Walker nets twice as Luton defeat AFC

Ricky Miller and Solomon Taiwo were both on target too as the Hatters fielded a youthful side, while giving fellow trialists Mark Onyemah and Matt Fry another run-out.

The opening exchanges were fiercely contested in temperatures more suited to Brazil than Bedfordshire as the thermometer hit 30 degrees.

After an early spell of Dunstable pressure resulting in two corners that came to nothing, an ill timed challenge by AFC right back Wayne Mills led to a Luton free kick near the byline on the right flank.

The resulting deadball was whipped low into the box by the impressive Solomon Taio for Miller to flick the ball past keeper Lewis Porchelli with aplomb on seven minutes.

On 16 minutes, Miller almost had a second when he found himself running through on goal only for his lob to drop agonisingly wide of Porchelli’s right hand post.

The former Boston United striker was prominent again soon afterwards, showing impressive technique in hitting a half volley from the edge of the box that skimmed the post.

Town dominated the opening half hour with a only a long shot by AFC’s Fabio Bufano breaking their superiority.

The heat started to sap the initial intensity as play was stopped to allow all 22 players some well deserved re-hydration.

As play resumed a powerful shot from AFC’s Paul Cooper was caught by Elliot Justham.

Luton’s young team then worked the ball well as the lively David Martin went on a mazy dribble that left the Dunstable defence chasing shadows before he fired a fierce shot that Porcelli palmed over.

As the half wore on, Luton’s movement gradually wore down their opposition with Martin in particular showing good touch, pace and technique in running at the defence.

Zane Banton fired in a cross that was met by a towering Walker header which beat Porcelli but thudded against the bar and over moments before the break.

In the second period, a free kick saw right back Mills flight a well crafted shot over the wall which Justham pushed wide.

A short while later Justham showed bravery in competing strongly in an aerial duel, while Paul Cooper’s perfectly weighted square ball was met by an AFC forward, but fired wide when it seemed easier to score.

On 55 minutes, Ben Butler unleashed a rasping drive, but Justham once again proved equal to the task and pushed it over.

As AFC pressed, Luton centre half Danny Fitzsimons marshalled the young defence superbly holding their shape with good discipline.

Onyemah showed a firecely competitive edge in several tackles that showed his undoubted talent as a promising left back.

On 68 minutes though, the otherwise impeccable Fitzsimons was robbed of possession, but once again, AFC couldn’t take their chance, missing the target.

It was a warning that Luton heeded as Banton fired a low shot that Porcelli gathered well.

With 20 minutes to go it was 2-0 as Walker fired a loose ball low past a clutch of blue shirts and beat Porchelli’s despairing right hand.

Both teams continued to work hard in the heat but as Dunstable tired a looping ball into their box fell to the head of Walker who guided the ball into the far corner.

Taiwo then completed the scoring with a superb free kick that flew up and over the wall, arrowing into the top corner in the closing stages.

AFC Dunstable: Lewis Porchelli, Fabio Bufano, Jack Louder, Tom Silford, Chris Mason, James Bishop, Ben Butler, Paul Cooper, Lewis Austin, Taishan Griffiths.

Hatters: Elliot Justham, Brett Longden, Mark Onyemah, Danny Fitzsimons, Matt Fry, Charlie Smith, Solomon Taiwo, Dave Martin, Charlie Walker, Zane Banton, Ricky Miller.

Attendance: 432.