Millwall 0 Luton 2: ‘Clinical’ Cornick bags brace as Town party like it’s 1999 – Report and reaction

You’ll have heard the Harry Cornick jibes – “He couldn’t hit a barn door with a banjo,” or “He’s like a jigsaw – he goes to pieces in the box.” Not any more. 

The in-form forward slotted two sublime goals, his second brace in three games, to take his tally to six for the season, as Luton ended 22 years without a win at Millwall. 

And if you want more statistics with a number two in them, then look to Jordan Clark who bagged both assists. The midfielder twice laid it on a plate for Cornick. The difference between this afternoon and this season, to all but one goalmouth scramble last term? Confidence. 

The former Bournemouth man has it coursing through his veins in what has been a campaign that has thus far risen from the ashes of personal goalscoring frustration.

Boss Nathan Jones said: “To be fair, he’s probably been labelled as not being able to (finish) in times past. He’s a wonderful player for us.

“Last year, he had chances, scored one goal, but had chance after chance. But he’s just such a dangerous player.

“We’re delighted with him because we’ve had him three or four years now, signed him in League Two. 

“The first goal was absolutely top drawer. If that’s on Match of the Day tonight, with a Premier League player, then we’re drooling a little bit. 

“The second was a real finish that he’s worked at, because he gets those chances regularly. Sometimes he doesn’t score but he’s adding a real clinical edge to his game and we’re delighted because it made the difference.” 

Not since a screamer at Leeds in Luton’s Great Escape, had Cornick hit anything as sweet as his opener which silenced The Den. His second would see the Lions’ home faithful raging, but more on that in a moment. 

In the 11th minute, Luton had not had ventured with any real intent into the host’s penalty area. Clark rode the challenge of Shaun Hutchinson, after good work from James Bree on the edge of Millwall’s area, and he rolled it into the path of an unmarked Cornick. 

His was an unerring finish into the top corner. One chance, one goal. Clinical. 

Cornick said: “A year ago today I think I’d have missed one like that. The confidence is flying at the moment, so I hope they keep hitting the back of the net.”

The Lions were not without hope though, but Tom Lockyer was principal in keeping them at bay until the 53rd minute when Cornick struck again. 

Pelly-Ruddock Mpanzu set off the move with a cheeky nutmeg and that opened up space for Clark. His task was simple and he teed up Town’s goalscorer with an inch-perfect pass that needed only killer instinct to capitalise. Cornick obliged once more, this time sliding low first time beyond a helpless Bartosz Białkowski.

“It’s taken me five years of my professional career to get a brace and then two come around. I’m delighted with the goals and it’s a great win for us today,” said the forward.

“The sport scientist Jared (Roberts-Smith) is always coming up to me and saying ‘Cornick 2.0. new year, new me’. It’s working so far and hopefully I can keep this up for the whole season and get to my target of goals.” 

After that second one, and under a barrage of home fury, Lions boss Gary Rowett switched things up and his men bombarded Luton’s box, winning penalty in the 82nd minute when Kal Naismith handled. 

But keeper Simon Sluga pulled off a huge save, stooping low to palm away Jed Wallace’s spot-kick to earn his sixth clean sheet of the campaign.

It signalled rapturous celebrations from the 1,631 Hatters in the away end. It was their chance to party like it was 1999 – the last time they’d tasted triumph in this part of south London.