A strong reserves side failed to get the better of Luton's second string as this afternoon's game at Playford Road ended 0-0. Owen Garvan hit the bar for the Blues, while for the Hatters Scott Sinclair headed a golden opportunity wide in the final minute.

The Town first team management were out in force with Jim Magilton, John Gorman and Steve Foley joined on the sidelines by scouts Steve McCall and Simon Hunt, while Chris Kiwomya and Bryan Klug took charge of the team which included Iván Campo, Billy Clarke, Owen Garvan and Veliche Shumulikoski, but not Danny Haynes.

There were few chances in the opening period, Garvan having an early header saved by Luton keeper Aaron Fletcher.

Luton's best opportunity came in the 28th minute when Paul Watson played the ball straight to Ryan Charles, whose 20-yard shot was saved by Shane Supple.

Shumulikoski sliced over on 40, then just before the break Billy Clarke latched on to Jaime Peters's diagonal ball to the edge of the area, but sent the ball wide.

The visitors had the best of the chances in the minutes after the break with Matt Richards clearing off the line from George Pilkington from a Jake Howells corner.

Adam Watkins shot over for the Hatters, prior to Joe Clemo taking over from the quiet Reggie Lambe on the right of midfield.

On 65 Shumulikoski played Garvan in on goal but the Irishman's chip struck the bar and fell safely behind Billy Clarke.

Matt Daniels took over from Iván Campo for the final 23 minutes of the game, the Spaniard having strolled through the game in central midfield without appearing to have any problem with his calf injury.

Town probably should have been awarded a penalty in the 70th minute when Dean Bowditch appeared to be clipped as he received a ball in from the right from Clemo. However, the referee felt the defender got a touch on the ball and gave a corner.

A minute later, Adam Watkins shot over after Scott Sinclair had beaten Matt Richards down the Luton right.

Midfielder Billy Clark joined striker Billy Clarke on the field in the 74th minute, the academy scholar replacing Owen Garvan, who like most of Town's senior players failed to impose himself on the game.

Jack Ainsley made an important interception on Fabrice Kasiama in the 83rd minute, prior to Clark shooting just wide and then Clarke forcing Fletcher into a fine save with a 20-yard strike from a Peters lay-back.

As the whistle drew close, Sinclair should have won it for the visitors but he sent his header the wrong side of the post when well placed.

A disappointing performance from a reserves side full of experience who on paper should really have won the game comfortably. Luton fielded a comparatively young team with the exceptions of former Canary Paul McVeigh and ex-Walsall man Ian Roper.

In addition to the Town management, the usual plethora of scouts were present, including former Blue and current Leyton Orient manager Geraint Williams.

Reserves: Supple, Peters, Richards, Campo (Daniels 67), Ainsley, Watson, Lambe (Clemo 57), Shumulikoski, Clarke, Bowditch, Garvan (Clark 74). Unused: Ward, Murray.

Photo: Action Images

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