THE Blue Square’s offer to pay out on Crawley winning the Conference title tonight if they beat AFC Wimbledon is nothing but a PR stunt according to Town managing director Gary Sweet, writes Mark Wood.

Speaking ahead of the clash, he said: “At the end of the day it’s a PR stunt.

“If I was in the same shoes I would look to do the same thing.”

And he dismissed claims that it could be construed as disrespectful, saying: “If anything it’s an added incentive (to catch them).”

Manager Richard Money was equally unmoved, saying: “Good luck to them. What they (Crawley) are doing is extraordinary.

“It’s nothing to do with is. They did the same with Burton.”

CHAOS on the roads around Barnfield West Academy is causing misery for local residents.

The new £30million building which opened on February 28, is missing one crucial feature - a car park.

This has resulted in the staff parking their cars on residential streets, in some cases blocking driveways and preventing access for the people who live there.

Leagrave High Street resident Sean Connorton said: “It has been hell the past few weeks with all the cars.

“My disabled son needs access to the house and his college bus needs to be able to drop him off on a flat pavement but because of all the cars everywhere this has proved impossible.

Mr Connorton said he has tried on numerous occasions to get in touch with the school to address his concerns, but it was only yesterday that he was finally able to speak to the Vice Principal.

However, Mr Connorton was not satisfied with the outcome of the meeting.

He said: “It was rubbish.

“He just told me what I already knew, that they have no parking for teachers, no pelican crossing for the children and that they are ‘looking into it.’

“They had two years to look into it before the new building was opened, why didn’t they do something about it then before it became a problem?”

Mr Connorton said that another resident was unable to get his car out of his drive because a member of staff had blocked it by parking in front of it yesterday.

Mr Connorton said: “I am concerned about the pupils’ safety, I am angry about my parking situation and I am frustrated on behalf of my son. He is part of the community and he deserves a better quality of life than this.”

A spokesperson for the Barnfield Federation said a new car park is being built and is due to be completed in seven weeks.

The spokesperson said: “In the meantime, staff in high visibility jackets patrol outside the Academy at the start and end of each day, the end of the school day is staggered to reduce traffic and members of staff are aware of the nearby houses in which disabled people live.

“Talks are also underway with Luton Borough Council to install a pedestrian crossing. Vice Principal Tony Hull is the point of contact for anyone with concerns.”

A GROUP of literary missionaries are coming to Luton with an inspirational book and several charity events in a bid to raise money for Keech Hospice Care.

Phrase Writers, based in Middlesex, have been helping good causes for over a decade with their poems, stories, plays and novels, and now the group have set their sights on supporting Luton’s famous care charity.

Their new book, Words and Wishes, contains an intellectual feast of poems, funny stories and articles from the group’s 18 wordsmiths, who have teamed up with Luton-based printers Creamer’s for the exciting new launch.

The book is available for sale in a number of local bookshops, and the team are also holding a vintage clothes sale and auction to raise additional funds for the charity.

Phrase Writers chairman, Kath Lewis, (pictured with Luton’s Mayor Councillor Tom Shaw) revealed the group were keen to ‘spread their wings’ and help causes further afield, adding that Keech was a natural choice.

She said: “Keech provide wonderful care for patients, as well as supporting their families and you couldn’t find a more worthy cause to support.

“The clothes sale promises to offer up some real bargains for retro fashion fans and I’d urge people to then take the short stroll round to the Lilley Arms for our much-anticipated auction.

“Our group motto is ‘With your help we can turn wishes into reality’ and this perfectly encapsulates the theme of the book - hopefully it will prove a hit with the public.”

The retro clothes sale takes place from 11am on April 2 at the Village Hall in Lilley, while the auction kicks off at 2.15pm on the same day at the Lilley Arms.

For more information on the book or the auction, contact Kath Lewis on 0208 5733504.

UNITED Hatters can win through to Wembley tomorrow if everyone bands together according to Town chief Richard Money, writes Mark Wood.

Luton trail 1-0 to Mansfield on aggregate after losing their FA Trophy semi final first leg at Field Mill on Sunday but the Hatters manager is convinced his side can turn it around.

And he has urged the club’s supporters to get behind his side, asking them: “To sing their hearts out, create an atmosphere.

“It’s £10. I understands in today’s market place it’s a lot of money for some people but it’s a great opportunity to see your team get to Wembley.

