Exeter City's under-18s suffered a disappointing afternoon at Luton Town on Saturday, as the visitors won 3-0.
All three goals came from avoidable situations for the young Grecians. The first, a header from a corner, came from the result of poor marking, before the Hatters extended their lead from the penalty spot. Any hopes of a comeback were then dashed when Luton scored a third just after half-time after nicking the ball away from City.
Nicky Ajose made two changes to his starting lineup from the Cup defeat to Plymouth Argyle, with George Williams returning from Wales youth international duty straight into the lineup, while defender Jack Anthony stepped up from the bench to the starting eleven.
The young Grecians began the match well, controlling spells of possession in the opening half an hour but couldn't quite turn that into direct chances on the Hatters' goal.
They were made to rue that when Luton took the lead just past the 30 minute mark. The home side won a corner on their right, and the in-swinging ball was headed into the bottom corner when an orange man found an inch of space in front of his marker.
Buyer by that goal, Leon soon doubled their lead from the penalty spot. Northern Irish youth international Dylan Stitt was fouled in the box and then converted from the spot, sending his namesake, Dylan Shanahan, the wrong way in City's net.
Despite being largely on top in the first half, City found themselves two goals down at the break, unable to find a breakthrough.
However, within ten minutes of the restart, it was game, set and match to Luton. Looking to play out from the back after a deep defensive throw-in, a loose ball across the box was cut out by a Hatters' striker to poke into the back of the net and give the home side a three goal advantage.
That put the game out of reach, which wasn't helped by a lack of quality from the young Grecians at the attacking end of the pitch. Some decent passages of play were let down by the final moments - whether that be the resulting shot, cross or decision.
The only highlight to take away from the game was the performance of Liam Oakes, who knitted the team together with smart play from a deep position in midfield.
Ultimately, that wasn't enough, and City came away from Bedfordshire empty handed. They'll look to bounce back this Saturday at home against Stevenage.
Exeter City under-18s: Shanahan, Cayless, Anthony, Cartwright, Oakes, Crees, Graham, Williams, Appleton, Alsop, Cutler.
Substitutes: Layer (GK), Wilson, Baker, Rickhuss, Hodgetts.
Watch the goals ⬇️