Luton Town FC vs Carlisle United (10th Dec 2016)

PUBLISHED 18:11 10th December 2016 Hylton nets his 14th of the season in action-packed encounter

LUTON TOWN 1 (Hylton 10)

CARLISLE UNITED 1 (Kennedy 5)

Att: 7,953 (380)

Danny Hylton scored his 14th goal of the season as the Hatters came from behind for the third time in a week after conceding early, but had to settle for a point in a 1-1 draw with promotion rivals Carlisle at Kenilworth Road this afternoon.

The Hatters went toe-to-toe with the Cumbrians, who played the last 18 minutes with ten men after centre-half Michael Raynes was sent off for apparently catching Hylton – who had cancelled out Jason Kennedy’s early opener – with an elbow on the edge of the area.

Town pressed for a winner, having already had several good opportunities to put daylight between themselves and the team who were second in the Sky Bet League Two table at kick-off.

But ultimately they had goalkeeper Christian Walton to thank for a brilliant save from Shaun Miller, five minutes into ten added on at the end of the game, to preserve a share of the spoils and fifth place.

Hatters boss Nathan Jones made three changes to his starting line-up from that which kicked off last week’s 6-2 FA Cup win over Solihull Moors.

In from the start were Stephen O’Donnell, who scored twice after coming on as a half-time sub last Saturday, and Dan Potts, who played at centre-half in the midweek Checkatrade Trophy win at Swindon, as wing-backs as Jones abandoned the diamond formation and went for three central defenders and three strikers, with Isaac Vassell - who netted the winner in Tuesday’s 3-2 victory - also back in from the kick-off after being on the bench for the Solihull game.

Glen Rea was booked inside the opening two minutes for a foul on Nicky Adams, and things went from bad to worse for the Town a couple of minutes later when Kennedy put the visitors in front, tapping in from close range after Christian Walton could only parry Shaun Miller’s header at goal.

The Hatters tried to respond immediately, and after Vassell was fouled 30 yards out, Alan Sheehan whipped in a free-kick that Scott Cuthbert met with a powerful header, but the skipper couldn’t keep his effort down.

The equaliser wasn’t long in coming, however, and it was everything that Jones wants his side to be. In a patient move that started on the left with Potts, went across to O’Donnell at right-back via Glen Rea, back along the three centre-halves and out to the left-back again, the Hatters made steady progress.

Then Vassell took over from Potts to the left of the Carlisle box and fed the ball low inside to Jack Marriott, who zipped the ball along the six-yard line for Hylton to control and spin on a sixpence for his 14th goal of the season.

Sheehan was next to try his luck in a really open encounter, cutting inside and rifling an 18th-minute shot that skidded off the greasy surface, but was well held by Mark Gillespie in the visitors’ goal.

Walton had to be on his guard at the near post to tip over Adams’ fierce drive, but the Town were breaking with great pace to support the front three, and Marriott met a wonderful cross from O’Donnell at the far post, but directed his header straight into the ground and Gillespie collected.

With the Hatters pressing high and thundering into challenges – one charge from O’Donnell and a full-blooded tackle from Potts earning applause from the crowd – the tempo was set.

Hylton and Marriott linked up well to draw a foul from Michael Raynes on the latter, but ref Mark Heywood did well to wave play on to allow Hylton to send another 25 yarder goalwards, but this one was well off target.

Vassell was chasing down Carlisle defenders, and the Cornishman’s work-rate and trickery created two shooting opportunities for himself inside a minute.

By the 41st minute, he was creating them for others – laying it off for Marriott to the right side of the area, and the ex-Ipswich man’s curling effort with his left foot was only inches away from finding the stanchion with Gillespie rooted to the spot.

With the final attack of the first half, Hylton saw a shot deflected over the bar after Marriott had wrestled control of the ball from Raynes and wriggled free to tee him up, but it was all square at the interval.

Three minutes after the restart, Rea had the Town’s first effort of the second half, unleashing a 25-yard drive that Gillespie held well.

Referee Heywood was busy scribbling in his notepad early in the half again, as Mullins was booked for a foul on Adams, and the Cumbrians’ Shaun Brisley soon saw yellow too for bringing down Hylton in full flow as he carried the ball clear from defending a corner.

Almost immediately, Brisley fouled the Town top scorer again at the other end, but Heywood resisted temptation to produce red and within seconds Shaun Miller was stretching the Hatters’ defence, firing wide from the edge of the box with his left foot.