“It’s one of those competitions that in the early rounds it looks a hindrance, but now everyone desperately wants to achieve it.

“I’m hearing they are bringing 1,300 which will make for a fantastic atmosphere in the stadium and a good attendance.

“The prize is the same for both teams. Am I backing our players to perform on the day? Yes I am.

“If we get to Wembley twice in two years they’ve been a little bit spoiled.”

Town will be without cup tied duo Robbie Willmott and midfielder Paul Carden who both started the goalless draw at Cambridge United in midweek.

Full-backs Freddie Murray and Dan Gleeson will also be absent through injury, but Money is sure his side can cope.

He said: “Freddie Murray pulled his hamstring last Sunday. You would think he has week or two left.

“Glees opened up his knee in the last minutes of the last home game and is still a little bit sore and will be another week or two.

“Jake Howells has been excellent at left-back. Luke Graham has been as steady as a rock at right-back and we have no concerns about those two.”

And although confident of victory, he warned the Stags would be dangerous on the counter.

Money continued: “I wasn’t particularly happy with the performance at Mansfield, although we created lots and lots of chances and should have come off winning.

“We’ve got to approach the game in a very positive manner tomorrow and not leave holes at the back.

“They will be very dangerous on the counter attack. As Liverpool found out last night, it isn’t an easy score to overturn.”

Town have kept 13 clean sheet in 18 games since the turn of the year and Money doesn’t think his players will need any cajoling to get up for the game.

He said: “I don’t think the players are going to need any motivation at all.”

Luton may have lacked some cutting edge of late, but Money is positive that is set to return and is keen for his side to show the same resilience as they did at the Abbey Stadium on Tuesday night.

Money continued: “If we show the same resilience and determination tomorrow and add the quality I know we have at the right time in the right areas I know there’s a good performance in them tomorrow.

“If we weren’t creating chances and opportunities we would all be a bit concerned, but we are.”

Goals have been the missing ingredient of late that would have been the difference between draws and victories for the Hatters.

“It’s amazing what makes the difference. The margins are nothing, absolutely nothing.” Money lamented.

But he has left nothing to chance and revealed the Hatters are all set for a penalty shoot-out if one is required, as away goals do not ‘count double’ in this competition.

He said: “I think it’s important to have more than five (takers) as you don’t know who will be on the pitch. It may have some bearing on who starts and who comes off the bench.

“I think you’ve got to plan for it as best you can.

“We took them from the penalty spot in training and then walked them from the halfway line and the difference is immense.”

And if the Hatters can make it to Wembley, it would be the first time Richard Money has been properly involved with a side at the home of English football.

He said: “I’ve sat on the bench with my suit on for the Charity Shield final between Liverpool and West Ham and I was a ball boy at 15 for England against Scotland.

“I’m irrelevant in this. I’m more than happy with what I’ve achieved in my career as a manager, coach and player. But yes it would be nice.”

Wembley though would be nothing new to assistant Gary Brabin who has not enjoyed the best of luck there and is hoping that he will get another chance.

He said: “I’ve been to Wembley three times and I’m hoping it’s fourth time lucky!”

Winning through tomorrow would also be valuable in financial terms, but managing director Gary Sweet joked: “Net of players’ bonuses it’s not that great!”

But he added: “It’s very useful. We’ve just filed our accounts for last year on time and, although they are an improvement on the last year’s, we are still losing money. We are still in survival mode. You can get a little bit bogged down in that. We are beginning to move into the next stage financially.

“Any bonus like a Wembley final will be gratefully received and will help. Two years ago it would have been eaten up in a week or two with the creditors that were after our blood.”

IMPASSIONED Luton manager Richard Money has urged Town’s supporters to get fully behind the team between now and the end of the season, writes Mark Wood.

With promotion, both automatic and through the play-offs, still a real possibility and the Hatters just one game away from Wembley in the FA Trophy the Town boss has appealed to fans to give them their unwavering loyalty and vocal support from here on in.

In a specially arranged gathering today, Money and his management team of Gary Brabin, Alan Neilson and Dmitri Kharine, plus managing director Gary Sweet formed a united front as Town look to finish off a potentially hugely successful season in in style.

And Money has pleaded with the supporters to help them make it a reality, saying: “Something that we’ve all thought long and hard about is there’s an enemy that we need to be very mindful of at this moment in time.

“It’s not Crawley or the FA, it’s something called fear. The fear of failure.

