The Town Under-18s failed to capitalise on a first half lead as they went down in their first Youth Alliance League Cup fixture at Stevenage on Saturday morning.

Joe Deeney’s side were good value for their advantage at the break thanks to a composed finish from Jamie Odegah.

The Hatters youngsters controlled large parts of the opening 45 minutes and went in at the break in front after a fine stop from goalkeeper Lucas Thomas denied Boro a leveller.

However the Town’s lead evaporated in a 15-minute period in the second half with two goals putting Stevenage in front.

Thomas had little else to do as the Hatters bossed possession in their bid to get back on level terms, and Odegah was denied an equaliser by a breathtaking stop from the Boro keeper late on.

“There were lessons to be learned from this game,” said Joe Deeney afterwards. “I told the players that they need to be better in both boxes.

“We have to be more clinical when we have the chances when they come our way but that said, overall, I can’t fault the attitude of effort of the lads.”

Deeney’s under-18s return to action on Tuesday when they take on Ipswich at The Brache in the Floodlit Cup.

Town: Thomas, Roberts-Edema, Fox, Chigozie, Emery, Trialist, Trialist, Stitt, Odegah, Trustram, Benagr.

Subs: Hockey, M. Takawira, Ioannides, Harvey, Shepherd, Hincapie-Alfonso.