ST Albans City shared nine goals with local rivals Luton Town as they went down to a 6-3 pre-season friendly defeat at Clarence Park.

The entertaining match saw City go in trailing 4-1 at the break against their League One opponents.

A better second half showing led to both sides registering twice more after the break as Ian Allinson’s side gained more valuable minutes ahead of the season getting underway.

It took just five minutes for Luton to take the lead as Dean Snedker’s error of judgement allowed Danny Hylton to volley the Hatters ahead.

The Saints were left facing an uphill task to get back into the game soon after when Luton made it 2-0.

On this occasion Snedker was powerless to prevent the strike after being caught out by a fine lobbed effort from Jorge Grant.

After the nightmare start, City began to grow to their task and were back within a goal of Town just before the half-hour mark thanks to Ralston Gabriel’s close-range effort.

However, the final few throes of the first period proved to be catastrophic for the hosts as Hylton struck twice in quick succession to complete his hat-trick.

With the game all but over after 45 minutes, it was little surprise to see City ring the changes during the break.

It would once again be the visitors who found the net, though, when Arthur Reed fired into the top corner in the 63rd minute.

Luton then saw an effort ruled out and, just 30 seconds later, substitute David Moyo found the net.

Showing the ruthless edge which gave them promotion from League Two last term, the Hatters again pushed on and restored their four goal lead.

James Collins was the man to provide their sixth goal as he fired home from inside the box.

It would be the Saints who had the final say in goalscoring matters as Moyo got his second of the day with the simplest of finishes six minutes from time.