The Hatters encountered a setback as they drew 1-1 at home to Blackpool yesterday. Luton's successful season has seen them placed in the playoff positions with just two fixtures to go. Nathan Jones is doing an incredible job with the Hatters, continuing to grind out win after win for the fans to be proud of. However yesterday Luton encountered a minor setback in their hope of securing a playoff spot as they shared the points with Blackpool.
Although the game finished a tie Luton would've definitely felt robbed of a victory due to a mistake from the linesman. Luton appeared to have gone in front in the dying minutes as substitute Admiral Muskwe found the back of the net. But the linesman believed that Luton forward Elijah Adebayo committed a foul in the build-up. After the match, Nathan Jones came out and stated that the linesman apologised and said he made a mistake, one that may be costly for the Hatters come the end of the season.
Luton are still yet to play league leaders Fulham, away from home, in a match where the Cottagers can be pronounced Champions in front of their fans. The Hatters' final game is against Reading, who are placed at the other side of the table. Despite a points deduction for the Royals they have managed to regain Championship status for next season. With a hefty injury list and two difficult games, Luton have one final push to make the sought-out playoff positions, but if results go their way, they could have this status before they even kick a ball in eight days' time.
Harry Isted was given his first league start as it was confirmed James Shea needed surgery. Despite the bad news, the keeper signed a new contract, which was announced just before kick-off. Development keeper Jameson Horlick was named as Luton's sub keeper as they had no time to bring in an emergency replacement.
)Admiral Muskwe featuring for the first time since March- Gareth Owen photography)
Luton got off to a dream start against the Seasiders when they scored not even two minutes into the game. The Hatter's top scorer, Adebayo, took on the Blackpool defender before his shot ended up in the back of the net after taking a deflection. The goal did go down as Adebayo's and brought his tally up to sixteen for the season, an impressive return indeed.
Blackpool's leveler came after ten minutes played in the second half after Luton gave away a penalty and Madine scored from the spot-kick. After Hamilton beat Bell moving in on the right, Potts slid in and caught him. The penalty gave Isted an opportunity to show his goalkeeping skills, but Madines's powerful spot-kick beat him low to his right side.
Luton made a switch on the hour mark when Admiral Muskwe featured for his first appearance since the Chelsea game almost two months ago. He came on for Sonny Bradley, and the Zimbabwean international, Muskwe, made an instant impact as he forced the Blackpool keeper into a smart save.
Harry Cornick and Dan Potts also made way before full time as Henri Lansbury and Cameron Jerome came on in their places.
In the additional minutes of time, Adebayo's aggressive pressing against the Blackpool defence meant he won the ball back in a crucial position. Adebayo then passed the ball to Muskwe and he easily tapped it into the back of the net. Sadly, the flag was wrongfully up for a foul that Adebayo had apparently committed. The goal was ruled out and the referee blew his whistle shortly after before the Hatters had another chance to score a winner.
Full Time: Luton Town 1-1 Blackpool FC
Next Match: Fulham (A)
VIEWS Sports man of the match: Allan Campbell
After yet again another impressive performance, Allan Campbell got not only our man of the match but Luton's man of the match also. His intensity and fight in the midfield is so important to Luton's success and he never stops working. His vision for his passing is second to none and he wins every ball in the park back.
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