Pre-season friendly: Hitchin Town 0 Luton Town 5
A first half double by midfielder Jordan Clark saw Luton Town ease to a comfortable 5-0 victory over Hitchin Town in their opening pre-season friendly this afternoon.
Jordan Clark scored twice for Luton this afternoon - pic: Harry Trumpeter - HJT Photosplaceholder image
Jordan Clark scored twice for Luton this afternoon - pic: Harry Trumpeter - HJT Photos
Hatters boss Jack Wilshere went with a strong side to begin the contest against their Southern League Premier Central opponents at Top Field, giving run-outs to both summer signings George Johnston and Harrison Ashby, the ex-Bolton captain partnering Hakeem Odoffin in the centre of defence, while Town’s Newcastle loanee slotted in at right back, academy graduate Joe Johnson on the left.
Liam Walsh anchored the midfield, as youngster Jayden Luker got an opportunity to impress following his exploits while on loan with Notts County last term, as it was he who almost created an early opener when his deep corner reached Odoffin at the back post, who could only place his downward header off target.
With Gideon Kodua and Shayden Morris operating on the wings, Town looked to spread the ball and attack down the flanks whenever possible, Kodua seeing his cross nodded away to Luker, whose follow-up header was flicked rather ungainly over the bar by the lurking Devante Cole. Town did have the lead on 12 minutes when another promising burst by the lively Ashby ended in a foul, the free kick swung in by Walsh for Clark to meet it perfectly, diverting a stooping header into the bottom corner.
Cole almost had his first-ever goal in a Luton shirt, only to deflect keeper Tyler McGregor’s clearance narrowly wide, while after the hydration break, that earned some light-hearted jeers from the just over 2,000 in attendance, a terrific move up the left saw Clark’s backheel fall perfectly into the path of Kodua, the attacker disappointingly scuffing his shot into the gloves of McGregor.
Clark, who delighted all of a Hatters’ persuasion by signing a new contract in the summer, was at it again on 31 minutes, a neat interchange of passes seeing the midfielder collect a pass inside the area, steady himself and curve a wonderful shot around the outstretched dive of McGregor, off the inside of the post and into the net.
With stopper Josh Keeley not involved for the opening 35 minutes, he finally a touch of the ball from an errant pass forward, although moments later, the Irish international was sprawling across his goal when Daniel Stokoe’s left footed strike flashed narrowly off target. On the stroke of half time, Luton threatened a third, Luker with a clever touch to Cole who was able to roll away from his marker and shoot low from 20 yards, McGregor holding on well down to his right.
Wilshere changed the visitors’ entire XI at the break, giving youngsters Harry Fox and Christian Chigoze an opportunity in a three-man defence with Mads Andersen, while towering midfielder Sverre Sandal was involved, along with Izzy Jones, Jake Richards and a trialist who moved out to the left. The visitors added a third with their first real foray forward of the half, Fox teed up to end over a first-time cross from the left which was met by Wells who steered his header into the top corner.
George Saville had an ambitious crack on the volley from range which was well wide, before the midfielder was instrumental with Luton’s fourth just before the hour mark, his inswinging corner met by Kasey Palmer whose header flew into the roof of the net with a finish that wouldn’t have been out of place last season.
After the second hydration break, Saville took aim once more, albeit on his right foot this time, not too wide from picking out the far corner. Late on, keeper James Shea was called into meaningful action for the first time, diving to his right to turn a Hitchin shot behind from 22 yards, while with virtually the final action of the contest, Town had a fifth as the trialist’s free kick was met by Chigozie, whose downward header completed the scoring.
Hatters first half XI: Josh Keeley, Harrison Ashby, Joe Johnson, Hakeem Odoffin, George Johnston, Liam Walsh, Jordan Clark, Jayden Luker, Shayden Morris, Gideon Kodua, Devante Cole.
Hatters second half XI: James Shea, Christian Chigozie, Mads Andersen, Harry Fox, Sverre Sandal, George Saville, Kasey Palmer, Jake Richards, Izzy Jones, Trialist, Nahki Wells. Attendance: 2,066.
Continue Reading