Luton Town Under-21s opened their season with a dominant 3-1 victory against Northampton Town at Moulton College.

A fine hat-trick from Benedict Benagr meant Alex Lawless’ side started 2024/25 as they mean to go on.

The young Hatters started the game well, dictating the play with the Cobblers unable to get on the front foot.

Our pressure paid off as we broke the deadlock just before half-time, with wing-back Benagr latching onto the end of a driven cross to strike the ball low into the bottom right-hand corner.

It looked good for the Hatters before the hosts equalised from a free kick, shouts for a penalty ignored by the referee before the ball was put into the back of Town’s net.

Northampton got off to the quicker start as a shot from outside the box flew over the bar after a flurry of blocked chances.

The Hatters began to get their grip back on the game, Benagr nearly came close to his second after beating the defender and the goalkeeper but was unable to find the bottom corner.

Claude Kayibanda was unlucky not to give us the lead, misjudging a header from the centre of the box sending the ball just over.

Luton’s lead was eventually restored 20 minutes into the second half, Benagr was rewarded for his relentless pressing as he smashed the ball into the roof of the goal.

Our trialist goalkeeper would be called into action, a brilliant diving save keeping the Hatters in front going into the final quarter of the game.

Benagr rounded off the afternoon by completing his hat-trick with a sublime half volley from the centre of the box following a counterattack.