Manager Nathan Jones was left to rue a disastrous start to the second half against his former side Stoke where Luton spoilt what had been a promising opening period by conceding twice in ten minutes after the restart.
While Steven Fletcher’s headed opener, straight after the restart, came from a sublime cross by Tyrese Campbell, but soon after the Hatters shot themselves in the foot.
They passed up repeated chances to clear their lines in a penalty box scramble, with Sonny Bradley’s air-kick seeing Nick Powell blast in from close range.
Speaking after the game Jones said: “The frustrating thing for me, it’s not like we don’t know what their threats are. For the majority of the game, I thought we were excellent.
“In the first half, I thought we controlled the game superbly well and we looked a proper side. We lacked a little bit of cutting edge right in the final third, but apart from that I thought we dominated the game.
“We came out straight after half time and wanted to start well. We said about it and then, to concede within a minute and a half kills you.
“It’s not like it’s come from an unbelievable source. Steve Fletcher’s been doing that for 80 years, near enough. So, that’s the real frustrating thing for us.
“Then we don’t compose ourselves, we lose headers and, to be fair they’re a big side, so we knew we were going to be stretched defensively.
“But we didn’t react well enough and, from a real positive performance – we controlled possession, shots, shots on target, everything – we should’ve got more out of the game but we didn’t because lapses have cost us.”
Goalscorer Powell was signed by Jones when he was at the Potters and so too was keeper Adam Davies, who had a far busier game that Town’s Croatian international Simon Sluga, to keep his ninth clean sheet in 13 league and cup games.
That’s the sort of form that saw the City custodian keep the now departed Jack Butland out of the side, pushing the former England international out the door to Crystal Palace before the transfer window shut.
There’s a case to say he could’ve been soaking in an early bath after appearing to kick out at Danny Hylton in the 20th minute, but he only s saw a flash of yellow, as did the Town striker. For there he shut up shop again, most notably by pulling off fine saves to deny Hylton in the first half – who started in place of an ill James Collins – and then from Harry Cornick and Pelly-Ruddock Mpanzu in the later stages, as Town pushed to salvage something.
Davies even had to prevent Sluga from scoring when the home keeper came up late for a corner and got his head to it, but by then the game had been lost.
Simply put, Stoke were clinical and Luton were not, emphasised by Town’s first good chance and Elliot Lee hit the side netting.
But, bar that disappointing start to the second half, there was much to be positive about for Luton who now move on to an away day against Millwall on Tuesday.
PLAYER RATINGS:
Simon Sluga – 7
Commanded his box well, particular with one tricky encounter that could’ve left egg on his and Luke Berry’s faces. Had no chance with either goal. Saved well from Sam Clucas to prevent a late third. Saw a header saved by Adam Davies late on, when he went up for a corner.
Martin Cranie – 7
Timely block to deny Tyrese Campbell after he’d run through three Hatters to get in the box. Replaced by Joe Morrell as Town sacrificed a defender to try and salvage something from the contest.
Sonny Bradley – 6.5
Comfortable with the ball at his feet and good positional sense in the first half but he fluffed his lines for Stoke’s second goal.
Matty Pearson – 6.5
Could do nothing to stop Tyrese Campbell’s inch-perfect cross for Stoke’s opener, but was disappointing in his distribution.
Rhys Norrington-Davies – 7.5 (Man of the match)
Strong in defence and always on the look out to burst forward, he was lively presence throughout and, with the ball at his feet in attacking areas, there’s always a chance that something will happen.
Glen Rea – 7
Broke up play well and always there to keep the midfield ticking over when Town were in possession. Headed straight at Adam Davies from a set piece.
Luke Berry – 7
Fabulous control and through-ball to put Elliot Lee in for Town’s first real chance. Set Danny Hylton racing off in the second period too. Replaced by George Moncur.
Pelly-Ruddock Mpanzu – 7
Played further forward at times, just behind Hylton. More than matched Stoke’s midfield strength and saw a late drive palmed away by Adam Davies. Booked for a late foul on Josh Tymon.
Elliot Lee – 6.5
Should’ve done better than hit the side-netting in the 15th minute. Full of running and endeavour but was replaced by Jordan Clark.
Harry Cornick – 7
Caused some problems when running at Stoke but all too often he was frustrating with his final ball. He got that right after a wonderful pass from Joe Morrell but found Stoke keeper Adam Davies well up to the task to tip around the post.
Danny Hylton – 7
Came in to replace the injured James Collins and put in a really energetic performance. Pulled off a nutmeg and shot, but saw Stoke keeper Adam Davies block from close range. Booked for a bit of niggle with the stopper, who was also cautioned.
Subs:
Jordan Clark – 6
Neat on the ball but could create the impact of previous substitute’s cameos.
Joe Morrell – 7
Showed his class with pretty much his first touch to send Cornick racing towards goal. And then came inches away from picking out Pelly-Ruddock Mpanzu. A very lively and promising performance.
George Moncur – 6
Couldn’t effect the game, but always showed for the ball and tried to get things moving.
Unused subs: James Shea, Ryan Tunnicliffe, Tom Lockyer, Kazenga LuaLua
