Luton Town Walking Football over fifties side put up a brave fight as they crashed out of the National Finals when the top four sides from the TRA south league took on the top four from the NPL northern league at Leicester Goals on Sunday.

The Hatters suffered a defensive injury crisis as key defender England hopeful Dave Jennings hobbled off after just five minutes of the opening game versus Blackburn Rovers, with a calf injury. Regular defender Cam Kerins was named in goal to protect a knee injury and Joe Griffin was named as reserve due to another knee injury.

The town took the lead against Blackburn through a well taken Barrie Hicks strike. A late goal gave Blackburn an equaliser. In the second game the town lost three one to a well drilled Peter lee Helford side with the Luton goal scored by Steve Brown. In the third game the Hatters lost 2-1 to Leeds Titans with Barrie Hick again the town goal scorer.

In the final game against Leggy Mambos who are ranked as the number one side in the country, Luton had equal possession for long periods creating a number of chances. But the Mambos quality finally told as they out on winners 3-1 with Barrie Hicks turning in his third goal of the afternoon.

Luton Town Team Manager Joe Griffin said “we were unfortunate with the injuries but we still gave a good account of ourselves and every game was a close affair with Barrie Hicks taking his goals really well”

Luton Town Club Manager Arthur Mason said “Walking Football is stronger in the north of England and Leggy Mambos have been the top side for the last few years. We put up a brave effort and matched teams for long periods so we take a lot of positives from these national finals.

The Hatters Team Photo
L-R Back Row – Joe Griffin, Barrie Hicks, Mark Robinson, Dave Jennings, Andy Simpson, Steve Brown. Front Row – Cam Kerins, Phil Watson, Jon McNally, Arthur Mason,

For more information email:
Paul Haynes: paul.haynes56@hotmail.co.uk
Arthur Mason: Artjmas@aol.com / 07877 207532
Kevin Thorburn, Luton Town Football Club Community Trust: kevin.thoburn@lutontown.co.uk / 01582 561622