Luton Town FC vs Exeter City (3rd Feb 2018)

REPORT: LUTON TOWN 1 EXETER CITY 0

Cornick's fifth goal of the season enough to sink Grecians

Harry Cornick scored the only goal to cap a terrific individual and team performance as the Hatters bounced back immediately from the disappointment of midweek defeat to beat high- Exeter this afternoon.

The Town made it 12 home wins for the season to maintain their eight-point lead over Wycombe, who went second with their win at Kenilworth Road on Tuesday night, and ten-point advantage over fourth place with just under a third of the campaign to go.

Cornick struck his fifth goal of the season seven minutes before the break, although it could – and should – have been several more during a dominant display from Nathan Jones’ side against a promotion rival, who drop to sixth.

Jones made three changes, with two of his three deadline day signings making their debuts; Flynn Downes, who arrived on loan from Ipswich until the end of the season, and forward Jake Jervis, who signed late on Wednesday night from Plymouth Argyle for an undisclosed fee, coming into the starting line-up, with Lloyd Jones on the bench.

The other change saw Cornick return from the off, after appearing as a sub in midweek, while Danny Hylton was back on the bench after missing the last two matches with a hamstring injury.

With Rea playing centre-half and Flynn anchoring the midfield in a 4-3-3 formation that had Jervis and Cornick up front with James Collins, the Town started brightly.

Cornick collected a smart fifth-minute pass from Downes before turning to crack a 20-yard left-foot drive against the foot of the post, before Jervis carried the ball from deep inside his own half and letting fly with a 25-yarder that flew just wide.

Downes was impressing with his range of passing in the early stages – and continued right through to the end of a magnificent debut – but it was his fellow new-boy Jervis who was getting plenty of attempts in on goal.

The 26-year-old combined well with Dan Potts down the left in the 15th minute before sending a shot wide after the full-back’s cross was headed back into his path by Daniel Seaborne.

Four minutes later, Downes chipped a ball into the box looking for Collins, and centre-half Jordan Storey’s header went only as far as Jervis on the edge of the box, but he couldn’t keep his volley down.

Exeter had their first shot in the 20th minute, Hiram Boateng’s tame effort from distance saved comfortably, low to his left, by Stech.

Town were dominating possession and Stacey was making inroads down the right. It was from the former Grecian’s 27th-minute cross that Berry found space at the back post to fire a shot straight at Christy Pym in the Exeter goal.

Then, a minute later, Cornick’s slide-rule pass in to Collins had the striker looking to pick out Jervis in the six-yard box, but his cross was deflected onto the top of the crossbar and out for a corner.

Cornick was full of running, and after beating his man on halfway in the 32nd minute, he raced through the middle and had options either side of him, and maybe took the wrong one as he tried to slip Olly Lee in to his right, with Collins free and screaming for the ball to his left, and the promising move came to nothing.

Town were playing some excellent football, dominating the ball with the excellent Downes proving his Championship class as he dictated the play, and the deserved breakthrough came in the 38th minute when Berry fed Potts out on the left flank.

The full-back looked as if he was going to take Kane Wilson on to the byline, but instead drove inside the box and laid it back for Cornick to smash the ball into the top corner, with the aid of a deflection, from 18 yards to record his second goal against Exeter this term.

The lead might have been doubled within a minute, when Olly Lee let a 20-yard piledriver go, but Pym saved well, flying to his left.

It was a first half display that oozed class and control, without the conviction in front of goal that should have brought a second to make the half-time break a little more comfortable.

The Hatters came out after the interval in much the same mode they’d played for the first though – on the front foot.

After Pym had gathered a header from Collins, Sheehan played a ball down the left for Berry to nudge into Jervis’ path, but the ex-Plymouth man’s 20-yarder flew just wide of the visiting keeper’s left post.

Cornick was still revelling in the space given him down the right, and after trading passes with Stacey, the former Bournemouth flyer’s cross fizzed across the six-yard box, just ahead of Collins, and Wilson did well to clear just as Jervis was about to force it home.

In the 57th minute, the Hatters threatened again, Potts combining with Jervis to storm into the box, but his shot was deflected behind for a corner.