“Tomorrow we play with an opportunity to go to Wembley in a cup final.

“Next Tuesday we embark on the last 12 games of a potential promotion campaign.

“At the start of the season we had three opportunities to be successful.

“Gain promotion, gain promotion as champions and win the Trophy. These are still all possible.

“It’s a period to be enjoyed. It’s a period to accept the opportunity and challenge.

“What we’ve got to try and do is make sure everybody understands is what we need both on and off the pitch from now until the end of the season.

“We haven’t failed. We have everything to play for. It’s a two-month period you don’t get very often. A chance to win a trophy and a chance to get promotion.

“We need huge support from the terrace. Everyone who was at Mansfield on Sunday and Cambridge on Tuesday saw what I mean. The support and atmosphere those supporters generated, with less than half of what we get, was fantastic. And it enabled them to get a result.

“We go to Bath and they set fireworks off. We go to Newport and Cambridge and they celebrate and cheer to get a point off Luton.

“The numbers we receive at home games is incredible. We need them on our side, we need them to be our 12th man and they are crucial.

“I realise that there’s a lot happened to this football club in its recent history.

“Everyone in the next two months have to throw away their negativity to the FA, throw away their anger at Crawley because there’s nothing they can do about them and their criticism of me or anyone else in the organisation because the only thing that matter is the 11 on the pitch.”

“Embrace and the enjoy the opportunity there is in front of us because it is an opportunity.

“We as a football team and as a management group will do all we can to these objectives happen.

“We thank them for their attendance and the money they’ve spent. They are brilliant.

“We need them to sing, to cheer, to make an atmosphere.

“We need them to make the players feel loved and to feel important.

“It’s our job to make sure we give those 11 players the right amount of support to achieve.

“I’m asking a real impassioned plea for the supporters to help drive us over the line. We need their help.”

For more see Wednesday’s Luton News / Dunstable Gazette.

Hatters suffer cruel Trophy defeat

HATTERS boss Richard Money felt his side were denied a place in the FA Trophy Final by a poor refereeing performance as they were knocked out by Mansfield on Saturday, writes Mike Simmonds.

Town were held to a 1-1 draw at Kenilworth Road, meaning they exited the competition due to their 1-0 defeat in the away leg at Field Mill last Sunday.

The match was shrouded in controversy though as after Lloyd Owusu put Luton ahead in the second half, Hatters had both Claude Gnakpa and Alex Lawless sent off.

In extra time, the hosts held out for 28 minutes until, official Graham Scott spotted a handball in the area and stunned Kenilworth Road by awarding a penalty.

Lee Briscoe’s effort was saved by Kevin Pilkington, but he made no mistake with the rebound, sending Stags to Wembley.

Money said: “We asked for a big effort from the terraces, they were fantastic and they saw a big effort from the team.

“We have to use it now as a positive going forward, because I think we’ve shown each other, the team and the support what we’re capable of achieving for the rest of the season.

“I don’t really want to comment about the game, all I do know is we’ve got George Pilkington with a massive hole in his foot for the tackle by Briscoe, who goes on and scores the penalty.

“I don’t think either (of Gnakpa’s tackles) should have been a yellow card, while Alex Lawless has jumped for the ball. If the ref has sent two off for us, they could have three or four sent off, but that’s football. And as regard for the penalty, what do you want him to do?”

For more reaction, see the Luton News/Dunstable Gazette on sale this Wednesday.

A WOMAN suffered a broken leg in an accident in Stockingstone Road on Wednesday evening (March 16).

The collision happened at approximately 7.20pm in Stockingstone Road, when the driver of a black Audi A3 got out of her car in stationary traffic, and was in collision with a VW Polo travelling along the road in the opposite direction.

It is believed that a silver BMW may also have been involved.

The woman’s right leg was broken and she also suffered cuts and bruises.

Witnesses should contact PC Ryan Coomber at the Roads Policing Unit on 01234 841212,

POLICE are hunting a robber who threatened a shop worker at knifepoint last week.

The incident happened at around 9.20pm last Wednesday at the Co-op store in Birdsfoot Lane.

The employee was forced to open the till before the offender took a large amount of cash and fled.

He is described as a white man in his 40s with an athletic build.

He was wearing a distinctive camouflage jacket.

Investigating officer PC Sophie McGrath, said: “This crime happened during the evening in a busy area of the town so it is possible that members of the public may have seen this man arriving or leaving the store.”

