22nd January 2022 - Luton Town Ladies 1st XI v Harpenden 2s

Luton Town Ladies 1st XI had a fantastic victory over Harpenden 2s this weekend after a disappointing start to the New Year last week.

The 1s were slow off the mark in the first half, with the Harpenden team dominating possession in the first 10 minutes. However, as Luton settled into the game they started to dictate the play, and several opportunities to score presented themselves but were saved by the Harpenden keeper.

Luton opened the scoring on the 32nd minute with a brilliant short corner set play, Suzanne Starkey netting the goal assisted by Chelsea Wright.

Luton came into their own in the second half, with Starkey scoring her second and Charlotte Dunham getting her first of the game in quick succession upon the restart. Luton continued to manage the game, despite an injury to Rachel Shadbolt after she collided with an opposition shoulder.

Starkey got her first hattrick of the New Year not long after, with a strike that bobbled through the keeper’s legs and was accidentally tapped in by a Harpenden defender, and (proving that the toughest object on earth is a hockey player) Shadbolt subbed back on and slotted home Luton’s fifth goal with seven minutes to go.

The Player of the Match award went to Dunham for her great work throughout the game.

Next week sees Luton take on Stevenage away at 10am.