Alex Gilliead, who spent most of last season on loan at Carlisle, came on just after the hour to replace the injured Sheehan, with Jones reverting to a back four.

Cameron McGeehan went close in the 66th minute, bursting onto a Vassell knock-down to drive past three defenders in the box, but as he looked to scramble the ball over the line, a combination of goalkeeper Gillespie and United captain Danny Grainger halted his progress in the six-yard box.

Jones stiffened the midfield up with Pelly-Ruddock Mpanzu coming on for Marriott, and the former West Ham man and Gilliead probed right and left for an opening as Town looked for a winner.

Carlisle were next to register an attempt on goal though, with goalscorer Kennedy pulling off an ambitious overhead kick that Walton held comfortably under his crossbar.

Then, in the 78th minute, Hatters captain Cuthbert rose to meet a Gilliead corner, but his bullet header bounced back off the advertising boards behind the goal at the Kenilworth Road end.

Carlisle were reduced to ten men in the 82nd minute when, on the advice of one of his assistants, Heywood showed Raynes a straight red after tangling with Hylton on the edge of the box.

After a lengthy hold-up, in which Carlisle goalkeeper coach Simon Tracey was also dismissed, Gillespie parried McGeehan’s powerful free-kick, then Rea fired over from 20 yards as the Cumbrians struggled to clear.

After all the hold-ups, it was little surprise that the fourth official indicated there would be nine minutes of time added on – but as there was a Carlisle player receiving treatment at the time, there’d be more than that.

Walton produced a wonderful save with his legs in the 95th minute, just after Jordan Cook had come on against his former loan club for Vassell, to deny Shaun Miller as Carlisle mounted a rare second-half attack.

Into the tenth minute of injury time, Gilliead drove at the visitors’ defence and rolled the ball to McGeehan, but the midfielder’s shot went high into the Kenilworth Road stand and with it went the Town’s last hope of taking maximum points.

TOWN: Walton, O’Donnell, Potts, Mullins, Cuthbert ©, Sheehan (Gilliead 62), Rea, McGeehan, Hylton, Vassell (Cook 90+5), Marriott (Mpanzu 67). Subs: Smith, Lee, McQuoid, King (GK)

Yellows: Rea, Mullins

CARLISLE: Gillespie, Grainger © (Gillesphey 70), Joyce, Raynes, Kennedy, Jones (Lambe 34), Wyke, Adams, Brisley, S Miller (Devitt 81), T Miller. Subs: Ellis, Asamoah, Crocombe (GK), McQueen

Yellows: Brisley, Gillespie

Red: Raynes

http://www.lutontown.co.uk/news/article/2016-17/luton-town-carlisle-united-league-two-3458767.aspx

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aown04kZI90

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v0d8Ktk53b0

League Two: Luton Town 1 Carlisle United 1

Luton Town failed to make any real inroads to the top three once more after being held at home in an engrossing clash against fellow promotion-chasers Carlisle United this afternoon.

The hosts started the game seven points behind their visitors, and that's exactly how the gap remained at the final whistle, thanks in part to some horrendous and downright cynical time-wasting tactics from the Cumbrians.

Every chance they had, they delayed putting the ball back into play, taking an age over every single set-play, and just generally spoiling the game from well inside the opening 10 minutes.

They were eventually reduced to 10 men late on as Michael Raynes saw red for an elbow on Danny Hylton, but Hatters couldn't find a way through, as Nathan Jones' side remained fifth in the table.

Town's chief surprisingly went away from his standard diamond formation for the first time this season, recalling Stephen O'Donnell and Dan Potts back in as wingbacks, while Isaac Vassell made it three pronged attack alongside Hylton and Jack Marriott.

Jones had spoken in the week about learning their lessons from both Solihull and Swindon matches where they fell behind early on, but clearly Town hadn't, undone with five minutes on the clock.

Shaun Miller's header should have been routine for Christian Walton, only for the keeper to make uncustomary error, spilling the ball out for Jason Kennedy to tap into the net.

However, as they had done at the County Ground on Tuesday night, Luton weren't behind for any great time, level on 10 minutes when Potts was give far too much space to maraud forward.

He fed Vassell, who played in Marriott, the striker crossing for Hylton to show great strength in handing off his marker, firing beyond Gillespie, who got a touch, for a 14th of the season.

Alan Sheehan's shot low was easy enough for Gillespie on 18 minutes, with Nicky Adams then testing Walton, who tipped over.

Midway through the half, Hatters had a magnificent opportunity to move ahead, as O'Donnell's wonderful first time cross was perfect for the completely unmarked Marriott at the back post.