Anyone with information relating to this crime should call 01582 394331, send a text message to 07786 200011, or contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

A TRIO of top Explorer Scouts in Luton have been celebrating after each scooped a pair of prestigious awards.

Phillipa Guy and twins Ellie and Francesca Giles of the Luton Sea Scouts not only achieved the Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award but also won the Queens Scout Award, the highest honour for any Scout.

Phillipa, Ellie and Frances will be presented with the first of their awards at Buckingham palace in the summer and will receive the second during the St George’s Day Parade at Windsor.

The group had a third reason to celebrate as they found out about their awards at a recent Admirality inspection which saw Luton Sea Scouts and the Riparian Explorer Unit retain their Admirality status.

The group carried out various tasks two five day hikes in Snowdonia and Derbyshire.

Lt Commander David Griffiths said: “These are awards that recognise the life-changing skills these three young people now have.

“Out of 101 admiralty-recognised groups only one has a better record.”

During the course of the inspection evening, Scouts demonstrated a variety of skills that have learned from more than 200 adventurous pursuits on offer.

One group of Scouts demonstrated first aid while another showed how to send SOS messages.

At the end of the evening, Lt Commander Griffiths awarded Sea Scout Amielee Driscoll the Admiral’s Cup as the smartest Scout on parade, and confirmed that the group once again qualified for the Admiralty Recognition certificate.

JUSTIN Edinburgh expects Rushden & Diamonds to give a better account of themselves tonight.

Three successive home draws against teams fighting for survival in the Blue Square Bet Premier have left Edinburgh accepting the play-off dream is now “an outside hope”.

However they are unbeaten in six games - with one loss in 12 matches - ahead of Luton Town’s trip to Nene Park tomorrow night.

Prior to that run, though, Diamonds went 11 games without a win and suffered four successive defeats starting at Kenilworth Road on New Year’s Day.

Matthew Barnes-Homer struck twice and Claude Gnapka sealed the 3-0 verdict in Diamonds’ first action following the death of goalkeeper Dale Roberts.

Edinburgh recalled: “We were fragile at that time.

“So I’m not taking anything into account from the away game.

“I’m sure we will be putting up a better fight and we need to do that to get something out of tonight’s match.

“Luton have been right up there all season and rightly so with their budget.

“If they weren’t challenging at the top of the table then they would be very disappointed.

“But they are not going to win the title so the only way of going up is through the play-offs.

“Nobody will catch Crawley Town now for the championship.

“Luton need to keep the momentum going to make sure they go into the play-offs strongly.

“We’ve still got an outside hope of making the last spot so they need the points as much as we do.

“We need to continue our form while trying to stay in the hunt.

“In the last three home games we have drawn against teams fighting for points at the other end of the league.

“We may look back on that period at the end of the season to see where we came up short.”

Last season’s play-off semi-finalists meet again with both teams aiming to hit back from disappointments.

Diamonds have dropped off the pace in the push for a top-five finish while third-placed Luton missed out on a trip to Wembley when they lost in the FA Carlsberg Trophy semi-final.

Gnapka and Alex Lawless are suspended tonight after being sent off in Saturday’s second leg at home to Mansfield Town.

Edinburgh added: “They have got plenty of players in the squad to bring people in and freshen it up.

“It could go either way for them in terms of being despondent or looking to bounce back.

“To be honest, I’m not particularly bothered about them because we’ve got our own concerns and problems at our club at the present time.”

Even if they can close the gap, Diamonds’ play-off bid seems likely to suffer another blow with a possible five-point deduction.

They have requested a hearing after being charged by the Football Conference over financial irregularities due to the tax bill which has already meant a transfer embargo.

On the pitch, though, Diamonds are set for a double boost with the return of defender Curtis Osano and former Luton forward Ryan Charles following injuries.

Right-back Justin Miller is ruled out with a calf strain but on-loan centre-half Eddie Oshodi has declared himself fit despite a knock on his leg.

Edinburgh concluded: “We can’t shuffle the pack so we’ll go with what we’ve got.

“We are limited with what we can do but we’ll keep plugging away.”

INJURY-RIDDLED Luton face a real uphill task when they take on local rival Rushden & Diamonds at Nene Park tomorrow night, writes Mark Wood.

