A late Ryan Johnson own goal saw Luton beat AFC Wimbledon to open their League One campaign with a victory.
Until the 85th minute gaffe, it was a night with more action before kick-off as two transfers were unveiled. First came defender Cohen Bramall and perhaps the replacement for recently departed Alfie Doughty. Then, minutes before the match, Jerry Yates took to the pitch in his new number nine shirt.
The former Swansea striker will spearhead the Hatters attack this season and there’s work to do on that front as his new team-mates drew a blank against the Dons.
Boss Matt Bloomfield named four of his 10 new summer signings in the starting line-up, with Nahki Wells, Nigel Lonwijk, Josh Keeley and George Saville making their debuts.
It’s perhaps little surprise that this Luton side is a work in progress, though there was a promising display from Reuell Walters, who went closest to breaking the deadlock though his second half shot was saved.
But then, with Luton lacking ideas, new man Wells aimed to pick out substitute Cauley Woodrow only for Dons defender Johnson to lean back and loop a header over his goalkeeper and in off the underside of the crossbar.
It wasn’t a vintage display from the Hatters but then, after the last two seasons they’ve had, it at least starts them off with a victory and, for the night at least, put them top of the table where they’ll hope to be come May.
