It was level at the break after Tyrelle Newton had cancelled out Josh Seary’s opener, before second half goals from Finlay Cross-Adair, Mikey O’Neill and Aaron Bennett put the game out of sight.

The young Hatters started well with plenty of possession in the early stages and equally chances that could have seen them take on the lead on two occasions.

Full of confidence after last weekend’s league triumph where they finished top of the Merit League 2 table, Paul Hart’s high-pressing players almost reaped their reward with early intensity as Zack Nelson pressured Harry Nevin into conceding possession in the area, but James Pradic was off his line quickly to foil the effort.

Minutes later Jayden Luker produced a positive run into the area and picked out Daniel Idiakhoa, though Pradic was once again equal to it.

Momentum shifted after the half-hour mark when Sam Bentley was forced into two smart stops to deny the impressive Bennett and Seary from close range.

But in the 36th minute, Seary found a way past the Luton number 13 with a good finish across goal from Noah Mawene’s cross.

Their lead, however, would last just six minutes after Tyrelle Newton headed in from Nelson’s corner at the near post and was a well-deserved reward for their first-half efforts.

Ollie Hemlin was introduced at half-time in place of Eddie Corbit as the Hatters looked to built on their equaliser.

Goalscorer Newton was the biggest threat to Preston’s goal after cutting the ball onto his left-foot in the area but seeing his effort get headed away off the line by Kian Taylor.

But against the run of play courtesy of a long ball over the top, the away side retook the lead through Cross-Adair, who kept his composure to slot the ball past Bentley.

Preston then continued to press and found a third goal with 15 minutes to play. Jacob Slater had time and space to cross from the left-hand-side and O’Neill supplied the finishing touches.

Bennett strengthened the Lilywhites’ advantage three minutes later with a free-kick from range as the away side completed the league and cup double in style at Kenilworth Road.

Town: Bentley; Pinnington, Tompkins, Bateson, Odell; Corbit (Hemlin 46’), Newton, Idiakhoa; Nelson (Lynch 73’), Luker; Allen (Matthews-Lewis 86').

Subs not used: Hockey, Moffat.

Goals: Newton (42’)

Yellows: Tompkins, Pinnington

Preston: Pradic; Blanchard, Nevin (C), Taylor; Seary, Amaral, Mawene (Wallbank 77’), Bennett, Slater; Cross-Adair (Nelson 86'), O’Neill.

Subs not used: Davis, Best, Green

Goals: Seary (36’), Cross-Adair (64’), O’Neill (75’), Bennett (78)

Yellows: Amaral

Attendance: 821