Hatters starting to show real promise after Canaries are swept aside

New-look Luton showed signs of real promise for next season as they romped to a 4-0 victory at near neighbours Hitchin Town on Tuesday night, writes Mark Wood.
David Martin scored against HitchinDavid Martin scored against Hitchin
David Martin scored against Hitchin

All four goals came in the last 16 minutes against their Calor Southern League Premier Division rivals, with Southport summer signing Shaun Whalley to the fore.

The direct and pacy winger terrorised Hitchin’s backline, setting up Jon Shaw for the first, before winning and scoring a penalty for the second, while David Martin and Jonathan Smith also weighed in with good goals.

Boss John Still said: “I was happy as you’ve always got to look at the big picture.

“I was really pleased with the boys because we trained in the morning and afternoon as well.

“It’s hard work but we have to be right for when it matters.

“The longer the game (went on) we started moving the ball really, really well and I was really pleased with that.”

Town’s chief hailed Whalley amongst others, saying: “Good player isn’t he? That’s why I got him because I know he is a good player and I think we’ve got two or three of those that will make us stronger attacking-wise.

“I think Mark Cullen’s a very good player, he links play up very, very well, him and Shuan together could be a good combination.

“They’re both clever players so we’re really, really pleased with that. Luke Guttridge gives us some stability in midfield, he knows a pass he knows when to tackle.

“I’ve had to mess around with the back four a little bit through injuries but young (Alex) Lacey has done very well and I think (Andy) Parry’s done well so they can push the two experienced boys.”

Marksman Shaw, who bagged his first goal of pre-season, was delighted to see the service improve during the game, saying: “We had a little tear up, as I lost my rag at half time saying we need to be putting the ball in there a bit earlier. You’re always going to get chances there with those two lads (Whalley and Martin) playing so I was just waiting for it and glad it came.

“We’ve got two good flanks there, you look at Jake Howells and Dave on one side and Ronnie (Henry) and Shaun on the other, you expect crosses in the box which is obviously what my game is all about really.”

There was also a real frisson on the night every time Whalley got the ball and he promises to be a real crowd favourite this term.

The winger added: “The last few clubs I’ve been at the fans have liked me. That’s what type of player I am, I like to excite the fans and hopefully they can enjoy me.

“I’m just looking to do my job, I can’t really hear the crowd too much I just concentrate on the pitch but if they support me that’s good.

“This season I’m going to look to create a lot of goals and chip in with quite a few goals hopefully as well.

“I look at the last couple of seasons that I’ve done well and I can’t see why I can’t carry it on at Luton.”

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