Ladies topple Hornets on derby day

The Hatters Ladies made it nine wins in a row by seeing off local rivals Watford as they warmed up for Thursday’s Beds Senior Cup final in style.

Leyah Maddix and Tanya Blacksley scored the first-half goals, with Fiona Buttigieg forcing an own goal in the second-half.

The Hatters had a lightning-quick start to the game. Gabriella Spillman’s cross was blocked by the hand of a Watford defender and Luton were awarded a penalty after just 90 seconds. Maddix’s spot-kick crashed off the crossbar, but on the way down the ball hit the Watford goalkeeper on its way into the net.

Five minutes later the Town doubled their lead. Buttigieg’s corner was whipped into a great area and Blacksley lost her marker to nod home a bullet header.

On the 23 minute mark, the visitors pulled a goal back, scoring directly from a free-kick into the top right corner, out the reach of Sarah Hudson. It was the first goal the Hatters had conceded in the league since November.

Jess McKay almost restored Luton’s two-goal advantage just before the break but her effort from outside the area was deflected off a Watford defender behind for a corner.

In the second-half, the Hatters continued to push for a third goal but Watford’s hard-fought defensive display was undone by an own goal in the 75th minute. Buttigieg’s corner was curled right into the centre of the box and turned into her own net by a Watford defender.

As the Town aimed to put the game to bed, Spillman set off on a mazy run from midfield and darted into the box from the right-hand side where she was able to unleash a shot despite pressure from a Watford defender – only to see the ball crashed off the post.

Victory was the perfect way to prepare for Thursday’s Beds FA Women’s Senior Cup Final at Kenilworth Road.

The Hatters take on Real Bedford with a 7.45pm kick-off and we’re encouraging all supporters to get down to cheer the team onto victory.

Tickets can be purchased online by clicking HERE. Unreserved seats can be purchased in the Main Stand Enclosure.

Prices:

Adults - £10

Concession (60 & over) - £6

Youth (12-16) - £3

Child (6-11) - £1

5 & under – Free

Ambulant supporters will pay a concession price with a carer free of charge, providing they are in receipt of Higher/Advanced PIP or DWP.

TICKET & SHIRT BUNDLE

A ticket bundle will be available for all supporters to purchase a Women's Final ticket and a 24-25 Luton Town Home shirt.

The shirts will be collection only, from the Luton Town Club Shop in Luton Point shopping centre, and also on the day of the game from the stadium shop at Kenilworth Road.

Once purchased supporters will be contacted about their preferred shirt size*.

Adults - £39.50

Concession (60 & over) - £35.50

Youth (12-16) - £20.50

Child (6-11) - £18.50

5 & under - £17.50

Bundles will be on sale until 9am Thursday 20th March.

*subject to availability

Tickets can be purchased online by clicking HERE. Unreserved seats can be purchased in the Main Stand Enclosure.

We advise purchase of digital tickets where possible, however, tickets can be selected with postage until 17th March or tickets can be left for collection on the day from the Oak Road Ticket Office.

Hospitality

Millennium Suite