“Football without fans is not the quite the same. With fans it’s the best game in the world,” said Luton manager Nathan Jones after the Hatters got their heartbeat back. You.
Only 1,000 of you, for now, but after nine long months of being locked out by a nightmare virus, it was always going to be an evening to remember.
Yet it exceeded all expectations, as the Hatters ended the two-month unbeaten streak of Championship leaders Norwich City.
The biggest result of the campaign came courtesy of goals from George Moncur, Matty Pearson and James Collins, but it was powered by Lutonian emotions held in storage since February.
“I’m really proud of the team, I’m really proud of the fans and really proud of the club tonight. It was a real good night for us,” said Jones.
The poignancy was not lost of him and the home faithful reciprocating fulsome applause at the final whistle. Some even affording him a song.
The last time supporters were gathered in this beloved old stadium, there was surely not one soul that could’ve seen that happening. But it’s been one hell of a year.
“(It was) very emotional before kick-off, in terms of the ovation I got. I was very humbled by that and I thank the fans for that,” said Jones.
“But then, as soon as the whistle went, I thought we were excellent from start to finish. We were aggressive, organised and we looked a threat.”
He added: “That’s as good a performance as the team have put in and the fans definitely helped. Nights like this at the Kenny are wonderful.”
In fact, Town have not lost in the league under such circumstances for approaching two years, so it’s not misplaced folklore that fires up folk when the floodlights are on.
But a lifetime of magic ‘I was there’ moments now has another ethereal part of that myth made real by a goal fitting of any occasion.
There’s a saying around these parts that the absent tonight Pelly-Ruddock Mpanzu only scores bangers, but Moncur has been making his own case ever since he arrived in Bedfordshire.
Tonight he lit up an already charged contest with a balletic curler that cracked in off the post. And while it won’t be classed as more important than his League One goal in the snow against Portsmouth, this was ten times the strike. Absolutely sublime.
Perhaps still giddy on the adrenaline of finally hearing a crowd roar, James Shea – in goal for injured Croatian international Simon Sluga, as one of five changes – took out Przemyslaw Plachet, for Emi Buendia to convert from the spot.
But as short as Luton’s lead had lasted, so did City’s parity, as three minutes later, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, planted a free-kick right on Pearson’s magic hat. Cue more songs. All the old classics.
And, from having taken their biggest thwacking of the campaign at Cardiff on Saturday, a totally rejuvenated Luton dished out their best for the table-toppers.
Jordan Clark, back in the side, encouraged bums-off-seats, just as derrières had finally filled a 1,000 of them.
Collins left not a blade of grass untrodden, as he muscled Norwich about, never giving them a moment’s peace, before giving himself a 30th birthday present from the spot. That took his tally against the Canaries to four in two games.
And though Norwich commanded possession for much of the second period, there was absolutely no way through.
Town’s much-changed back four shut up shop, spurred on by the sight and sound of supporters, in front of whom they deserved every last second of the rapturous reception that greeted them at the final whistle.
All good things come to those wait.
And though, given the circumstances, Kenilworth Road was not packed, there was enough pride from those there to fill those glorious old stands a thousand times over.
Jones said afterwards: “If there’s 10,000 in here, I’m not sure the structure could’ve contained it.”
He’s not wrong. Luton Town is about the fans and, after tonight’s return, anything and everything feels distinctly possible once more.
The Kenilworth Road lights can do that to you.
PLAYER RATINGS:
JAMES SHEA – 6.5
Not the first Championship start of the season he would’ve wanted when he conceded a penalty, soon after Town took the lead. He got deservedly booked and guessed wrong from the spot, but it mattered little in the grand scheme of things and he was solid after that.
RHYS NORRINGTON-DAVIES – 7
It wasn’t really a game for Town’s full-backs, in an attacking sense, but his was very solid, disciplined defensive display, particularly in the second half when City had most of the ball.
TOM LOCKYER – 7
He read the game well and intervened when needed, but didn’t need to do a lot. Proved a cool head to avert danger in the 84th minute.
MATTY PEARSON – 8
The most Matty Pearson of towering headers put Luton back in front after City equalised. Brilliant in both boxes.
MARTIN CRANIE – 6
Injured just before the break and replaced by James Bree.
GLEN REA – 7.5
A return to what he does best. Breaking up play, starting attacks and giving the backline protection.
KIERNAN DEWSBURY-HALL – 9 (star man)
Put a pin-point free-kick on Matty Pearson’s head to make it 2-1. He deserved another assist in the second half when he got to the byline and cut back for Luke Berry, but he did everything else exceptionally well, again. Other than a goal (so far), the lad has it all.
GEORGE MONCUR – 8
He welcomed the fans back with an inch-perfect stunner, in off the woodwork. He tired around the hour mark and was replaced by Joe Morrell, taking the scenic route around Kenilworth Road to deservedly soak up the applause.
LUKE BERRY – 8
Always available for the ball and probing to punish Norwich. He should’ve hit the target to cap off a fine Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall run, but an excellent performance none the less.
JORDAN CLARK – 8.5
He won the free-kick that put Town back in front, and her terrorised Ben Gibson with his direct running, while flicks, tricks and excitement ensued every time the ball went near him, particularly in the first half.
JAMES COLLINS – 8
Here, there and everywhere, he absolutely bullied Norwich and took his spot-kick well to mark his 30th birthday with a goal.
SUBSTITUTES:
JAMES BREE – 7
A more defensive-minded performance, where he won the tussle against former Hatter Max Aarons. He may now get his chance, if Martin Cranie’s injury keeps the experienced man out for any length of time.
JOE MORRELL – 7
He came on to sure up the middle of the park and he did that nicely. But, give him some space and he can pick out one Hollywood balls. Even if his was thwarted by an offside flag, there’s talent in those boots.
DAN POTTS – N/A
Came on in injury time for his first appearance of the season. Not on long enough for a rating.
Unused subs: Ryan Tunnicliffe, Harry Cornick, Harry Isted, Brendan Galloway, Kazenga LuaLua, Sam Nome
Thanks to NJ and the players for a wonderful night – such a lift after Saturday’s performance. Thanks also to the lucky one thousand who pitched in and must have been such an inspiration. Bring on the Swans!