The Hatters lost 7-0 to league leaders Fulham just under a week ago, as the Cottagers claimed the Championship title. With the two teams aiming for different objectives, Luton went into the match needing just a win for a playoff spot. Fulham, on the other hand, would win the title if they took all three points. Fulham did just that in fashionable style at Luton's expense as they put seven goals past the Hatters.
Matt Ingram started his first game between the sticks as a Luton goalie, subject to conditions due to his emergency loan. The debut he endured was not one he’d want to remembe, however, not many of the goals looked like he could’ve done much better. To make Lutons’s problems worse Allan Campbell was added to their long injury list when he dropped out before the game.
After a positive first twenty-eight minutes from the Hatters, Fred Onyedinma went down injured and Fulham scored their first goal. Going into halftime, the scoreline was only 2-0 to Fulham, and Luton seemed to still have a chance to get back into the tie.
(Kal Naismith battles in the midfield- Gareth Owen)
But the events which unfolded after the interval were so unexpected as Fulham totally dominated play. By the fifty-third minute, the Cottagers had their third and appeared to have certainly won the title by now.
However, Championship top scorer Mitrovic still had a score to settle as he grabbed his first goal of the match to equal the Division two/Championship all-time top scorer tally and put Fulham 4-0 ahead. Soon after Bobby Reid and Michael Seri both scored and then Mitrovic beat the record as he got his second in the additional minutes; his goal made it 7-0.
One positive that came from the match for Luton, was that Jordan Clark made a return from his long injury absence.
Although Luton lost the game in a humiliating manner, Fulham have been by far the best team in the league this season, and also have one the largest budgets in the league, and have achieved their place as deserved winners this campaign.
The Hatters need to forget the match and go again on Saturday because, despite a hefty blow to their goal difference, Luton are still in the pole position to secure a play-off spot. The following outcomes are possible:
If Luton beat Reading they will get a play-off spot, as Middlesbrough and Millwall cannot finish above them in this scenario.
If Luton draw against Reading they will get a play-off spot if Middlesbrough draw or lose their game away at Preston or if Middlesbrough win but Sheffield United lose their game at home to Fulham. Millwall cannot finish above Luton in this scenario.
If Luton were to lose to Reading, they would need both Middlesbrough and Millwall to draw or lose in their last games.
Full Time: Fulham FC 7-0 Luton Town FC
Next Match: Reading (H) 12:30 Saturday 7th May
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