Luton lost 2-1 in Cardiff on Saturday courtesy of an Isaac Vassell header deep into injury time after Matty Pearson had equalised in the 86th minute. We look at how each Hatter fared in south Wales.
Simon Sluga – 6
Wonderful reactions to push Sean Morrison’s 17th minute header onto the bar, but flapped at one high ball that Josh Murphy almost scored from and Isaac Vassell nipped in ahead of him for the winner.
Martin Cranie – 6
Given a tough afternoon by Murphy, particularly early in the contest, and replaced by new loan signing James Bree.
Dan Potts – 6.5
Positive going forward and his penalty box burst and pass to Pelly was better than the midfielder’s control. Booked.
Ryan Tunnicliffe – 7.5
Bright in possession and always prepared to put his foot in. Obvious Championship quality.
Sonny Bradley – 5.5
Nervy moments early on then Aden Flint ghosted past him for the opening goal, while Isaac Vassell also gave him the slip for Cardiff’s late winner.
Matty Pearson – 6.5
Had a real tussle with man mountain Callum Paterson, but scored with a bullet header.
Callum McManaman – 6.5
Good hold-up play and a desire to whip dangerous crosses in. He had one effort saved and should’ve hit the target with a first half header, but was quieter in the second period.
Pelly-Ruddock Mpanzu – 5.5
A mistake in the first minute made for a shaky start. Caught in possession on a few occasions, but kept wanting the ball.
James Collins – 7
Maximum effort, as standard, cleared a Murphy blast off the line and hit the side netting with Town’s best effort before Pearson’s goal. Booked for the second match in a row.
George Moncur – 6.5
Strong with his back to goal and lively whenever in possession. A great cross for Callum McManaman’s header and unlucky to be subbed.
Jacob Butterfield – 8
Some assured passing in the centre of the park. A calming influence and a key component in Town having 67 per cent of the possession. Replaced late on by Luke Berry.
Subs used:
Luke Berry – 5.5
Put a corner on Pearson’s head for the equaliser, but gave away a free-kick in injury time that allowed Cardiff up the pitch to press for the winner and then could have done better to double up with Bree and block Junior Hoilett’s cross for Vassell at the death.
James Bree – 5
Looked positive going forward but he gave Hoilett too much space to deliver the killer cross at the death.