Shane Blackett (groin), Dan Gleeson (knee), Freddie Murray (hamstring), Charlie Henry (ankle) and Alex Lacey (bone bruising) are all ruled out through injury.

Knocks to strikers Matthew Barnes-Homer and Lloyd Owusu and centre-half and captain George Pilkington (foot), during Saturday’s FA Trophy 1-1 extra-time draw with Mansfield, mean they too are doubts.

And the situation is made all the worse as Alex Lawless, three games, and Claude Gnakpa, one, are suspended following their sendings off at the weekend.

On the injury problems, Hatters boss Richard Money said: “It happens at certain stages in the season and it’s something we have to deal with.

“Tomorrow night we have an horrendous list of injuries who won’t be available and a lot of those which are, are very tired.

“It will be a very big ask. We would ask the supporters to be understanding and give huge support as we will take a big number there.”

On Pilkington’s injury, he continued: “He is a soldier. You don’t want anyone to be on the end of a challenge like that. If he can cope with it, he will cope with it.

“But it’s very sore. He has stitches in the top of his foot.”

However, winger Robbie Willmott and Paul Carden are available again after being cup tied at the weekend.

Money said: “We will put a team out on the pitch with the objective to get three points.

“They are always on the fringe of being in the play-offs. They will still have ambitions to get there.

“It’s a big game for both clubs. A local derby, a lot of pride at stake and no-one wants to lose these matches.”

Diamonds boast former Town striker Ryan Charles in their squad, but Money isn’t convinced he will figure tomorrow night.

He added: “He certainly wasn’t involved in the 16 on Saturday.”

A LUTON lawyer has been helping the family of a 17-year-old killed by a cyclist to persuade the government to change bicycle laws.

Head of personal injury and a partner at Pictons Solicitors, in Dunstable Road, Mark Wardrop, offered his services for free to Michael and Diana Bennett whose daughter Rhiannon was knocked down by a cyclist in Buckinghamshire in 2007.

Jason Howard was convicted of dangerous cycling and fined £2,200 following Rhiannon’s death.

But Michael and Diana have been campaigning ever since to block a legal loophole which allowed the cyclist to be punished with a fine and not imprisonment.

With Mr Wardrop’s help they lobbied Northamptonshire MP Andread Leadsom who was to introduce a Ten Minute Rule bill in the House of Commons yesterday afternoon to propose that deaths caused by cyclists should be treated in the same way as other traffic deaths.

Mr Wardrop said: “The CPS claim that the charge of dangerous cycling was the most appropriate. But it’s difficult to see why, despite representations made by my firm on behalf of the family, they didn’t decide to bring a charge under the Offences Against the Person Act instead.

“That’s what the family wanted, to have the facts placed before a jury and to let the jury decide.”

VETERAN striker Lloyd Owusu has pledged his willingness to be selected for tonight’s trip to Rushden & Diamonds, writes Mark Wood.

Although one of many to be left fatigued after Saturday’s epic draw against Mansfield, he came through training yesterday and said he is ready to answer the call.

Speaking yesterday, he said: “I trained today. It wasn’t too bad. Whether the gaffer looks to rest one or two, I don’t know, but I’m always up for selection.

“When you are on a (goalscoring) run you always want to continue it.”

And he revealed the players were buoyant despite missing out on a Wembley final in the FA Trophy.

Owusu continued: Everyone pulled each other out.

“We’ve come out here and trained, everyone was bright and still had a smile on their faces. We had a bit of a fun session.”

Midfielder Keith Keane also admitted to feeling the effects, saying: “I’m feeling about 48 years old now. Hopefully by tomorrow I can put my mind on the game.”

The game is sure to mean opportunities for a number of players that didn’t figure at the weekend.

But keeper Kevin Pilkington backed Luton’s braves who did figure to battle through.

He added: “I think we will have to call on the squad for the rest of the season. There’s games every four days now.

“It’s going to be a tough ask but the lads are up for it.

“Once you go out there the adrenaline kicks in. I think you will see in the last 10 or 20 minutes some tired bodies out there.”

STAFF at Luton’s only independent prep school have been swamped with inquiries after it was announced fees would no longer be charged for places.

Moorlands School, in Leagrave, currently charges up to £5,900 a year for pupils from reception class to Year 6, but will now receive government funding under the ‘free schools’ initiative.

