It has been some season so far for Luton Town, with managerial changes, late winners, big defeats and everything in between.
Therefore, I looked back on my top 5 games of the season so far from a Luton fans perspective! (Not including the EFL Trophy, does that really matter?)
It wasn’t a flashy scoreline, but is there a much better feeling in football than beating a local rival? (No, not THAT local rival.)
The game was overshadowed by a range of refereeing errors, which Hatters boss Jack Wilshere spoke out about. However it was a result that Luton fans can be proud of for the rest of the season.
Luton missed a penalty in the first half, with Jordan Clark’s effort expertly saved by Fillip Marschall. However he was off his line when the penalty was taken, meaning the penalty should’ve been retaken.
Stevenage then went ahead controversially, with a handball leading to the goal not being spotted by the referee.
Luton replied instantly, with Jordan Clark making up for the earlier missed penalty, putting the Hatters back on level terms just two minutes after Stevenage took the lead.
Gideon Kodua then completed the comeback less than ten minutes later, sweeping home a sweet finish after some impressive build up to give the Hatters a well deserved three points.
It felt like a more hostile Kenilworth Road was at play in the second half of this game, something that all Luton fans will be pleased with, as the atmosphere at the ground has been lacking for what feels like years now.
Could this game have been what sparks a turnaround in the year as we go into the latter stages of the season?
Coming off the back of an impressive 4-0 win over Wycombe on Boxing Day, (more to come on that later…) this game was important to see whether that result was just a fluke.
It would instead prove Jack Wilshere’s side were truly going to turn up as contenders in this league after Christmas.
As it turns out, the Wycombe game wasn’t just a fluke and Luton were instead flying.
Gideon Kodua was back to haunt Leyton Orient following his dramatic equaliser against the O’s earlier in the month. This time, scoring a beautiful strike from outside the area, catching Orient keeper Tommy Simkin off guard.
This was then followed by a Jordan Clark penalty after 18 minutes, when Nahki Wells was awarded a foul in the box.
Shayden Morris then rounded out the scoring after 37 minutes, a tap in for his second goal in two games.
Dominic Ballard then missed a relatively simple chance just before half time. After this scare, it was plain sailing for the Hatters.
The game ended 3-0, capping off a superb Christmas period of games for Luton, scoring seven goals across two games!
This game fits with the Leyton Orient result, both coming within three days of each other, with the exact same scorers in both matches!
Gideon Kodua was once again the star for Luton Town, opening his account by squeezing the ball under Will Norris, who had an interesting game himself to say the least…
A mix up at the back for Wycombe then meant Kodua had his second of the day, tapping into an empty net to double the Town’s advantage just before half time.
It was then Jordan Clark’s time to tap home into an empty net, Norris dropping a cross to his feet which meant the Hatters could stretch their lead to three very easily.
Shayden Morris then finished the game for the Hatters, another miscommunication at the back for Wycombe meant he had space to drive into the box and cooly finish past Norris, game over.
This was the first time Luton had won a league game by four goals in nearly two years!
The last time? On THAT night against Brighton!
This game was played on halloween, but Luton were the only things scary on this night!
Luton Town fans expected it to be a routine win, but Robbie Savage’s team meant it was anything but this.
The game started as most Hatters were expecting, with Lamine Fanne striking a nice finish into the roof of the net to open the scoring.
This lead was then doubled less than ten minutes later, Nakhi Wells turning from provider to scorer to get his name on the scoresheet.
Fanne and Wells then linked up again for the third goal, Wells doubling his tally on the night to round off what should have been a routine win for the Town…
However, Tom Knowles then struck a sweet finish into Josh Keeley’s net, giving Forest Green fans a glimmer of hope.
Teden Mengi then gave away a silly penalty after 68 minutes, Kyle McAllister slotting away the penalty. The comeback was truly on.
Aidan Dausch then finished the job for Forest Green after 79 minutes, the comeback was finally complete!
Luton’s star boy then broke their hearts in the dying stages of the game. Gideon Kodua was once again Luton’s hero, smashing the ball home and sealing the win for the Hatters.
This game was a prime example of why we love the FA Cup. A plucky underdog side coming back against all odds to nearly see themselves go through to the second round!
However it just wasn’t enough on the night for Savage’s side, as Luton advanced.
If you were to ask any Luton fan what their game of the season has been, this would be chosen.
It was the moment in the season where most Luton fans started to believe that the season was turning around.
In the “Hatters Derby” (No, it’s not a real derby!) Luton shocked the league leaders, beating them 3-0 to make a statement to the rest of the league.
Jake Richards opened the scoring for Luton after 34 minutes, sparking absolute pandemonium in the away end.
Cohen Bramall then struck home a superb free kick just four minutes later, Luton were flying against their fellow Hatters!
Shortly after half time Stockport were awarded a penalty for a foul by Isaiah Jones in the penalty area.
However this was saved by Keeley in the Luton net against Nathan Lowe, a dream day for Luton was just getting better!
Jones then trebled the Luton lead after 69 minutes, with Richards grabbing an assist to go with his goal earlier.
Stockport’s day just went from bad to worse after this, with Owen Dodgson being sent off after 81 minutes.
This capped off a delightful away day for Luton Town fans, something that has become a rarity in recent times!
Overall, it was hard to say anything apart from this game could be chosen as the game of the season. Something special will have to happen in the second half of the season to top it!
Luton Town fans, do you agree with these choices, if not, what are your games of the year?
