A late Jayden Bogle own goal saw Luton beat Derby in a goal-laden final 30 minutes as Town fell behind, went ahead, got pegged back and then claimed a first victory since December 7 in must-win game on a deliriously frantic night.
When England’s record goalscorer Wayne Rooney opened his Rams account with a cruelly deflected shot off Donervon Daniels in the 63rd minute it looked like the same old story for Town. They’d played well but had nothing to show for it, against a side that had not won away in the league since the opening day of the season.
Pelly-Ruddock Mpanzu responded quickly with thunderbolt that seared through a crowded penalty area, six years to the day he signed permanently for the club. And every time he’s scored, Town have never lost. So it proved again, but not before a goal bonanza.
Six minutes later, substitute Daniels opened his account, ripping the net with a bullet header with his first goal since October 17, 2015, which should have been enough to win it for Town.
But Derby sent on former Hatters marksmen Jack Marriott and Chris Martin and the latter levelled with a diving header, his first goal at Kenilworth Road since March 2009.
Yet, Town pressed bravely and Bogle – with James Collins breathing down his neck – scuffed Harry Cornick’s cross into his own net with two minutes left.
Max Lowe was then sent off for manhandling referee Andy Davies, as the Rams lost their heads when a decision did not go their way, with Rooney also getting cautioned.
Though this game will be remembered as a five-goal thriller that gave the Hatters hope of a Championship great escape, it was a massive match for Glen Rea, who bossed the midfield and showed the aggression and tenacity that has so often been lacking in the centre of the park this term.
And with playmaker Izzy Brown returning for a 22-minute cameo after almost eight weeks away, there was yet more reason to be cheerful on a classic night under the lights at Kenilworth Road and, more importantly, a result that felt like old times.
