Luton Town FC vs Crewe Alexandra (14th Apr 2018)

MATCH REPORT: LUTON TOWN 3 CREWE ALEXANDRA 1

Hylton, Elliot Lee and Pelly on target as Town move to within three points of promotion

The Hatters moved to within one win of being certain of automatic promotion with a third straight win this afternoon with goals from Danny Hylton, Elliot Lee and a first of the season from Pelly-Ruddock Mpanzu sealing a 3-1 win over Crewe Alexandra.

As has become the norm at Kenilworth Road in recent weeks, Nathan Jones’ side had to come from behind, with Jordan Bowery putting the 17th-placed visitors in front against the run of play on 35 minutes.

But Hylton equalised with his 22nd of the season – and fifth in as many games – within four minutes, before Lee bent in his 12th of the campaign two minutes into first-half stoppage time.

Then, six minutes after the interval, Mpanzu hit an absolute corker into the top corner from 25 yards to effectively seal a win that could bring about promotion as early as Tuesday night, should Exeter lose at home to Chesterfield.

In reality, a draw down at St James Park would be enough for the Hatters to start planning for League One football bearing in mind the goal difference that is 25 better than the Grecians’.

Regardless of what goes on elsewhere, Jones and his Town squad have been going about their business in a thoroughly professional manner and, after a fourth win in five matches here, the same return at Carlisle next Saturday will seal promotion anyway.

Delighted by recent form, Jones named an unchanged side – including bench – from the one that won 3-0 at Yeovil last week, meaning James Shea was in goal behind a back four of Jack Stacey, Glen Rea, captain Alan Sheehan and Dan Potts.

Alan McCormack, Olly Lee and Mpanzu made up the midfield with Elliot Lee at the tip of the diamond behind Hylton and James Collins.

The Hatters started brightly, and after Olly Lee had fired an effort at goal after a one-two with Collins, the 20-goal striker cut back a ninth-minute cross for Stacey to get his head on, but it was straight at visiting keeper Ben Garratt.

A minute later it was Hylton’s chance to have a go, Collins knocking Sheehan’s clip down for his strike partner to hit one from 20 yards, but this one went wide.

With quarter-of-an-hour gone, the Hatters striker was penalised for a foul on Eddie Nolan as Crewe took a corner, but Shea was equal to Harry Pickering’s free-kick from 20 yards out.

Hylton then led a 17th minute charge down the left, carrying the ball from deep inside his own half before slipping a pass inside to Elliot Lee to attempt a curler from 25 yards, that went just the wrong side of the post with Garratt at full stretch.

Crewe were enjoying plenty of possession in the Hatters’ half, however, and they almost grabbed a fortuitous lead when, after a goalmouth scramble, Rea’s attempted clearance hit Sheehan on the ground and rebounded just wide of the post.

The Town were asking plenty of questions of their own though, and Elliot Lee saw a powerful cross-shot tipped away by Garratt before directing a far post header from Collins’ cross straight at the Alex stopper.

Big brother Olly was next to have a go, meeting a Sheehan corner full on the volley from 25 yards – think Paul Scholes – and it was heading towards goal before being deflected wide for another corner.

But it was the visitors who took the lead in the 35th minute when Shaun Miller flicked a ball on from halfway, and Bowery burst past Sheehan to finish coolly past Shea from 15 yards.

Sheehan almost made amends immediately, curling a 37th-minute free-kick around the wall to force Garratt into another good save, and the Town were level by the 39th minute.

It had to be that man Hylton, controlling a header down by McCormack from another Sheehan corner and volleying past Garratt on the turn from three yards out for his 22nd goal of the season.

The leading scorer soon lured Paul Green into a foul on the edge of the box that earned the visitors their first yellow card, and gave Sheehan another chance to step up and call Garratt into action, this one straight at the keeper.

The Hatters were playing well, and Elliot Lee was denied by Garratt again three minutes before half-time after digging the ball out from a thicket of legs ten yards out.

