Luton 2 Norwich 1: Edwards walking in a Woodrow wonderland

As Christmas football fairytales go, this one was dripping in Disney-esque happy endings as Cauley Woodrow came off the bench after three months out to ping a sensational late winner in the top corner for his first-ever Luton goal.

Add to that the timing of one of the most beautiful first touches and strikes this famous old ground is likely to have witnessed, in the 89th minute, just three minutes after his introduction, and you’re talking storybook stuff.

That in itself was a bold substitution after Town went down to ten men in the 80th minute thanks to Gabriel Osho’s second caution, the first of which was a disgraceful decision by referee Tim Robinson.

But it all led to the most remarkable of late shows to hand new manager Rob Edwards his first win at Kenilworth Road at his first attempt. 

Yeah, it also owed much to a last-gasp goal-line clearance from the superb Alfie Doughty, to deny Grant Hanley, but the relief at the final whistle was palpable. 

Town’s previous manager, Nathan Jones, was fond of celebrating vociferously with the home crowd after major victories and the new boss was no different as he pumped his fists in elation in front of the rapturous Kenilworth Road end. 

“When the final whistle went, there was a lot of emotion released then,” said Edwards. 

“It’s a big game for us. It’s the first time we’re in front of our home supporters. It’s Norwich City here, Boxing Day, a night game. We lost the first game and it was important that we wanted to get off to a good start. 

“So, there was a lot of emotion that came out at the end. I’m just incredibly proud of the players. I thought we were really good. 

“I know we didn’t get everything right all the time, but we were up against a really good team, and to find a way to win with ten players I thought was incredible. 

“I’m really pleased for Cauley, but delighted for the group as a whole.” 

For the striker, it was a hugely significant way to open his Hatters account, 12 years after graduating through the club’s academy and making his professional debut for the in a 2-1 win over Welling United in the FA Trophy.

His talent soon saw him move on from a club languishing in the non-league, but he returned in the summer, heralded as a “marquee signing” by Jones. 

A knee tendon tear made Hatters fans wait to see that statement realised, but in front of the Sky television cameras, which captured multiple glorious replayable angles, this felt like the moment Woodrow began living up to that billing.   

Not only that, but the manner of the victory felt hugely significant – at a ground where this term, Town had only picked up two victories and thrown away points from winning positions on four previous occasions. 

Edwards marked a milestone birthday on Christmas Day, which he hadn’t been too happy about, but they do say that life begins at 40 and if this is the start of things to come then Town fans are in for some ride.

Here, his side were wonderfully bright and positive so the first impressions in this part of Luton were almost entirely positive, save for a Dan Potts blooper that allowed Teemu Pukki to cancel out Allan Campbell’s stunning opener on 69 minutes, when Norwich had been decidedly second best. 

So, it was entirely fitting for the match to end as it did. It’s often said, ‘you couldn’t write it’ when certain remarkable sporting moments happen, which is almost entirely pointless and lazy as a statement. 

You can write it, but you just don’t see it realised often. When you do, it feels like a miracle.