It was a 14-year wait for Luton to face Watford in the Championship but after this tussle turned sour in two minutes there was little to suggest that, had they continued playing until 2034, that the Hatters would’ve scored.
James Collins had their best chance and somehow hit the woodwork from six yards out, from where the Hornets marched up the other end and Joao Pedro scored the winner.
Yet, despite all the excitement about this contest and, indeed, Town’s strong start to the season – where the results and performances could paper over the widening chasm that is the continued shutout of supporters from stadia – this damp squib highlighted, in its starkest sense, that football without fans has very little sparkle.
“It’s probably the most lacklustre derby you could ever have seen,” said Jones, adding: “I don’t think anyone in the ground realised, including players, that there was actually a derby.
“We were flat, that’s all I can affect. The contrast in performances that we’ve had so far was astounding and it’s difficult to fathom.
“The game changed in the space of two minutes. We had the best chance of the game and they went up the other end and scored and then that was the difference between the two teams.”
That’s often the trouble with hype. The actual product rarely matches the hope, or the memories of past endeavours. And a whole generation of fans have had to make do with stories and nostalgia.
Former Hatters striker Steve Howard explained in the Best XI Podcast this week that in previous editions of the derby, he struggled to hear players right next him, such was the cacophonous din, but today the silence inside Vicarage Road was deafening.
Jones said: “I don’t think the game would’ve been like that if there had been fans here, because they would’ve demanded a more bit and adrenaline might have kicked in, so it did definitely have an effect.
“But I’m just not sure anyone in this place actually realised it was a derby today. It looked like a pre-season game and that, for me, is disappointing.”
In search of some positives, Jones added: “We almost went out of the Championship last year and they were a Premier League side just shows we’re competing on that level, but I’m just flabbergasted by the lacklustre performance really.
“I didn’t see that coming because I thought, the worst-case scenario, we would be right at it, in terms of intensity, but we weren’t.”
Everything, from Town’s perspective was off target, but none more so than when Harry Cornick burst down the right and fizzed in a cross to Collins.
It was a ‘how-the-hell-has-he-missed-that?’ moment a nano-second after it had crashed off the underside of the bar from inside six yards.
But then it was compounded, fatally, by the fact that Ken Sema immediately powered his way down the other end and picked out Pedro, who also looked like he couldn’t miss. And though Watford’s birthday boy tried, his effort hit Sonny Bradley and went in.
That was virtually game, set and match with ten minutes remaining of the first half, because, rather than a half time rallying cry, it was more of the same languid stuff.
Hatters keeper Simon Sluga, on a couple of occasions, and Matty Pearson on one, ensured that the scoreline was no more unflattering than it already was, but even with the introduction of Jordan Clark, Danny Hylton and Kazenga LuaLua, they could fashion nothing to revive Luton.
There are far too many people quite prepared to call this clash the terribly monikered M1 Derby, which is ridiculous by anyone’s geographical myopia If, by that, they mean it carries all the intrigue of a motorway traffic jam, then fine. But until fans return for this fixture it would be more fitting to label it the Dull Derby.
Player ratings:
Simon Sluga – 8 (Man of the Match)
Got Rhy Norrington-Davies out of jail in the first half and then kept the score at 1-0 with a fine save from James Garner and then again, diving well to palm away a Tom Dele-Bashiru shot that took a deflection off Sonny Bradley’s boot.
Martin Cranie – 5
Got out-muscled by Ken Sema, which allowed the full back to burst forward and deliver the cross for the opening goal. Had a tough 34th birthday.
Sonny Bradley – 6
Good tackle to prevent a Watford counter after Rhys Norrington-Davies gave the ball away. Could do little with the goal hitting him on the way in, but did let Pedro give him the slip in the first place.
Matty Pearson – 6.5
Tussled frequently in the first half with Joao Pedro. Couldn’t stop Ken Sema from delivering the cross to the birthday boy Portuguese for the first goal but prevented a second by throwing himself in the way of a golden chance for the hosts. Booked in the 75th minute for a cynical foul on Ismaila Sarr after Ryan Tunnicliffe passed it to the forward. There was a lot of that going on.
Rhys Norrington-Davies – 4
Gave the ball away too often and needed a rescue package from Simon Sluga in the first half. He struggled against Jeremy Ngakia and Ismaila Sarr and was booked late on for throwing the ball at the former, which highlighted his frustration.
Ryan Tunnicliffe – 5
Back in the league side for the first time since the 5-0 Reading drubbing last term, replacing Glen Rea, he couldn’t match his Manchester United performance. Still put in a good cross early in second half but there was only Elliot Lee in the box. Replaced by Kazenga LuaLua on 78 minutes, but that was more tactical, rather than a reflection on the midfielder.
Pelly Ruddock-Mpanzu – 4
The first half passed him by completely. Would have been better off keeping this simple but when Hornets were swarming all over Luton in a short second half spell, he tried to be too clever with some trickery on the edge of his own box when clearing his lines should have been first on his mind. Second best against Tom Cleverley.
Luke Berry – 5
He played in Harry Cornick to set up Luton’s only chance and could ocassionally be seen trying to look further openings, without success.
Elliot Lee – 4
Forced to do more defending to help out Rhys Norrington-Davies and found things tough as Watford found frequent joy. He had a very quiet afternoon and was replaced by Jordan Clark on 58 minutes.
James Collins – 5
The striker missed a sitter from six yards and the only other time he worked some space for shot, which went high over, he probably should have crossed it. Subbed soon after for Danny Hylton.
Harry Cornick – 6
Determined to run at Watford’s players whenever on the ball in attacking areas, he picked out a great cross to James Collins, who hit the bar when it looked easier to score. He’s been a good supply line for the striker so far this season.
Subs:
Jordan Clark – 7
Showed some good touches and slipped in James Collins, in a rare second half breach of Watford’s backline. Having had to bide his time, coming off the bench in the league thus far, he deserves a chance to start against Wycombe next weekend.
Danny Hylton – 5
Didn’t really get into the game and had nothing to feed off anyway, as Town rarely got into Watford final third.
Kazenga LuaLua – 6
Full of endeavour and tried to resuscitate Luton into something approaching life, but just could get his tricks to work.
Unused subs: James Shea, George Moncur, Tom Lockyer, Peter Kioso
Those ratings are a complete nonsense. Luton went down to a very unlucky defeat from a Premier League squad away from home. Most every Luton player performed with distinction and to give the performance marks published would indicate a total lack of appreciation and understanding of the game.