Under the free schools legislation, the government will fund not just new independent schools but also places at already established independent schools in geographical areas which meet criteria set out by the Department for Education, of which Luton is one

Last year, Moorlands was named one of the top 100 independent prep schools in the country by the Sunday Times.

Headteacher Andrew Cook said the school had to open up extra phone lines after the move was announced on Friday, due to the sheer number of parents calling to express interest in securing places for their children.

He said: “We’ve been stunned by the number of people calling in the past couple of days. We wrote a letter to parents on Thursday and literally within hours we were bombarded with calls. It must have been down to word of mouth.”

The move will see Moorlands teaming up with the Barnfield Federation, which will give it more ‘purchasing power’ and improve staff development and computer facilities. The school will expand to take on an extra 100 pupils, and will move to a new site on Barnfield College’s New Bedford Road campus in 2015.

But the school will retain its independent status, and Mr Cook told parents in the letter that the school would not be changing any of its “fundamental principles or policies”.

He said: “The reason we are one of the top 100 prep schools in the country is because of the way we are now and what we do now.”

Fees will continue to be charged for nursery education at Moorlands, and despite the planned expansion, class size will remain at a maximum of 18, Mr Cook said.

He added: “We are emphasising that it’s business as usual. We have no intention of changing our ethos, what we teach or how we teach it.”

But the school warned the changes would mean competition for places in the future would be fierce.

A question and answer sheet sent out to parents with the letter reads: “We would anticipate that it will become considerably harder in future to obtain places at Moorlands, and that the school will be significantly oversubscribed.

“It will undoubtedly be even more sought-after as a centre of excellence for highly motivated pupils and parents who are ambitious for the children’s future achievement.

“We will therefore ensure that sibling applications are prioritised in future years.”

A LUTON homeless charity has been handed a funding reprieve by the government after it was chosen for a share of £1 million as part of the Big Society scheme.

The Luton News reported last autumn how LAMP, which helps homeless young people aged between 16 and 25 find accommodation and turn their lives around, had seen its funding cut by £34,000 as ministers axed the charity’s Connexions funding.

But LAMP is one of ten regional charities chosen for a share of a special Transition Fund set set aside to help those charities hit hardest by public spending cuts.

The charity will receive £27,000 to invest on ‘change management’.

Chief Executive of the charity, John Archer, said: “It’s great news for us and we’re very grateful we’ve got it.

“It’s quite prescriptive how we use it. We can’t use it on front line services, so i can only use it to change my business to generate finacne in the future.”

The funding will be used to set up a social enterprise within the charity to hopefully generate enough revunue to cover the shortfall in government funding.

The grant has to be used within a year.

Mr Archer added: “It’s been a great kick on for us.

“It’s a pity we can’t use it immediately for the front line services, it’s not a short-term solution, but it gives us the opportunity to look at ways to protect ourselves from future cuts.

“We’ve got to use it to change the way LAMP works.”

The fund was announced in the government’s Spending Review last October.

Charities which met set criteria had to apply before a January deadline.

In all, almost £17 million funding has been granted so far with another £90 million to be awarded from the fund from next month onwards.

Nick Hurd, Minister for Civil Society, said: “All the grants awarded today go to charities with robust plans for making the most of future opportunities.

“The extra funding will give many more charities the breathing space they need to move forward and shows that the importance of their work is recognised across government.”

Blue Square Bet Premier Rushden & Diamonds 0 (0) Luton Town 1 (1)

TEAM Luton got off to a winning start with a battling victory at Rushden & Diamonds tonight, writes Mike Simmonds.

Roared on by an excellent travelling contingent, the Hatters were never at their best in a scrappy match, but showed bucket loads of character and commitment to earn another vital three points.

Hatters boss Richard Money made five changes to the side that drew with Mansfield in the FA Trophy at the weekend with Mark Tyler, Amari Morgan-Smith, Robbie Willmott, Paul Carden and Danny Crow restored the starting line up, with the recalled Dan Walker, after his loan spell at Cambridge, on the bench.

Diamonds created the first opening as Max Porter’s low 20-yarder was comfortably gathered by Tyler, before Crow sent a half volley straight at Joe Day.

Hatters were in front on 11 minutes though as George Pilkington sent a long ball forward and Robbie Willmott capitalised on Shane Huke’s woefully underhit backpass to slot under Joe Day for his second goal in Town colours.

The hosts tried their luck from distance when Alan Power sent a 20-yard free-kick into the gloves of Tyler, while the impressive Michael Gash’s header dribbled into Tyler’s hands too.

