Harry’s Welsh winners, Snod class and more injury woe – 6 talking points from Cardiff 0 Luton 1

Luton Town moved to within five points of securing a play-off place with an ugly 1-0 win away to Cardiff City on Monday afternoon. Here is what we took away from the game.

1. Harry loves a winner in Wales!

This was the second trip to Wales of the season and there has been a symmetry to both matches in that in each of them Harry Cornick has come off the bench to score the only goal of the game. After his rocket in Swansea, he got in front of the defender to glance Robert Snodgrass’ cross into the top corner to secure another valuable three points. On that evidence it is a shame there are no more trips to Wales for the Town this season.

2. Snodgrass is all class

When Robert Snodgrass arrived at Kenilworth Road there may have been concerns around the Town fanbase that he would be coming for a pay day but those fears have been put to bed. He might only have been here six weeks or so but he gets Luton. You can tell that by the way he supports and encourages his team-mates on the pitch and revels in the applause whenever he comes to take a set piece in front of the Luton fans. He still has plenty of ability too. He nearly opened the scoring with a 20 yard shot destined for the top corner until the palm of Dillon Phillips diverted it away but he was involved in the key moment later in the second period when his cross was glanced home by Harry Cornick for the only goal of the game.

3. Campbell leads the way once again

Allan Campbell. Amazing. Outstanding. We need say no more!

4. Naismith looks at home in the centre of the park

It is very much needs must in terms of certain personnel in different positions, due to the injuries at the minute, but one man who is shining in a position we are not accustomed to seeing him in is Kal Naismith. He played both Easter matches in the defensive midfield position and has looked good doing so. His reading of the game has always been an attribute which has caught the eye but in that position he can carry the ball with cover behind him or play a decisive pass. He can also get forward and shoot and is very much another option in such a key position.

5. Injuries are getting even more disruptive

The injury room at Kenilworth Road was already packed like sardines in a tin and unfortunately two more bodies have been added to the collection as James Bree went off in the opening period after a collision with a defender and James Shea also had to go off injured, although, thankfully, his injury doesn’t look nearly as bad as it did in the immediate aftermath when Tom Lockyer looked visibly distressed after their collision. Both Bree and Shea were seen on crutches which is not good. Henri Lansbury was on the bench which is one positive but Town can ill afford many more injuries.

6. Town on the verge of securing a play-off place

The Hatters are officially five points from securing a play-off place but that is assuming Millwall and Middlesbrough win all of their remaining matches which is unlikely to happen. With by fair the better goal difference than both the spot could be as good as sewn up with a win over Blackpool on Saturday. Such a victory would mean both Millwall and Middlesbrough would need to win to keep Luton hanging on. Whenever it happens the Town are looking very good for the top six finish they’ve believed was possible all season and with it a three game crack at the Promised Land.