Dingo’s Farewell

Luton Town entertained bottom of the league Broxbourne knowing that their opposition were starting a new run of form, and also that long time friend and former captain Alex Robinson was to leave the club after over a Decade of service. The home sides chances had taken a heavy blow even before the start, with many of their squad having been called up to the Second XI including number 2 goalkeeper George Ball. With the 3’s number 1 Thomas Briggs still injured it was down to right back and former junior goalkeeper Steven Pierce to take up his position in the Goalmouth, whilst several reserves including Harpreet Uppal were given a chance to show their talents.

The early pressure was with the visitors, but if there was any pre-match nerves from Pierce they were not shown, the stand in making several fine saves right from the start. Broxbourne were the better side although it took almost 15 minutes for the breakthrough after a failed short corner attempt lead to a goal line struggle, the keeper Pierce making 2 saves before a simple shot was blocked on the line by brother Dean Pierce’s leg leading to a Penalty Stroke. The flick flew just inside the post and although the keeper got substantial contact on the ball he could only push it onto the post before it rolled in.

The home side tried to react quickly but some selfish play in the center of the field left them chasing a Broxbourne counter attack which resulted in another fine save from Pierce in fine form. The keeper alone could not stop Broxbourne’s attack from the resultant long corner however, a fine move around the D and into the back board left the home side ruing their lapse in concentration. The visitors extended their lead still further after a high speed counter attack left a 1 on 1 with the stand in keeper to leave Town 3-0 down after 25 minutes.

Broxbourne’s defense was finally breached however 4 minutes before the break when a winding run by Alex Robinson lead to a powerful shot which struck a defender before hitting the net. The home side looked as if they were back in the game until a quick long corner routine caught the Luton defense napping and a mistake by the goalkeeper left the goal hard to miss.

Half Time: Luton Town 1-4 Broxbourne

Town were first onto the pitch to start the second half and their half time routine seemed to have struck a change for the better as momentum swung with the home side. It didn't take long for Town to reduce Broxbourne’s lead, Damian Hayward stole the ball from under a defenders nose, and rising star Bradley Jackson's pass to set up Alex Robinson, who netted his fourth for the season and gave Town a much needed boost.

This was short lived as their prospects fell once more, a one on one with Pierce in the Luton goal caused the keeper to charge out, collecting the player before the ball in a controversial incident that lead to the second penalty stroke of the game. This time Pierce guessed wrong and the visitors restored their 3 goal lead from the spot. Towns momentum did not disappear however and the home side were now fighting fire with fire, a rapid counter attack lead by Dean Pierce on the left wing and a stunning pass diagonal across the pitch found Bradley Jackson who’s persist pass found Alex Robinson with a 1 on 1 with the visiting keeper, the resulting collision lead to much deliberation from the umpire before yet another stroke was awarded.

Alan Clark scored his second flick in as many games, flinging the ball high into the corner leaving the score at 5-3. The Home side were now on top and the visitors were struggling to keep them out. But resist they did and with 15 minutes to go Town were beginning to get frustrated, Alan Clark receiving a Green card for dissent. The tempers rose still further with Town enraged by a short corner refusal from the umpires, Dean Pierce was denied yet another penalty stroke after colliding with the goalkeeper, and was issued a final warning by the umpire to calm down after tripping another player in retaliation.

Harpreet Uppal was also lucky to avoid a booking after repeatedly kicking the ball away. Town now had most of the possession but a strong Broxbourne defense held them off until the final whistle. Alex Robinson was awarded Player of the Match as a key part of the home sides revival.

The final score: Luton Town 3-5 Broxbourne

Luton Goalscorers:
Alex Robinson (2)
Alan Clark (P)