The Hatters ended their pre-season trip to Slovenia with a 3-2 defeat to Turkish top-flight side Göztepe, despite a second-half brace from substitute Zack Nelson. Göztepe, who finished second in the second tier to secure promotion, quickly took a 3-0 lead before Nelson’s late show almost salvaged a draw for the Town.
Manager Rob Edwards handed starts to new signings Reuell Walters and Shandon Baptiste, who made their first appearance in Town colors. However, the game got off to a slow start, with neither side creating any notable chances until Elijah Adebayo tested the Göztepe goalkeeper after 15 minutes.
As the first half progressed, the confidence of the Town’s opponents grew, leading to two quick goals in four minutes to put Göztepe 2-0 ahead. Tom Holmes was dispossessed near his own penalty area, resulting in a composed finish for the first goal. This was followed by a well-taken volley from just inside the box.
Trailing at halftime, the Hatters came close to reducing the deficit shortly after the restart when Alfie Doughty’s low shot from inside the penalty area was deflected wide. However, Göztepe quickly regained control, scoring a simple finish past James Shea two minutes after missing a golden opportunity to make it 3-0.
The woodwork came to the Hatters’ rescue just before the hour mark, denying Göztepe a chance to extend their lead to 4-0 with an opportunity at the far post.
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