HATTERS FANS FC deservedly took the derby spoils after a somewhat attritional 2-1 victory over the Internet ‘Orns on a sunny morning in Stockwood Park, Luton.

Both the host’s goals came from set-pieces – one in each half and split by a Hornets’ penalty won and converted by striker Mark O’Connor.

Luton enjoyed the lion’s share of possession but both sides struggled to create too many clear-cut chances with the sloping and bobbly pitch not proving conducive to any attempts at good football.

Played in the good spirit that’s become the norm between these two local rivals, the Hatters took the lead on 25 minutes when an inswinging free-kick was guided home from eight yards by an unmarked attacker.

Watford were on level terms eight minutes before half-time when O’Connor was tripped near the byeline as he shaped to head towards goal. Atoning for his miss against the same opposition at the start of a Covid-abridged season, he went for power and drilled the spot-kick home low with the Hatters’ keeping guessing to dive in the other direction.

WIFC had been particularly competitive during the game’s first 30 minutes but were unable to sustain their momentum and Town gradually took a grip on territorial advantage before a corner was converted by a near-post flick – possibly lastly off a Watford head – with around 30 minutes left for play.

O’ Connor spurned a glorious chance to equalise for a second time when, having pounced on a short back-pass, he struck a post before awkwardly volleying the rebound over the bar.

Having carved out another chance, well saved, soon after through individual skill, O’Connor’s was the last real sight of the Hatters’ goal as Watford’s efforts petered out towards full-time.

Hornets: Mesiano; Ladell, Anderson, Moss, T Brandy; Sperinck, Murphy, St-Cyr, Nicholls (c), Soloway, C Bateman.Subs used: D Sitkowski, Wood, O’Connor, C Brandy, Stone.