QE6 Football Academy Match Report

20/09/23 Luton Town B v Portsmouth C

First Half

We kick of match day 2 at Ely Way as Luton Town B faced off against Portsmouth C on a challenging afternoon characterized by strong winds and heavy rainfall. Luton Town B kicked off the match, braving the elements as they faced a powerful headwind while attacking from right to left.

The early exchanges saw Portsmouth C seize an opportunity on the 5th minute, launching a shot high over the bar, posing no real threat to the Luton Town goal. Although Luton Town showed flashes of keeping possession effectively, they struggled to break down Portsmouth's resolute defense within the opening 10 minutes.

A pivotal moment came when Portsmouth initiated a break that led to confusion in Luton's 18-yard box. This confusion resulted in an indirect free kick perilously close to the Luton goal. Fortunately, Zak Rogerson displayed quick thinking, intercepting the ball and effectively clearing the danger, thwarting Portsmouth's rapid response.

The 20th minute witnessed a breakthrough for Luton Town as they were awarded a wide free-kick. Robby Doran delivered a pinpoint cross to the back post, where Ayub Yaseen outmuscled a Portsmouth defender, heading the ball into the net, giving Luton Town a 1-0 lead.
Emmanuel Anderson took the initiative of a defensive error shortly thereafter, capitalizing on a poor touch from a Portsmouth defender. He swiftly fired a shot, forcing a crucial save from the opposition goalkeeper.

The attacking momentum continued for Luton Town, with Ayub Yaseen at the forefront. He broke free down the right-hand side of the box and unleashed a powerful low shot, demanding yet another important save from the opposing goalkeeper.

Ayub Yaseen once again displayed his prowess on the 35th minute, doubling Luton Town's lead with a display of superb footwork on the edge of the area. After initially shaping to shoot with his right foot, he cut the ball back onto his left, deceiving the goalkeeper and slotting it into the bottom corner, making it 2-0 for the home side.

As the half progressed, Max Jones exhibited fearless defending for Luton Town, making strong blocks to deny the opposition striker, preserving their lead.

Just moments before half-time, an awkwardly dropping ball found Kayden Dearman positioned 35 yards from goal. He adjusted quickly, unleashing a sweetly struck volley that stung the hands of the goalkeeper, a sublime piece of skill.

However, Portsmouth continued to press relentlessly, bombarding Luton Town's defense with a barrage of crosses and shots. Despite Maurice's valiant saves, Portsmouth managed to break through just before half-time, narrowing the deficit to 2-1. The spectators at Ely Way were treated to an exhilarating and wet first half, with the outcome still hanging in the balance.

Second Half
In the second half, the rain heavily continued as the tension on the field steadily increased. Portsmouth initiated an attack down the right wing, but a misplaced cross turned into an unexpected stroke of fortune. The ball skidded off the wet surface, eluding everyone, and slipped into Luton's net, leveling the scores at 2-2.

Luton Town began to regain their composure and assert themselves in the match. Robby Doran attempted a direct free-kick from outside the area, narrowly missing the target. Ayub Yaseen continued to be a driving force for the team, making stretching runs beyond Portsmouth's defense, causing headaches for their defenders.

JiJi Mubiayi's tenacious work down the left-hand channel led to a dangerous cross into the box, met by Zak Rogerson, whose attempt to redirect the ball narrowly missed the mark. Luton kept probing, and another set piece into the box created confusion for Portsmouth's defense, with JiJi Mubiayi's header just looping over the crossbar.

The game evolved into an end-to-end thriller, with both sides creating chances despite the challenging weather conditions. Stephan Williams made a significant impact, breaking down the left channel and delivering a well-placed cross into the box. Zak Rogerson remained a constant threat in front of the goal but was unable to find the back of the net.

The away side continued to press down the right-hand side, with a nimble winger attempting to make inroads. However, his progress was abruptly halted by a superb sliding tackle from Spencer Leaning, preventing him from advancing towards Luton's goal.

In the 45th minute, applause was due to Stephan Williams for his relentless effort down the right-hand channel. His pressure on the Portsmouth defender forced a corner for Luton. Robby Doran stepped up and executed a precise delivery, finding Ayub Yaseen who rose above everyone to head in the decisive goal, making it 3-2 in favor of the home side and completing his hat-trick.

In the dying minutes of the match, Luton Town's defence, including a solid performance from skipper Kyle Dilley-Smith put up a desperate last-gasp effort to secure their first well-deserved victory of the season. It was a thrilling second half that showcased the resilience and determination of Luton Town B, ultimately leading to a memorable win.

Final Score
Luton Town B 3 - 2 Portsmouth
A Yaseen

Player of the Match: Ayub Yaseen

27/09/23 Wimbledon C v Luton Town B

First Half

The match ignited with a burst of energy as Zak Rogerson applied relentless pressure early on, creating a golden opportunity.