Diamonds had another sighter when Matt Johnson drilled across goal, but the remainder of the first half saw the ball spend far too much time in the air, as Carden had Town’s only chance of note, shooting well wide from 20 yards.

The hosts almost levelled on the stroke of half time when former Hatter Ryan Charles sped past Adam Newton and crossed low where Pilkington’s clearance ricocheted off Gash and flew just wide off the post.

Rushden were first to show after the interval as Michael Corcoran cut inside and his left-footer was easily held by Tyler.

The match turned unnecessarily nasty in the space of a few minutes with Jamie Day scything down Keith Keane to earn a yellow card, while Huke immediately followed suit, recklessly chopping down Wilmott.

Gary Mills continued the theme on 59 minutes as he received Rushden’s third booking after a foul on the tricky Willmott again.

With 63 minutes on the clock, Jason Walker came on for Morgan-Smith and almost scored with his first meaningful foray forward.

Latching on to Keane’s hooked pass forward, he was left one-on-one with Eddie Oshodi, but couldn’t beat his man in the box.

The rebound was met by a stumbling Crow, whose toe-poke was fumbled by Joe Day, but the keeper recovered well to block Willmott’s fierce follow up and Jamie Day got back to head off the line as the ball looped towards the net.

The match then finally caught to life as Tyler kept Hatters level with a superb reaction save from Gash’s turn and shot and then arched his back to tip Corcoran’s header over.

Hatters looked to catch the hosts on the break whenever possible and Jake Howells sent a right footer skimming over from an acute angle.

Walker had claims for a penalty with five minutes remaining, falling under the challenge of Oshodi, but the striker looked to have dived in the box, and was lucky to escape a caution.

Diamonds then went straight up the other end and had shouts for a spot kick of their own, as Howells leaned on Charles in the box, but once more, nothing was given.

As time ran out, the hosts threw caution to the wind, but Corcoran’s effort dribbled through to Tyler, while once again, Walker failed to administer the final touch in the hosts’ penalty area.

At the final whistle, the visiting players and management went over as one to the away supporters, giving further proof that Team Luton are up and running in their bid for promotion this season.

Diamonds: Joe Day, Eddie Oshodi, Max Porter (C), Gary Mills, Jamie Day, Alan Power, Michael Corcoran, Matt Johnson (Nabil Shariff 87), Ryan Charles, Shane Huke, Michael Gash. Substitutes not used: Simon Evans, Craig Farrell, Joe Keehan, Morgan Phillips.

Hatters: Mark Tyler, Keith Keane, George Pilkington (C), Adam Newton, Amari Morgan-Smith (Jason Walker 63), Matthew Barnes-Homer, Robbie Willmott, Zdenek Kroca, Jake Howells, Paul Carden, Danny Crow (Godfrey Poku 74). Substitutes not used: Kevin Pilkington, Luke Graham, Dan Walker.

Referee: M Bull.

Assistant referees: A Tyne and J Martin.

Fourth official: A Tonks.

Bookings: Jamie Day 49; Shane Huke 50; Gary Mills 59; Godfrey Poku 76.

Attendance: 2,459 (1,227 Luton).

Star Hatter: George Pilkington. Real captain’s performance at the back.

RETAIL students put on a dazzling display of creativity at a fashion show in the Hat Factory last week.

The Luton Sixth Form College pupils were inspired by their visit to Birmingham Clothes Show Live and organised their own fashion show on Tuesday, March 15.

The show was based on different genres of film.

Course manager Emma Hooper said: “I thought the students worked incredibly hard this year. They had two intense days of rehearsals and months of preparation for the show.

“As part of their BTEC National Diploma in Retail we take them to the Clothes show and that’s where they get their inspiration from.

“Using the show as a vehicle to deliver theory really helps to get them motivated and engaged with the work.”

The show was the biggest ever with more than 80 students taking part, who all provided their own costumes and props.

Ms Hooper said: “As a teacher this is the biggest reward ever – seeing them come together like they did last night makes me so proud.”

Student Ramzan Miah, 17, said: “We don’t get marked on this as part of our course this year but it is a really good experience and builds up our confidence.”

To see video highlights from the show and backstage interviews, visit www.lutontoday.co.uk

Experienced pair to bolster county

AN experienced top order batsman and an opening bowler have been recruited by Bedfordshire for the forthcoming MCC season, writes Mark Wood.