It was one-way traffic and Berry was the next to have a go, cutting in from the left only to see his 66th-minute shot go just past the post, before – completely unmarked – meeting a Sheehan corner two minutes later with a downward header that bounced up tamely into Pym’s arms.

At the other end, Sheehan and Glen Rea were comfortably nullifying the threat of Jayden Stockley, with Stech barely troubled between the Town sticks.

Jones made his first change in the 76th minute, bringing Hylton on for Jervis, who left the pitch to a deserved ovation – but predictably not as loud as the one reserved for the top scorer’s return from injury!

Hylton almost had an immediate impact, retrieving Cornick’s over-hit cross and nutmegging his man into Collins’ feet. The ex-Crawley striker spun and hit a shot on the turn that didn’t quite have enough curl on it to creep inside the far post.

Jones introduced his third new boy, namesake Lloyd Jones, in the 84th minute with Cornick – who had been a livewire all afternoon – forced off by a knock.

Straight after the restart following the substitution and Cornick’s treatment, Sheehan whipped in a right-wing corner that Hylton met with a header from two yards out, but couldn’t keep it down.

Exeter had the ball in the back of the net in the 87th minute, but the linesman had long since had his flag in the air for a foul on Stech, and the Town defence held firm against a volley of high balls into the box to see out the victory with a 15th league clean sheet in 31 games.

Next up is a trip to Stevenage, who were on the wrong end of one of the Hatters’ emphatic wins here earlier in the season, in a week's time.

This one might not have had the goals of that 7-1 – or the 8-2 or 7-0 – but the performance was just as impressive and another massive win secured in the bid to secure promotion to League One.

TOWN: Stech, Stacey, Rea, Sheehan (c), Potts, Downes, Berry, O Lee, Collins, Cornick (Jones 84), Jervis (Hylton 76). Subs: Justin, Shinnie, Mpanzu, D'Ath, Shea (GK)

Goal: Cornick 38

EXETER: Pym, Wilson, Storey, Seaborne (McAlinden 72), Moxey, Taylor ©, James (Holmes 55), Tillson, Edwards, Boateng, Stockley. Subs: Sweeney, Simpson, Jones (GK), Jay, Byrne.

REFEREE: Andy Woolmer

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CedEsubJE8Y

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rysmC47eGc4

NATHAN JONES ON THE 1-0 WIN OVER EXETER CITY

Town boss Nathan Jones was thoroughly impressed with his side this afternoon as Harry Cornick netted the only goal in a 1-0 win over Exeter City at Kenilworth Road.

After a dominant first half display, Dan Potts' clever run and lay-off for Cornick saw the ex-Bournemouth man shoot from the edge of the box after 38 minutes – his effort deflecting past Christy Pym for the Town forward's fifth goal of the season.

The result sees the Town maintain their eight-point cushion over second placed Wycombe, as well as moving ten points clear of fourth.

Jones said: "I am really delighted. It's a great way to bounce back from the disappointment the other day, and bounce back with a clean sheet.

"I thought going forward we were excellent the other night, just defensively we were poor. Whereas today we were excellent defensively and going forward I think that's as good a performance you'll see from a League Two side in that first half – the way we moved the ball.

"A little bit more composure and we would have gone in at the break a bit more comfortable. But I have got to be honest, the way we moved the ball the way we counter attacked, I thought that was as good a performance from a League Two side as you're likely to see.

"I wouldn't say it was comfortable because I wouldn't say there was no problem whatsoever. They're a very direct side Exeter, they go into Stockley and he wins. At this level when you've got the Akinfenwas, the Stockleys and the Ameobis of the world, and all it takes is one long ball, one knock down, someone not to go with the runner, and all your 90 minutes of hard work is undone. We didn't do that today.

"It was always in the balance because it's 1-0, but I thought we were excellent. We controlled the game in possession, we were excellent. First half was so, so pleasing. We are a good side when we play like that and we thoroughly deserved the win because it should have been more."

Cornick seals vital victory for the Hatters

League Two: Luton Town 1 Exeter City 0

Luton Town bounced back in fine style from Tuesday night's 3-2 defeat against Wycombe by picking up an absolutely crucial victory against fellow promotion chasers Exeter City this afternoon.

Although it might not have had the amount of goals that home fans have had the luxury of witnessing at times this season, make no mistake, this was one of Hatters' best displays, especially first half, in recent matches, as they were by far the better team throughout.

