Luton Town were drawn first out of the hat for the FA Cup round five fixtures, coming up against one of the Premier League giants Chelsea. Similar to last season Luton played Chelsea away at Stamford Bridge where the Blues knocked out the Hatters in round four, however this season the London club has to make the short trip away to Kenilworth Road for the fixture.
The Hatters booked their place in round five by seeing off Cambridge United at the Abbey Arena after they defeated the U's 3-0 with goals coming from Reece Burke, Carlos Mendes Gomes and Admiral Muskwe. Nathan Jones made eight changes from the side that beat Swansea in Wales midweek, handing debuts to new signing Jed Steer and ex Tottenham youngster Elliot Thorpe. Mendes Gomes was given his chance to break into the first team whilst Jones put three youth players on the bench, including Josh Neufville who hasn't been on the Luton bench since he broke his ankle last May.
Cambridge United started the game with their foot on the gas as they intended to begin where they left off when they eliminated Premier League Newcastle United in round three. Although they looked the dominant side in the first quarter of an hour, a Luton Town break on the run of play resulted in a free-kick which Elliot Thorpe directed onto Reece Burkes head as he found the bottom corner to break the deadlock for Luton, putting them 1-0 up with just fourteen minutes played.
Luton's counter attacks continued to appear dangerous for the Cambridge defence as in the twenty-third minute Cameron Jerome's square ball to Mendes Gomes was tucked away as the tricky Spaniard got his first Luton Town goal.
In the second half Aston Villa loanee Steer made some terrific saves for the Hatters to prevent the U's from getting back into the tie. Cambridge's triple substitution became an apparent problem for Luton as they smashed the woodwork and forced Steer into action so Nathan Jones introduced another three players of his own to join the first substitution of Danny Hylton. The first team starters Cornick, Campbell and Bell helped see the game out and allow the Town to gain another clean sheet. Harry Cornick even grabbed himself an assist when he played a simple pass to Admiral Muskwe who caught the keeper off guard and found the back of the net, sending Cambridge crashing out of the cup.
Some great performances all round for Luton, including a debut and a clean sheet for Jed Steer, an impressive midfield display from Elliot Thorpe and another great display from Gabe Osho who is starting to become quite the fan favourite.
The fifth round match against Chelsea, who were forced all the way to extra time against League One Plymouth Argyle in their fixture, will be played the week commencing the 28th of February.
Full Time- Cambridge United 0 - 3 Luton Town
Next Game- Barnsley (h)
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