However his downward header bounced straight into the ground and bounced up for Gillespie to gather under his own bar.

Hylton went alone from 25 yards, blazing wildly over, when O'Donnell was a better option, while Vassell saw two tame efforts roll wide after utilising his pace and desire to pick the Cumbrians' pockets.

It was Luton who making the better chances though, in one of the best first half displays this term, as Marriott looked for all the world like he had put Town in front on 40 minutes, measuring a left-footed curler, but it went millimetres wide with Gillespie a mere spectator.

After the break, Rea had a swerving effort that was saved by Gillespie, but United, despite their continued intent to run the clock down, looked dangerous when actually trying to score, Shaun Miller's twisting volley too high.

Luton could never quite regain the intensity that showed in the first period, as United had the better of open play, although McGeehan almost bundled his and the ball's way over the line, but was eventually bravely stopped by a combination of Gillespie and Danny Grainger.

Scott Cuthbert should done better with a header from Alex Gilliead, on for the injured Sheehan's corner, rising highest, only to power his effort wide.

Kennedy's overhead volley was easy for Walton, before the game's flashpoints began occurring, Shaun Brisley seeing yellow for hacking down Hylton.

The defender should have gone moments later, for clipping Town's leading scorer again, but it was his centre half partner Michael Raynes who saw red on 80 minutes, for an elbow on Hylton, picked up by the assistant referee.

Frustrations boiled over in the dug out too, a member of the visitors' coaching staff sent to the stands too, as when it had all calmed down, McGeehan's free kick was parried by Gillespie.

Rea fired over the top, while Vassell couldn't quite sort his feet out in the area, as despite having plenty of the ball, Luton just couldn't work out a way in which to break their opponents down.

They almost paid a hefty price too, as with nine minutes of stoppage time added, Carlisle should have won it, when Adams was first to Luke Joyce's cross just eight yards out, only for Walton to redeem himself, making a crucial save with his legs to prevent a defeat that would have been incredibly harsh on the Hatters.

Hatters: Christian Walton, Johnny Mullins, Scott Cuthbert, Alan Sheehan (Alex Gilliead 62), Stephen O'Donnell, Glen Rea, Cameron McGeehan, Dan Potts, Isaac Vassell (Jordan Cook 90), Danny Hylton, Jack Marriott (Pelly-Ruddock Mpanzu 67).

Subs not used: Craig King, Jonathan Smith, Olly Lee, Josh McQuoid.

Carlisle: Mark Gillespie, Danny Grainger (C Macaulay Gillesphey 70), Luke Joyce, Michael Raynes, Jason Kennedy, Mike Jones (Reggie Lambe 34), Charlie Wyke, Nicky Adams, Shaun Brisley, Shaun Miller (Jamie Devitt 80), Tom Willer.

Subs not used: Mark Ellis, Derek Asamoah, Max Crocombe, Alex McQueen.

Attendance: 7,953 (380 Carlisle).

Booked: Rea 3, Mullins 54, Brisley 57, Gillespie 67.

Sent off: Raynes 82.

Referee: Mark Heywood.

Star man: Danny Hylton.

Jones rues Luton’s lack of cutting edge against Carlisle

Hatters boss Nathan Jones rued his side’s lack of a clinical edge as they were held to a 1-1 draw at home by Carlisle United yesterday. The visitors took an early lead through Jason Kennedy, before Hatters quickly levelled, Danny Hylton notching a 14th of the season.

However, Luton couldn’t then go on to find a winner, even when the visitors were reduced to 10 men in the 82nd minute with Michael Raynes sent off, while they were indebted a fine stoppage time save from Christian Walton to prevent an unjust defeat.

Jones said: “I thought it was a good game, very good game, a very entertaining game, very competitive.

“I felt we edged it on chances. It was a pretty even game in terms of build up, but we had some glorious chances.

“They had one opportunity really late on, but apart from that we restricted them to half chances.

“I’m pleased with how we handled their threat, as it’s a big threat in terms of what they’ve got.

“Then I’m pleased with what we created and we just need a little bit more cutting edge in the final third.

“Danny’s had a shot from 25 yards, if he’d only just slid Stephen (O’Donnell) in, we’re in behind them and that’s what we’ve worked on all week.

“So it’s just those little things really I have a tinge of disappointment about which would have probably won us the game.

“But we finished strong, we wanted to win the game, we tried to win the game and that’s all you can do against your promotion rivals.”