After last term’s promising campaign the county have signed opener Steve Stubbings, formerly of Derbyshire, and fast bowler Andrew McGarry, who played for Essex.

Team manager Mike Archer said: “Despite some wonderful individual batting performances in 2010 we often failed to bat for the allotted 90 overs in the first innings, and it’s something we didn’t do once in 2009.

“If you don’t do that you are often fighting for survival rather than looking to win a game and Steve Stubbings will bring that quality to the side and develop the young batsmen to do the same.”

For the full story and dates of Beds fixtures, see this weeks Luton News/Dunstable Gazette

GOALSCORER Robbie Willmott was delighted to put the memory of Newport County behind him and net the winner at Rushden & Diamonds on Tuesday night.

The winger had missed two one-on-one chances in Wales during Hatters’ 1-1 draw last month, but made no mistake when put clean through after Shane Huke’s dreadful backpass at Nene Park.

Willmott said: “I’m very happy. I always said I could score goals and missed a few chances at Newport, so it was nice to score again.

“It’s my second goal and to pick up three points from Rushden is a great result.

“The defender’s made a mistake. Luckily I’ve capitalised on his error, gone through and tucked it away underneath the keeper.

“I’ve got 11 for the season now, my highest total so far and I want to keep scoring.

“It helps us get some momentum back in the league again. We’re just chasing Crawley down to the end.”

The recent signing took up a number of different roles on Tuesday night, playing on both flanks and also enjoying a more advanced position at times.

He came close to notching his second goal of the evening too, but was denied by the smart reactions of Diamonds keeper Joe Day.

Willmott said: “I smashed it as hard as I could and gone in for the rebound and their lad made a great header off the line.

“I can play in a number of positions. I played upfront in a 4-3-3 with Brabs (Gary Brabin) at Cambridge, so as soon as he told me, it was good. It was fresh and it worked.

“We change things in training, change formation, work on different things.

“There are a lot of good players here who can play in a range of positions.

“We just want to be in the squad and do our best for the team.”

Hatters were indebted to some fine late saves from Mark Tyler for preserving all three points and Willmott paid tribute to the keeper.

He said: “They were unbelievable saves. We know he can do that, we see him in training.

“He’s an unbelievable goalkeeper, probably one of the best I’ve played with in my career.”

One thing that was noticeable at Rushden was the superb support Hatters’ players received from the terraces and it helped them no end according to Willmott.

He added: “The number of fans that come away with us helps us a lot.

“It’s unbelievable when you see them turn up and they sing their hearts out for the team.

“If we chase back 20 yards, they’re (the fans) going to be up and it’s a nice feeling when they start cheering.

“We just want to reward them with three points and an away win.

“We want to stick together with the fans through to the end and if that’s the play-off final then so be it, we’ll win at Eastlands.”

Team Luton now gathering pace

TOWN boss Richard Money hailed a herculean effort from his side as they battled to a 1-0 victory at Rushden & Diamonds on Tuesday night, writes Mike Simmonds.

Robbie Willmott’s first half goal was enough for the Hatters to inflict Diamonds’ first home defeat in five games.

Money said: “(It was) a herculean effort from the team given what we’ve been asked to go through on Saturday.

“I thought it was a massive performance and a massive result for us.

“We started really brightly for the first 20 minutes, we changed the shape, played a little bit differently, allowed the front players to roam and Danny (Crow) to play a little bit deeper.

“We scored a goal, opportunistic, from a mistake, but nevertheless you’ve still got to score it.

“In fairness to Rushden it was a big game for them.

“They needed the three points themselves, they pressed and squeezed and got tight all over the pitch and made it a real battle.

“Overall we showed little periods of quality and it was almost the perfect away performance. If we had got the second goal, I would say it was.”

Roared on by a superb away following of 1,227 in a crowd of 2,459, Money made a point of applauding the visiting fans at the end and believes the birth of ‘Team Luton’ is starting to gather pace.

He added: “There was terrific support for us again, great numbers, great vocally, a real togetherness again on and off the pitch.

“I think the supporters have seen again the team give everything they’ve got to get the result.

“Team Luton, they were here. We’ve made another huge step on the road to where we want to get to in terms of togetherness and in terms of the camp that really believes we can go places.

“It was a tough away game and a big result for both team and supporters.”