Northampton Town Under 18s drew 1-1 with Luton Town in the EFL Youth Alliance League South East on a cold morning at Moulton College.
Under 16s coach Shane Goddard took charge and made two changes from the team that lost 3-2 away to Southend United a week earlier, as Josh Tomlinson and Kieran Watkins-Robinson replaced Courtney Lashley and Miguel Ngwa in the line up.
Both sides made a slow start to the first half. On the half-an-hour mark, Liam Cross won a penalty but he was denied from 12 yards by the goalkeeper.
On the stroke of half-time, Luton put together a string of passes in the attacking third, resulting in a strike which went just over.
The match improved in an entertaining, end-to-end second half. Josh Tomlinson's header was cleared off the line five minutes in.
Ten minutes later, substitute Miguel Ngwa aimed for the top corner at the back post, but his drive was well-saved by the goalkeeper.
Jack Connor headed over from Liam Cross’ floated ball in as the Cobblers continued to threaten.
They made a deserved breakthrough 20 minutes from time when Peter Abimbola (pictured) took a touch and fired into the top right corner from 25 yards for his third of the campaign.
However, Luton equalised five minutes later. A shot from range left Charlie Woods rooted to the spot and flew into the corner.
The Cobblers searched for a late winner. First, Liam Cross’ dangerous ball was parried to substitute Lewis Gilbert, but he was denied from close range.
Then, Cross was denied by another fantastic save from the goalkeeper, who tipped his shot wide as it looked destined to find the top corner.
It ended level. Both sides had numerous opportunities, but the Cobblers arguably had the better of the chances, especially in the second period.
The youth team remain in fifth place after their draw. They host eighth-placed Milton Keynes Dons next Saturday. Their opponents won 1-0 in the reverse fixture early in the season.
Starting XI - Woods (GK); Bailey, Tomlinson, Dyche, Flanagan; Lack (sub Scott, HT), Cross, Abimbola; Watkins-Robinson (sub Gilbert, 65), Connor, Curry (sub Ngwa, 38). Unused subs - Lashley, Hill.
Goal - Abimbola (1-0, 71).