Jones felt his side had created enough opportunities to seal a victory which would have moved them close to the top three, as he pointed to golden opportunities for striker Jack Marriott and defender Scott Cuthbert.

The boss added: “I felt we got into good areas and then it’s about people going into attack.

“I thought we created enough, Stephen O’Donnell’s ball was on a plate for Jack first half, you just go bang, and you finish that.

“Scott Cuthbert’s header, he’s got to hit the target, have to hit the target.

“I one hundred per cent think we did create enough and then we get into those areas and put great balls in, little dinks, that’s above the six yard box, then we just need that bit of desire.

“It’s just we didn’t have a real clinical edge to put it to bed. In and around the box, we had a great bit of play and just couldn’t quite get a shot off or had shots blocked, which are great opportunities as your build-up play’s perfect.

“We created enough, we just didn’t have that clinical killer instinct today that in other games we have.

“We’ve got to be more clinical than that. If we’re clinical, then we win the game.”

Luton Town 1 Carlisle United 1

For a team that have the most miserly defence in League Two, Luton really should be leaning on their inner Ebenezer Scrooge – instead they got in the pre-Christmas spirit to give Carlisle a gift.

The case for Luton's defence, or lack thereof, is that they keep handing rivals an early headstart. For three straight games – albeit the previous two were cup competitions – they've conceded inside the sixth minute.

Thank goodness, then, for Danny Hylton. How many times has that been said? In the end, though, the striker's 14th of the season, was merely a rescue act, even though his side effectively had 90 more minutes to push on and claim more than a point.

A late red card for Michael Raynes brought nine extra minutes but no dividends. In fact, in the end, United should have nicked it but Nicky Adams couldn't beat Christian Walton.

The net outcome is that they passed up a golden chance to claw some points back on a front-running promotion rival. At least third-placed Doncaster lost. Small mercies perhaps.

Once Walton had fumbled Shaun Miller's fifth minute header into the path of Jason Kennedy the Hatters' riposte was, at least, positive and speedy, with Hylton notching his 14th of the season. From there, they had the better chances of a rip-roaring end-to-end opening half and so they should have don.

Boss Nathan Jones picked a positive side, opting for three up front as Isaac Vassell returned to line up alongside Jack Marriott and Hylton, while Stephen O'Donnell and Dan Potts were drafted back into the fold, in pace of Jordan Cook and Alex Gillespie.

And with their first attack Luton levelled. Marriott wriggled free in the box and crossed to Hylton who swivelled superbly and pummelled in off the keeper Mark Gillespie.

That equalled his total tally for Oxford last term – and in double quick time before Christmas.

Marriott should have got in on the action moments later when presented with a golden chance but, unmarked, he headed O'Donnell's marvellous cross into the turf when any other connection surely would have put Town in front.

Much better was the 23-year-old's teasing curler in the closing stages of the half, which left the striker with his head in his hands after seeing how close it came to nestling in the top corner.

Having done his primary job to restore parity, Hylton then got involved in the rough stuff after the break. Thankfully without adding to his own disciplinary problems.

Two clashes with Shaun Brisley saw the centre half lucky to escape with just one yellow card, but the masked man was then elbowed off the ball by former Oxford team-mate Raynes.

After a long delay, so referee Mark Heywood could take the advice of his assistant, the United man was shown a straight red card and goalkeeping coach Simon Tracey was also sent to the stands for barging into Hylton on the sidelines.

The pantomime stuff threatened to get out of hand, but the disruptions worked in the Cumbrians' favour.

Luton couldn't pick them apart even with some lengthy time added on. Only a header for Scott Cuthbert could be marked down as a presentable chance, whereas they nearly shot themselves in the foot again deep into injury time.

Adams really should have scored when one-on-one with Walton, but the shot-stopper stuck out a long leg to redeem himself for that earlier gaffe and spare his side an embarrassing smash and grab defeat.

Still, it will be United, rather than the Hatters, that will consider this one of many happy returns.

Luton: Walton, O'Donnell, Potts, Mullins, Cuthbert, McGeehan, Hylton, Marriott (Mpanzu, 68), Rea, Vassell (Cook, 90+5), Sheehan (Gilliead, 62)

Unused subs: Smith, Lee, McQuoid, King

Carlisle: Gillespie, Grainger (Gillesphey, 71), Joyce, Raynes, Kennedy, Jones (Lambe, 34), Wyke, Adams, Brisley, S.Miller (Devitt, 81), T.Miller

Unused subs: Ellis, Asamoah, Crocombe, McQueen

Referee: Mark Heywood

Attendance: 7,953 (380)