A coolly converted penalty from Tasha Fensome earned Luton Town Ladies a narrow but crucial 1-0 win over Enfield Town Ladies at Barton on Sunday.

Co-managers Myles Maddix and Fadi Mazloum made four changes to the line-up following their dominant 5-0 victory against Dussindale and Hellesdon. Defensive trio Elly Wade, Tanya Blacksley, and Bridget Adu returned to the starting XI alongside midfielder Liz Mulvaney.

Luton were quick to assert themselves, creating their first chance just six minutes into the match. A well-placed ball over the top from Jess McKay found Tasha Fensome, but her effort flew just wide. Moments later, McKay had another attempt—this time striking a volley from outside the box that sailed over the bar.

Despite dominating early possession, clear opportunities remained elusive. The Hatters’ best chance of the first half came 15 minutes in when Mulvaney won possession on the edge of Enfield's area. The ball broke kindly for Cesca Partridge, who found herself one-on-one with the goalkeeper, only to be denied by a crucial save. Fensome’s follow-up header drifted off target.

The Town’s pressure seemed to pay off in the 19th minute when Amber Leighton was brought down by the keeper inside the box, earning Luton a penalty. Partridge stepped up, but her spot-kick was saved low to the keeper’s left, keeping the game goalless.

As the half progressed, Enfield began to find their footing. Their first venture into the Town penalty area was thwarted by a perfectly timed sliding tackle from captain Blacksley. A long-range effort soon followed, but Sarah Hudson dealt with it comfortably.

The second half mirrored the first, with Luton dictating play but struggling to break down the visitors’ resolute defence. However, the breakthrough finally came in the 77th minute after Enfield’s attempt to play out from the back led to a defensive error. A mis-hit pass saw the ball bounce up and strike an Enfield defender’s hand inside the area, gifting Luton another penalty. This time, Fensome took responsibility and calmly slotted the ball into the bottom left corner.

The Hatters came close to doubling their lead shortly after. A flurry of attempts from substitute Chloe Martin saw her first shot saved, and two more efforts blocked by a determined Enfield backline—highlighting their resilience in defence.

After the game, co-managers Maddix and Mazloum praised Enfield’s defensive display. “It was a tough game today. Credit to Frank and his Enfield Town squad, who defended well throughout the 90 minutes,” they said.

Despite the victory, they reflected on missed opportunities: “Looking back, we’ll be wondering how we didn’t score more, but it’s something for the coaching staff to work on.

“But we’re delighted to secure another clean sheet—our fifth in seven games and fourth in a row. Special credit to Tanya Blacksley and Bridget Adu, who were outstanding at the back. They kept Enfield’s attack quiet all game.

“The performance wasn’t perfect, but we’ll take the 1-0 win and focus on preparing for next week’s FA Cup tie against St Albans City.”

Luton Ladies: Hudson, Adu, Blacksley, Wade, Buttigieg, Swarres, Leighton, Mulvaney, McKay, Fensome, Partridge.

Substitutes: Martin, Spillman, Tucker, Lewis, Farmer.