He didn’t have to wait long for his 12th goal of the campaign, however, Mpanzu winning the ball on the edge of the Hatters’ area and triggering a counter-attack that saw Collins feed it to Lee wide on the left.

The Town forward used Potts’ overlap as a decoy and drove inside, pivoting to beat two men and then bending an absolute beauty around Garratt and inside the far post from 20 yards out to give the Hatters a deserved lead, taking his, Hylton and Collins’ combined tally to 54 for the season.

Within six minutes of the restart it was three, and what a strike it was as Mpanzu unleashed a piledriver from 25 yards – after another Sheehan corner had been headed half clear – that left Garratt helpless as it flew into top corner, still on the rise.

It was Pelly’s first goal of the season, meaning that every outfield player in the Hatters’ team had netted during the campaign – and he was keen to double it moments later, although this one from slightly closer was high and handsome.

Crewe tried to muster a reply, and sub Chris Porter hooked a low shot straight at Shea after Paul Green’s free-kick from halfway was flicked into his path.

The Hatters almost had a fourth in the 63rd minute when Stacey, Collins and Mpanzu linked up down the right for the full-back to race into the box and flash a shot in that flew across Garratt – and just past the far post.

Jones introduced Harry Cornick for Elliot Lee with 64 minutes gone, and the ex-Bournemouth forward immediately set pulses racing with a couple of lung-busting runs from deep to stretch the Crewe defence

Olly Lee thought he’d try his luck on the volley again with 72 minutes on the clock

With quarter-of-an-hour to go Cornick did well down the right to pick Green’s pocket and cross low for Collins, but the striker’s scuffed effort was deflected wide.

Stacey went close again in the 79th minute when Olly Lee and Cornick did well down the left to pick out Collins, whose cross-field ball to Hylton allowed Stacey the time to race past the striker and receive a pass that he struck first time, Garratt getting down low to his right to keep out.

Sheehan saw the woodwork deny him a goal two minutes later when another 20-yard free-kick struck the outside of the post, then – at the other end – a cross from the right just cleared his head and allowed Bowery another sight of goal, but Shea was equal to the former Aston Villa forward’s side-foot volley.

Jones brought Johnny Mullins on for Hylton with five minutes left to help weather the storm of Crewe throwing balls into the box aiming for Bowery, Porter and his fellow sub Chris Dagnall.

But within seconds of his arrival, Mpanzu was leading another surge through the middle to bring another chance about for Cornick, whose show was dragged wide of Garratt’s right post.

It mattered not. Another job well done as the Hatters inch closer to the finishing line!

TOWN: Shea, Stacey, Rea, Sheehan ©, Potts, McCormack, Mpanzu, O Lee, E Lee (Cornick 64), Collins, Hylton (Mullins 85). Subs: Justin, Jervis, Downes, Gambin, Stech (GK)

Yellows: McCormack, Hylton

Goals: Hylton 39, E Lee 45+2, Mpanzu 51

CREWE: Garratt, Ng, Ray ©, Jones, Bowery, Nolan, Wintle, Pickering, Kirk (Ainley 57), Green (Dagnall 77), Miller (Porter 57). Subs: Walker, Richards (GK), Lowery, Sterry

Yellows: Green, Dagnall

Goals: Bowery 35

REFEREE: Ben Toner ATT: 9,202 (189 away)

NATHAN JONES ON THE 3-1 WIN OVER THE RAILWAYMEN

Town boss Nathan Jones was delighted to see his side move to within three points of automatic promotion from Sky Bet League Two as they defeated Crewe Alexandra 3-1 at Kenilworth Road this afternoon.

The Hatters had to come from behind after Jordan Bowery had given the visitors the lead against the run of play with 35 minutes on the clock – with Danny Hylton firing in from close range before Elliot Lee curled in magnificently just before the break.

Pelly-Ruddock Mpanzu netted his first goal of the campaign with an outstanding long-range effort to ensure the Town ran out the victors on an entertaining afternoon in front of 9,202 at the Kenny.

