Luton’s wait for a first Championship win continues as they lost to a Preston North End side that had not scored in seven matches.
But with the Whites’ third manager in as many matches, after Paul Heckingbottom was installed at Deepdale, Town, who gave a debut to new defensive signing Mark McGuinness, dominated most of the stats, but not the one that matters most.
After Will Keane put Preston noses in front before the half time interval and Luton could not respond with Elijah Adebayo, Alfie Doughty and Shandon Baptiste wasteful, while Jordan Clark was denied by keeper Freddie Woodman.
It means Town have scored just once in their opening three Championship clashes, and drawn blanks in their last two.
Against Portsmouth, the previous week, they had the fallback of a resolute defensive display while down to ten-men for an hour, but against a North End team in worse state going into the game, the inquest may now be less forgiving.
As they did at Fratton Park seven days earlier, the Hatters had more of the attacking opportunities, but despite 17 shots managed just four on target.
The Whites defended doggedly, but with something approaching a full strength side, containing Reece Burke and Mads Andersen in the squad for the first time this term, plus midfield new recruit Liam Walsh who got his bow from the bench, excuses are running thin.
Perhaps it was the dreaded curse of the new manager bounce, but there may be one or two straws being clutched there as Preston had other chances.
For now, Luton look short on confidence after one win in 21 games – albeit most were in the Premier League. On current evidence they won’t be returning there soon.
