Town’s development squad suffer first defeat as duo pick up knocks

Having won their last eight under boss Hakan Hayrettin, they went down to the Royals despite goals from Zane Banton, Solomon Taiwo and Jim Stevenson.

Keeper Elliot Justham (groin) and experienced defender Anthony Charles (hamstring) were also taken off midway through the first half as precautionary measures.

Hayrettin said: “We competed as well as we could, but had a couple of injuries in the first half.

“One to our goalkeeper Elliot Justham, which was a bit precautionary as he felt his groin was a bit tight.

“Anthony Charles was going to have 45 minutes but has come off.”

Two penalties were given away by trialists, while the Hatters did register some good goals.

Banton headed home a JJ O’Donnell cross, Taiwo scored from the spot after a foul on Stevenson, and the industrious midfielder netted with a fine volley into the ground from just inside the box.

Hayrettin was pleased with the desire and work-rate shown by his players despite the defeat.

He added: “For many reason it was a good workout. Some players needed minutes.

“For the youth team players it was a chance to impress the manager and for the trialists another chance to show they are worth a Luton Town shirt in front of the manager.

“It wasn’t a bad performance whatsoever. The result didn’t go the way we wanted to but the heart and desire were there.”

Hatters (4-4-2): Elliot Justham (Ben Barnes), Trialist, Anthony Charles (Trialist), Trialist, David Viana, Solomon Taiwo, Jim Stevenson, Charlie Smith, Zane Banton, Alex Wall (Trialist).