Hatters Ladies beaten yet again

Rebecca Scott, who left Luton in the summer to join United, scored twice against her old side, both inside five minutes.

The first a clever lob over Hollie Staples after indecision between Luton’s defence, the second again capitalising on a defensive error to once again steer the ball beyond Staples into the Town net.

Only the brilliance of Staples prevented Scott completing her hat-trick before half time too.

Luton’s best chance fell to both Rachel Kosky and Natalie Richardson. Kosky worked space in Denham’s box only to see her shot parried by the keeper, and the angle was too tight for Richardson to follow up as she hit the side netting.

Hatters offered very little and only really threatened from set-pieces and the expert deliveries of Jess Nash.

Luton started the second half brightly but couldn’t find a way through, on 50 minutes Denham were 3-0 up, a poor clearance fell to Harriet Gilbet and she looped the ball over Staples and into the net.

Jodie McClelland was forced off through injury allowing Shanice Jiminez to make her first appearance if the season and shortly after a terrific finish by Rebecca Kane reduced the arrears.

Danielle Borelli was introduced after the goal and she began finding space and linking up play between the midfield and Kane and Luton looked a different side.

With Luton throwing the kitchen sink at Denham in a bid to score a second they left space at the back and only another point blank save from Staples kept Town in with a shout.

It was 3-2 in the closing stages when Kosky raced clear and squared for Borelli who tapped in from six yards.

With five minutes of injury time, Town were on course for an unlikely point as Kane beat the offside trap and only the outstretched foot of the Denham keeper prevented an equaliser.

Boss Nikki Baker said: “I’m gutted but also proud of the girls for a fightback from 3-0 down, nearly equalising three or four times.

“You can’t legislate for being 2-0 down inside five minutes there is no excuse for that and something we need to address.”

Luton remain bottom after three games and entertain QPR at Stockwood Park next Sunday.

The reserves played out a goalless draw at Petts Wood Ladies in their London & SE Regional and Greater London League Division One opener.

This weekend, Town host Hackney Women.