In fact the only criticism that could be levelled at the hosts was that they weren't out of sight in the closing stages, as despite dominating possession and territory, a lack of composure in the final third meant an unusually poor City were still in the contest.

However, they barely tested home keeper Marek Stech, who kept one of his most comfortable clean sheets from the 15 racked up now this term, as they fell 12 points behind, albeit it still with two games in hand.

Hatters boss Nathan Jones handed debuts to two deadline day signings in Flynn Downes and Jake Jervis, while Harry Cornick came back in, with injured duo Johnny Mullins and Elliot Lee out, Andrew Shinnie dropping to the bench, where leading scorer Danny Hylton gave Luton a real boost by being fit enough to join him.

A bright start saw Downes take the ball off Rea, who dropped into central defence, look up and find Cornick. He spun his man cleverly and unleashed a fierce left-footer from 18 yards that crashed against the post.

Jervis was quick to show his pace, setting off on a counter attack and trying his luck from 20 yards, not getting the required bend to find the net. Town stayed in the ascendancy, something they hadn't done in midweek, Potts' first time cross headed out to Jervis who scuffed wide, as he then hooked an awkward volley over, Cornick also not picking his head up with the unmarked Berry screaming for the pass.

Hiram Boateng made Stech at least get his top dirty from range, while Rea produced a superb block from Kyle Edwards as Luton were caught short on the right hand side.

Town were inches away on 28 minutes, Collins picked out by Cornick and his deflected cross-shot beat Pym only to clip the top of the bar.

There was no let up in Hatters' sustained attacks though, the hosts having shouts for a penalty turned down when Daniel Seaborne fell on the ball in the box, Jack Stacey sending the rebound into orbit.

However, Luton were ahead and deservedly so on 38 minutes as Berry fed Potts who nipped between a gap in the visitors defence, teeing up Cornick on the edge of the box, his shot taking a wicked deflection off Jordan Storey to wrong foot Pym.

Lee looked for an instant second, drilling an effort that Pym parried away to safety.

Although comfortably on top, Hatters needed to be wary after the interval, as they had been second best in their opening 45 minutes at St James' Park back in August, only to then blitz their opponents with three goals in 10 minutes.

To be fair, that never looked remotely likely repeating itself for the Grecians, Jervis demonstrating once more he was not afraid to chance his arm, wide once more.

Town still kept a tight leash on their opponents, Downes winning more than one fine challenge and showing a lovely array of passing, keeping things simple to regularly find his man and keep his team on the front foot.

Berry looked to extend Town's lead, narrowly missing the near post from 20 yards while he was then left all alone to meet Alan Sheehan's corner, heading into the ground and straight at Pym.

Still Exeter had nothing going forward as Sheehan made sure that former Town striker Jayden Stockley, who had caused Luton such problems earlier in the campaign, was to have a fruitless afternoon, never allowing him a second on the ball.

Hylton came on for Jervis with 12 minutes to go, combining with Collins for the latter to send a curler just wide and then heading over the top from a set-piece himself.

Lloyd Jones came on for his debut in the closing stages with Cornick cramping up, as Luton switched to three centre halves for the final five minutes.

City had the ball in the net though Liam McAlinden, as they looked to have rescued an unlikely point, but it was rightly ruled out for a clear foul on Stech.

The Town stopper was called upon for one final save, showing good handling to stop Kane Wilson's bouncing drive, while when Boateng shot wastefully over, that was that.

Wins for Wycombe and Notts County meant the top three stayed the same, but Luton did move 10 points clear of fourth, that berth now taken by Mansfield Town.

Hatters: Marek Stech, Jack Stacey, Dan Potts, Glen Rea, Alan Sheehan (C), Glen Rea, Flynn Downes, Olly Lee, Luke Berry, Harry Cornick (Lloyd Jones 83), James Collins, Jake Jervis (Danny Hylton 77).

Subs not used: James Shea, James Justin, Andrew Shinnie, Pelly-Ruddock Mpanzu, Lawson D'Ath.

