight back to defeat MK Dons

The Hatters were caught cold in the third minute as they fell behind but Paul Driver’s side settled after a 20-minute period of dominance that saw an Alex Atkinson effort hit the post.

Trailing at the break, the hosts rallied to level on the hour when a Kyran McGhan-George cross was met by Isaac Galliford and his shot was diverted home by Tuki Tayali.

Eight minutes later the Hatters were ahead when Tayali caused confusion in the MK Dons defence and Luke Trotman volleyed home a superb dipping shot from 20 yards.

The result was put to bed with 15 minutes to go when Osamu Allman sped clear and finished with aplomb to make it 3-1.

Boss Driver told the club’s official website: “We took our time to find our feet but once we did we played some excellent football. It was a good result against opposition who always give you a competitive game.

“The performances of some of the first-year scholars were a particular highlight, once again showing the benefit of their experiences of playing in youth team matches at the back end of last season as U16s.

“We’re now in the situation where we’re comfortable fielding any of the 17 lads that make up the squad.

“There was a lot to be encouraged by, but the most rewarding was the appearance of Leeroy Magaurashe as a second half substitute following a year out with a cruciate knee injury. All credit goes to Leeroy for his work-hard and determination, as well as the work by Jonathan Chatfield, our physiotherapist.”

Town: King, Trotman, Hawkes, Atkinson (Justin 80), Tamplin, Musonda, Galliford (Magaraushe 75), Tayali, Allman (Amadi 80), Ngwala.

Subs not used: Gooch, Craig.