Charles returns as Hatters defeat Oxford

Hatters defender Anthony Charles played an hour for the Hatters development squad they defeated Oxford United 2-1 at Ely Way this afternoon.
Anthony CharlesAnthony Charles
Anthony Charles

Charles, who injured his shoulder during the first team’s 2-0 win over Salisbury in August, came through 60 minutes unscathed to give manager John Still a boost ahead of Town’s home Skrill Premier clash with Lincoln City on Saturday.

In a game consisting of three 30-minute segments, League Two Oxford took the lead, before striker Alex Wall levelled. Charles was involved in the move that led to the frontman, who is suspended for Town’s next two games, thumping a header into the top corner.

The Hatters continued to dominate and secured victory with a goal from a trialist – much to first team coach Hakan Hayrettin’s delight.

He told the club’s official website: “It’s another win and winning is good – it’s a great habit to have.

“It’s something we’re trying to instil right the way through the football club, from the first team to the development squad to the youth team.

“We’re asking the players to work hard as a team and as individuals and it is reaping rewards.

“It is also enabling players push for a place in the first team as Andy Parry, Jim Stevenson and Alex Lawless have shown that recently in their performances in these development squad matches.

“Their selection for the first team shows that displays in these games are crucial. We’re making sure that players are ready to step in to the first team at a moment’s notice.

“It also goes to show how fit and organised our players are and this something again we want to have right the way through the club.

“We’re playing and beating the likes of Peterborough, Brentford, Stevenage and Oxford – very accomplished Football League clubs – and it’s a testament to the attitude and application of the players involved.

“They have taken on board what we tell them very well and it has shown in their level of performance and the results.

“It’s good for the club and encouraging for everybody. I think the word is out that we have a very good development squad.”

Town: Elliot Justham; Brett Longden, Trialist, Trialist, Anthony Charles (sub trialist), Arel Amu (Solomon Taiwo), Matt Robinson, Trialist, JJ O’Donnell; Zane Banton (Jemale McKenzie-Lowe), Alex Wall.

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