Marriott nets the winner as Town defeat Poppies

Striker Jack Marriott scored his first goal in Luton Town colours as Hatters earned a 2-1 win at Southern League Premier Division side Kettering this evening.

The forward, who has been hampered by a thigh strain recently, netted from close range in the second period to seal victory for a Town side who included a number of trialists.

They included full back Nortei Nortey, formerly with Chelsea’s academy, while winger Omar Rowe, 20, who was at Southampton, also featured.

Midfielder Courtney Cameron, who spent last season at Torquay United, where he made 27 appearances, played, as did Zimbabwean ex-Barnet youth player Tinashe Abrahams.

It was Hatters who were first to show, winger Rowe cutting inside before drilling into the side-netting, but his aim was spot on after 18 minutes, firing a wonderful strike into the top corner.

Marriott went close from distance before being denied by Djujic’s goal-line clearance after rounding keeper Dutton.

The Poppies levelled on the half hour mark though when Andy Parry was turned by Silvano Obeng, who went on beat Liam Gooch.

Back came Town with Marriott to fore again, beating Brett Solkhon on the edge of the area and seeing Dutton tip his shot over.

Luke Trotman tested the keeper once more, while in the second half, Marriott was to remain a threat, stopped by sub keeper McAlindon this time.

However, on 57 minutes, he finally got his rewards, netting at the second attempt to put Town back in front.

The summer signing from Ipswich then missed a glorious opportunity after Zane Banton’s effort deflected into his path, only to prod against the woodwork.

Rowe went close to his second, shooting over the top, but Hatters held on in the closing stages, and will next head to Thurrock tomorrow evening.

Hatters: Liam Gooch, Nortei Nortey, Tinashe Abrahams (Fameo 83), Luke Trotman (Murray 46), Frankie Musonda (Barker 73), Andy Parry, Omar Rowe (McGhan-George 73), Zane Banton, Jack Marriott (Vi Mara 63), Matt Robinson, Courtney Cameron.

Attendance: 419.