That means the Hatters could be promoted as early as Tuesday night, depending on how Exeter get on against Chesterfield.

Jones said: "They scored from a counter attack against the run of play. First half I thought we peppered their goal. The goal was coming but then their goal came, so it kind of set us back a little bit.

"But we showed some real character once again to get a goal back straight away and then to score a goal just before half-time was superb and that really set the tone. Then to score so quickly after half-time effectively killed the game. It was wonderful really.

"We had to defend for our lives late on, then we became the counter attacking side. We should have killed it off, they could have had another one, but we should have killed the game. It was an open game like people thought it would be, and we're delighted because it's a big, big win."

"As I've said, we've got quality in the side, we know what we can do. It's just about getting those results. We had to go away to three difficult places, Cambridge, Coventry and Newport, we picked up points in those games and then we've just won our home games.

"We had the wonderful result last week, then had a tricky place to go [Yeovil]. We're hitting form at the right time and putting the pressure on a couple, so that's good from our point of view."

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E3DwPbghd80

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=srkPhFihOi4

Pelly nets a stunner as Luton close in on League One

League Two: Luton Town 3 Crewe Alexandra 1

The Hatters have one foot firmly in League One after they beat Crewe Alexandra at Kenilworth Road this afternoon, racking up a third successive victory.

Town had to do it the hard way once more, falling behind in the first half, but as they had against Mansfield, they did just that, Danny Hylton levelling, before Elliot Lee and Pelly-Ruddock Mpanzu netted stunning strikes to secure the turnaround win.

Results elsewhere made it an even better afternoon's work, with leaders Accrington held by fourth-placed Exeter, while Lincoln's defeat to Port Vale, means the Hatters could be promoted in midweek, should the Grecians lose at home to Chesterfield.

An unchanged Luton made a fine start to proceedings with Olly Lee seeing plenty of the ball, as after both he and Hylton had shots blocked, Jack Stacey found space from James Collins' cross, heading at Ben Garratt.

Hylton opted to try his luck first time from Collins' knock down, flashing wide from just outside the box.

Town's leading scorer then gave away a free kick on the edge of the area which Harry Pickering curled goalwards, but James Shea, who hadn't moved from his position by the post, parried comfortably.

Hylton then broke well, finding Elliot Lee, the striker left with little on but to have a go from 20 yards, missing the target by inches.

Town almost fell behind in calamitous fashion on 20 minutes as Shea couldn't collect a cross, Rea back in time to prevent the ball going over the line, only to strike his clearance against the prostrate Alan Sheehan, watching it fortunately go behind.

The visitors did take the lead on 35 minutes when Sheehan dived in to try and win the ball before it reached Jordan Bowery only to miss it completely leaving the former Aston Villa striker with a clean run on goal from 50 yards.

He took his opportunity with real class, drawing Shea and putting the ball through the keeper's legs.

Determined to hit back, Sheehan almost made amends instantly, seeing a free kick turned away by Garratt, and Dan Potts' close range effort was blocked by a frantic Alex back-line.

Luton were level just four minutes later, when Sheehan's corner was won by McCormack for Hylton to swivel and hammer in his 22nd of the season.

Sheehan had another set-piece which was easy for Garratt, while Elliot Lee was crowded out, just, while a covering defender stuck out a boot in the nick of time to stop Hylton from making it 2-1.

Luton piled on the pressure though and had the lead on the stroke of half time, Mpanzu beginning an attack which eventually found Elliot Lee.

He used Potts' overlap as a decoy, and cut inside to curl an absolute pearler beyond the outstretched Garratt and into the top corner for a wonderful strike.

That was the perfect tonic for Town and they began the second half looking to kill the game off, which they appeared to have done in truly spectacular fashion just six minutes in.

Sheehan's corner was headed out to Mpanzu situated 30 yards from goal who took a touch, steadied himself, and unleashed an absolute thunderbolt which rocketed into the top corner for his first goal of the campaign, also making it every outfield player bar the January deadline day signings to have scored for Town this season.

