Luton 1 Watford 0: Collins spot-on as Jones dedicates derby day glory to 2020 – Report, reaction and ratings

James Collins came off the bench to strike from the spot with his first touch and send Luton into delirium with their first Kenilworth Road derby day victory against Watford since 1993. 

The added bonus was that this deserved three points mathematically made Town safe – though realistically they have been for some time – while simultaneously putting a little dent in the Hornets’ hopes of automatic promotion.

But the real prize was the bragging rights. Luton may have them for some time. Days of football rarely get any better! 

The only way this could have been was for 10,000 fans to be inside this glorious old stadium raising the roof when top scorer Collins stroked in from the spot in the 78th minute.

Supporters have been robbed of the full extent of this glory by a government that has failed to offer any evidence as to why at least some Hatters could not socially distance inside the Kenny to watch this momentous moment, but that they could’ve have spent the afternoon down the shops. But I digress.  

For all the lack of crackle from the terraces in the first derby day in this parish for 15 years, there was no doubting that, despite fans’ absence that these Luton players wanted this victory more. 

They were desperate for it after such a disappointed return fixture earlier in the season. But for some inaccurate first half finishing, where Town were simply outstanding in every other facet, they should’ve won by a hatful. 

“If there had been fans here, that could’ve been four, five or six,” said Luton boss Nathan Jones afterwards, without any hyperbole. That’s how good Luton were.

Instead, victory came courtesy of a solitary spot-kick from their top scorer and a little help from the linesman’s flag which ruled out a late equaliser for Town’s former top marksman, Andre Gray. That would’ve been such a sucker punch, considering a team that, in all likliehood, will be a Premier League side next term, didn’t manage a single shot on target. Luton allowed them no quarter.

That disallowed header was the ultimate sign that the fortune was with the hosts, but a red card two minutes from time for Kiko Femenia rubber-stamped it after two cynical shoves in the back of Kazenga LuaLua.

And though Watford threw the kitchen sink at Town in the final moments, the Hatters repelled it all until the final whistle saw the Kenilworth Road directors’ box erupt with long-awaited joy. They deserve that and, trust me, they made enough noise for every Hatter not allowed to experience alongside them.

“That was a big, significant win and a big, significant performance, but what a thoroughly deserved win, a wonderful performance from start to finish,” said Jones.  

“We were totally dominant in that game. Probably as dominant a performance as we’ve ever had here. 

“I know we’ve had sevens and eights, but judging by the opposition and the level, I’m so so delighted. 

“I want to dedicate that to Gary Sweet, to the 2020 consortium for the work they’ve done and also our fans, because I know how much it means to everyone here, to get a big win against your rivals. 

“We’ve waited quite a long time. It’s 15 years since we’ve played this game. We’ve been at different levels for 15 years. Now we’re on the same level. I don’t know how long for, but all we can do is beat what’s infant of us and I think we’ve been absolutely magnificent. 

“I’m so proud of the group, the club, everything.” 

Asked if he had any doubts about making the substitution that allowed Collins to come and increase his hero status to huge levels, Jones said: “Absolutely not. 

“I said to him, ‘it’s a free hit for you. Are you confident?’” He said, ‘I’m confident”.

“I said, ‘if you miss it, don’t worry’. He said, ‘I won’t miss it’.

“He practises them all the time so he’s confident, but to come off the bench, cold, without kicking the ball, no warm-up, to come in and take a penalty to win against your greatest rivals, shows a real character, and also a technique and a nerve. It’s absolutely brilliant.”

PLAYER RATINGS:

Simon Sluga – 10

Left with very little to do, but alive to the counter when he got the ball in his hands, with one outstanding throw out, getting Adebayo on the counter. 

Kal Naismith – 10

Got forward well, unveiled some step-overs and kept Ismaïla Sarr very quiet. Also, a cheeky flip up and header back to Sluga would’ve been salivated over had fans been in the ground.

Sonny Bradley – 10

An immense performance, where hame out on top in one-on-ones with João Pedro. He could’ve netted a hat-trick in the first half alone, but it mattered little in the end. Booked in the 29th minute. 

Matty Pearson – 10

One of his very best Hatters outings, where there was never more than a fag paper between him and the nearest Hornet hitman. His distribution was good as well. 

James Bree – 10

Some really positive forward play, including winning the ball in the Watford half to start attacks as Town swarmed all over the Hornets. He had a second half free-kick tipped over the bar.

Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall – 10

Showed the battling side to his game and had a good duel with Will Hughes, coming out head and shoulders on top. He fired just wide from 18 yards and then came even close with a long range curler that dipped just wide of the post. 

Pelly-Ruddock Mpanzu – 11 out of 10 (star man)

Seven years ago, the midfielder was in the Conference with Luton and a Watford derby looked a very distant prospect. He grabbed the bull by the horns here like he’d immerse himself in the history of why this was such a big game and was determined not to let the opportunity slip. He looked fired up from the off with a strong challenge and unveiled all the very best of his talents, dipping into the top drawer for some skill, determination and drive. 

Luke Berry – 10

He had Town’s first shot, though his over the head hooked effort was never troubling keeper Daniel Bachmann, but is signalled how alive he was to every opportunity. He found intelligent holes in the pocket and was always available for the ball.

Jordan Clark – 10

In his more natural role, wide right, where he got a good early cross in that Adebayo perhaps should’ve done better with. Dug out some tricks and really flourished with the ball at his feet and his direct running. 

Kazenga LuaLua – 10

His first start for some time and he gave Watford’s full backs a torrid time with his pace, helping to stretch the play. And Kiko Femenia, in particular, was so frustrated at being shown a clean pair of heels that he pushed him in the back and got booked for both infringements. 

Elijah Adebayo – 10

He deserved a goal, but he played his part in the winner, by nipping in ahead of keeper Daniel Bachmann and get his clocked cleaned to win a penalty. He watched from the sidelines as Collins scored the spot-kick, but his contribution was outstanding, where he made his presence felt and brought team-mates into play. He could’ve done with being more positionally selfish to get himself in the centre of things, when the crosses were raining in, but he’s still learning and he looks more and more a prospect with every game. 

SUBSTITUTES: 

James Collins – 10 

Introduced once referee Gavin Ward had pointed to the spot, and with his first touch he wrote himself even further into Hatters folklore, sending Bachmann the wrong way for his 71st goal for the club. Hopefully it won’t prove to be his last, but if it is, it’s some way to sign off. 

Glen Rea – N/A

Brought on late to help see the game out. Not on long enough for a rating.

Dan Potts – N/A

Brought on late to help see the game out. Not on long enough for a rating.

UNUSED SUBS: James Shea, Martin Cranie, Ryan Tunnicliffe, George Moncur, Joe Morrell, Dion Pereira