A late winner with the last kick of the game ensured Town would suffer heartbreak after gruelling extra-time to exit the 17s PDL Cup at the semi-final stage to Stockport County

In a game fraught with drama and plenty of goals, Town twice went ahead through a composed Ty Lesser finish and a Rufus Barnes tap in, though struggled to contain their Hatters counterparts who twice responded with strikes from Joe Astles and Harley Windsor before Jones struck his late winner.

It was a positive start to the game for the young Town side and the opener eventually came when Kyron Roberts-Edema’s cross was just missed by Darren Frimpong-Kwakye in the box, though the ball did reach Lesser who composed himself before applying a great low finish to open the scoring.

Unfortunately, the lead wouldn’t last long into the second half, with Astles on hand to finish from the edge of the penalty area after a low cross into the box wasn’t dealt with well enough by the Town defence.

The second Town goal came when a free-kick from just inside the Stockport half was lofted towards the back-post, with Enoch Kwame Anson rising highest to accurately nod the ball across goal for centre-half partner Barnes to latch onto and apply another smart finish from close range.

Again, Stockport attacked and eventually found another equaliser when one of their long throws found Windsor in the box, who’s header flew into the back of the net.

After a stressful and exhaustive period of extra-time, with both sets of players feeling the effects of the game, Stockport found a winner with the last kick of the game. A corner in the 120th minute pinged around inside the box before substitute Jones could latch onto the ball and bundle it past Charlie Booth to send the visitors to the final of the 17s PDL Cup.

Despite the late heartbreak, Town will take comfort in the fact that there’s still a trophy to try and win, with the 18s PDL Cup final against AFC Wimbledon giving the Hatters the chance of redemption.

TOWN: Booth, Kwame Anson, Evans, Barnes, Norton (sub Takawira 65'), Knote-Reed (sub Ed-Okungbowa 72'), Passley-James, Roberts-Edema (sub Richards 105'), El Gourja, Lesser, Gawel (sub Frimpong Kwakye 17')

Subs not used: Flynn

Match Report: Liam Wilmot