Both sides then played with a carefree abandon, as Stacey could have sealed it, his effort going across the face with Hylton well placed, while sub Harry Cornick's dogged determination saw him set up Collins, Alex blocking his effort behind, Sheehan's delicious set-piece clipping the outside of the post too.

Cornick himself should have made it 4-1, dragging wide after Mpanzu's dogged and determined run, but Crewe weren't without their opportunities, Shea smartly collecting Bowery's volley.

The final five minutes saw Town look increasingly jittery at the back though, Shea spilling a few crosses and the hosts having to throw their bodies in the way of a host of chances.

Try as they might, Alex couldn't quite reduce the deficit, meaning the next time Hatters are back at Kenilworth Road, it should be for a promotion party.

Hatters: James Shea, Jack Stacey, Dan Potts, Glen Rea, Alan Sheehan (C), Alan McCormack, Pelly-Ruddock Mpanzu, Olly Lee, Elliot Lee (Harry Cornick 64), Danny Hylton (Johnny Mullins 85), James Collins.

Subs not used: Marek Stech, James Justin, Flynn Downes, Luke Gambin, Jake Jervis.

Crewe: Ben Garratt, Perry Ng, George Ray (C), James Jones, Jordan Bowery, Eddie Nolan, Ryan Wintle, Harry Pickering, Charlie Kirk (Callum Ainly 57), Paul Green (Chris Dagnall 77), Shaun Miller (Chris Porter 57). Subs not used: Brad Walker, Dave Richards, Tom Lowery, Jamie Stacey.

Referee: Ben Toner.

Booked: McCormack 31, Green 41, Hylton 69, Dagnall 88.

Attendance: 9,202 (189 away).

Hatters MOM: Pelly-Ruddock Mpanzu. Wonder strike capped an excellent display

Jones thrilled at another 'excellent day' for Luton

Luton boss Nathan Jones hailed another ‘excellent day’ as his side moved to within a whisker of promotion out of League Two by beating Crewe Alexandra 3-1 at Kenilworth Road this afternoon.

Town had fallen behind for the second home game running, Jordan Bowery opening the scoring on 34 minutes, only for Town to hit back and lead 2-1 at the break, through Danny Hylton’s 22nd of the season and Elliot Lee’s sublime strike.

Pelly-Ruddock Mpanzu’s exocet sealed the victory in the second period, with Luton now just one win away from playing League One football next term, as Jones said: “It was an excellent day. Apart from a late spell where they just pumped it in our box, which is not quite the Crewe way, but needs must I understand, I thought it was wonderful from start to finish.

"Their goal came against the run of play. I think we were peppering their goal. It was living, I wouldn’t say a charmed life, but we were the ones that were creating most of the chances and then they scored from a counter attack, which sides can do with the way we play, I understand that.

“But we showed some great character, once again, to come back, scored at a good time and then a wonderful second. It didn’t change my team talk but made it slightly more positive.

“We said, ‘we need to come out and get the next goal’, and we did. To win 3-1 in such an important game, at an important stage in the season, is brilliant, I'm thoroughly delighted.”

Although Alex moved in front when Bowery took advantage of an error from Alan Sheehan to beat James Shea, Jones always knew his side, who have now scored 90 goals this season, were more than capable of mounting a fightback.

He added: “We’ve be renowned for starting well, it’s just in recent games, a lot has been made of our starts and conceding after four minutes sometimes, it puts you on the back foot.

“But I know we’ve got goals in the side, we’re scoring from everywhere and once again we showed that we had the quality to win a game and we deserved it on the balance of play.

“We could have made it a lot more comfortable so that when they did have the late onslaught, by putting (Chris) Porter and Bowery and (Chris) Dagnall and putting everyone up, it could have been a lot more comfortable.

“But I’m happy with 3-1, I would have taken that all day long, so now we move on to another big game.”