Robby Dorran’s expertly taken corner led to a handball by Wimbledon, awarding Luton a penalty. Kayden Dearman calmly converted it, setting the tone within the first 10 minutes.

Midway through the half, Zak Rogerson showcased brilliant control, sending Emmanuel Anderson down the right-hand channel. Anderson's cross was met by a Wimbledon defender but fell to Ayub Yassen at the edge of the box. Yassen unleashed a fierce strike, parried by the goalkeeper, only for Zak Rogerson to pounce and smash it home from five yards, putting Luton Town 2-0 ahead.

Wimbledon demonstrated promise, orchestrating intricate plays down the right flank. A dangerous cross stirred confusion in the Luton defense, but Spencer Leaning intervened with a composed clearance, thwarting the attack.

The first half concluded with Luton Town leading 2-0, but the match remained far from decided.

Second Half

Wimbledon surged in the second half, making swift adjustments to regain momentum.

Their relentless pressure eventually paid off, as the Wimbledon striker found the net, pulling one goal back for the home side, reducing the deficit to 2–1.

With 20 minutes gone in the second half, Wimbledon's persistent attacking paid dividends again, leveling the score at 2-2.

Continued pressure from the home side led to a straightforward through ball, with their striker calmly slotting it past the goalkeeper to put them 3-2 ahead.

Zak Rogerson was a constant threat for the away side in the second half, showcasing quick thinking with a spin and strike that sailed just over the crossbar.

Despite fatigue in the final minutes, the game concluded with a 3-2 victory for the home side, a disappointing outcome considering the composed display by Luton Town in the first half.

Final Score

Wimbledon C 3 - 2 Luton Town B

K. Dearman
Z. Rogerson

Player of the Match: Zak Rogerson

04/10/23 Brentford C v Luton Town B

First Half

We kick off match day 3 at Gunnersbury Road between Brentford and Luton Town on a sunny Wednesday afternoon in Hounslow.

Both sides created spaces within the first 10 minutes however it was Brentford who converted an early chance to put them 1-0 up within 10 minutes.

Luton Town responded positively with an immediate chance where Emmanuel Anderson shot from far only for him to be denied by the bar.

It was the home side to go 2-0 up despite the away team putting the pressure on.

The next chance showed good work from Ji Ji Mubiayi who dribbled past 3 players to then test the keeper, who spilled the ball out to Zak Rogerson whose rebound was well saved by the goalkeeper.

It was good combination play involving Stephan William and Emmanuel Anderson inside the middle third to release Anderson who was through on goal but found it difficult to convert his shot.

This first half finished 2-0 to the home side.

Second Half

Luton Town started the brighter of the two sides with good hold up play by Stephan Williams, feeding in Ji Ji Mubiayi who was a constant threat.

The home side extended their lead to 3-0 by some good attacking play by their skilful left midfielder who was a handful for Luton Town all game.

There was positive work in the attacking third down the right hand channel by Zak Rogerson to beat 3 players in row but just over ran it at the last minute.

Luton goalkeeper then made a vital 1v1 save to keep the score at 3-0 to the home side.

Luton responded with good work by Stephan Williams to draw a foul in a dangerous wide area. It was a good delivery into the box by Kayden Dearman which landed to Spencer Leaning who did tremendously well to keep the ball alive in the area, playing the ball onto Ji Ji Mubiayi who composed himself and slotted away to grab a goal back, making it 3-1.

The momentum kept going with the motivated Ji Ji Mubiayi driving his team on and drawing a foul on the edge of the area. It was Kayden Dearman who stepped up and curled it over the wall but was denied by the keeper. Impressive defensive display was shown consistently from Chima Ememandu and Spencer Leaning to stop the threat of Brentford throughout the first 20 minutes of the second half.

Mubiayi was playing with great drive and spirit, showing excellent footwork to drive past the Brentford back line, once he had beaten 3 defenders, he decided to cut back and beat 2 more defenders before confidently scoring his second goal of the game to bring it back to 3-2.

In the dying minutes it was a through ball to Emmanuel Anderson, who, from an impossible angle, managed to make contact with the ball which rolled into the bottom corner to make it 3-3.

It was Luton Town now looking to take advantage of the momentum who kept pushing Brentford forcing the home side to concede a corner.

In the last minute of extra time, it was Robby Doran with a beautiful delivery from the corner, put on plate for Kyle Dilley-Smith at the back post to nod home to complete a magnificent 3-0 down to 3-4 away win to seal all 3 points.

Final Score: Brentford C 3 - 4 Luton Town B

J Mubiayi

E Anderson

K Dilley-Smith

Player of the Match: JiJi Mubiayi