City: Christy Pym, Lloyd James (Lee Holmes 55), Jordan Tillson, Jayden Stockley, Daniel Seaborne (Liam McAlinden 71), Dean Moxey, Kane Wilson, Jake Taylor (C), Kyle Edwards (Robbie Simpson 85), Jordan Storey, Hiram Boateng.

Subs not used: Pierce Sweeney, Paul Jones, Matt Jay, Alex Byrne.

Referee: Andy Woolmer. Attendance: 8,788 (464 Exeter).

Hatters MOM: Flynn Downes – belied his age with a tremendous debut.

J****ones: First half display was as good as it gets

Luton boss Nathan Jones was left purring by his side’s first half display as they saw off fellow promotion chasers Exeter City at Kenilworth Road this afternoon.

Harry Cornick’s goal on 38 minutes ensured Town were triumphant as they produced a performance of almost total dominance at times.

Speaking afterwards, Jones said: “I'm delighted as firstly we bounced back from the disappointment of Tuesday (losing to Wycombe), when we were wonderful going forward, but we didn't defend as we normally do.

"Today we were back at it defensively, I'll have to watch it back to get pure clarity on it, but I thought that first half performance was as good as we've done here, in terms of fluency, in terms of how we moved the ball.

"Because we're up against a good side in Exeter, they're vying for promotion, they want the same things as us, but I thought we were in total control.

"They had the odd counter attack when we gave it away as that's how we play now and again but I thought our build-up was wonderful, and I thought we deserved to go in a little bit more than 1-0 up.”

Jones made three changes to the side for the clash, handing debuts to Jake Jervis and Flynn Downes, while with Cornick back too, he swapped to the 4-3-3 with Jervis and Cornick either side of James Collins.

On why he made the alteration, the Luton chief added: “I just wanted a little bit more penetration.

“The other day I thought we were very good attacking-wise, but we were done with two counter attacks and a set play, so I didn't want that to happen and we worked on those things.

“We can change, we have two shapes we work on and with the personnel we had available and with bringing new ones in, we felt that we did.

“Plus we played against Exeter down there and won 4-1, playing with three up top and we felt that was the way to go and that proved.

“As I really feel like first half, and I'll have to watch it again, so if I'm wrong, I apologise, I thought that was as good a performance from a League Two side as you’re likely to see.”

Hatters** boss hails 'outstanding' **Downes

Hatters boss Nathan Jones heaped praise on his deadline day signing from Ipswich Town Flynn Downes as he enjoyed a starring role in yesterday’s 1-0 win over Exeter City.

The 19-year-old impressed hugely from the off with his composure and confidence when in possession, very rarely giving the ball away, while demonstrated an eagerness to do the other side of the game too, winning his fair share of tackles throughout.

On the performance of the teenager, who is on loan until the end of the season, Jones said: “He was outstanding. It’s as if he lives here in terms of the way he went about the pitch, the confidence he played with, the security and everything he had.

“But we kind of knew what we were getting, we just hoped he transforms that form that he’s had for Ipswich in here and he was absolutely outstanding, he really was.

“He will be minimum Championship player and we’re just so happy that Mick (McCarthy) and Ipswich had decided to entrust us with him here.

"Because his development, it will continue here his development and we’ll hand him back as a Championship player.”

Downes started alongside fellow deadline day acquisition Jake Jerrvis, who showed his pace going forward and his willingness to shoot as well, coming close with a number of attempts.

Jones continued: “He was similar to Harry (Cornick), as the way we play, I thought me moved the ball wonderfully well, first half and second half.

"We worked it into great situations and then we just couldn’t find that little bit of quality, that little bit of guile for most of it Jake lacked that today, just that bit of composure in the final third.

"But he probably wanted to do well, he's here, on his debut, and a club he’s waited for to sign because we had a word with him in the summer.

"So he’ll get better as he gets stronger and fitter and sharper and gets in our environment a little bit more, so that’s good.”

Lloyd Jones made it three new faces who finished the game, on in the final 10 minutes to cope with any aerial threat the Grecians possessed, as Jones admitted he had been tempted to start all three, adding: It was a decision, because with the size he’s got and with (Jayden) Stockley, we know their principal threat is going into Stockley and playing off him.

"He caused us problems down there, first half, so we had to think about it, but bringing three new signings into it, that hadn’t played as much football as we’d have liked would have been a gamble, so we bought the two in."