Luton Town FC vs Plymouth Argyle (24th Oct 2015)

PUBLISHED 17:00 24th October 2015 by Ross Lawson

LUTON TOWN 1-2 PLYMOUTH ARGYLE

Hatters on the end of another last-gasp defeat

The Town slipped to an injury-time defeat to league leaders Plymouth as Ryan Brunt’s 95th-minute winner gave the league leaders Argyle all three points.

Josh McQuoid had earlier netted his first Town goal, nodding into an unguarded net to equalise with just 14 minutes left to play.

It had looked as if Luton would push on for all three points, but Ryan Hall’s sending off gave the impetus back to Argyle, who eventually nicked the winner.

The visitors had earlier led through Carl McHugh, but the Hatters conceded their fifth last-minute goal in League 2 this season to ensure Plymouth returned to Home Park with the points.

Pelly Ruddock-Mpanzu was given his first league start for almost a year among three changes from John Still, who also brought in Luke Guttridge and Nathan Doyle from Tuesday’s draw at home to Leyton Orient.

The Hatters, missing Craig Mackail-Smith due to injury, opted to play one up front, and the style almost paid immediate dividends when Guttridge fed in Jack Marriott but the striker was unable to gather with less than a minute on the clock.

The home side had the better of a frenetic first 10 minutes, although Plymouth weren’t without chances as Gregg Wylde nodded wide from a left-sided Craig Tanner cross.

Tanner proved the proverbial thorn for the Hatters in the first half, and it was he who played a major part in opening the scoring after just 15 minutes.

The winger received a short corner on the edge of the box, whipping in an in-swinging delivery which McHugh nodded past Mark Tyler to send the large away support into pandemonium.

It was all Argyle from there on, with Tanner once again getting sight of goal but finding the gloves of Tyler, who was worked far too hard in the first half from a Town perspective.

The Hatters got a foothold just after the half-hour mark, although an early change was required when Alex Lawless replaced the injured Dan Potts, forcing Sean Long to be switched to left-back in just his second Town game.

That change prompted some Hatters chances on goal, first from Guttridge, firing a curler from 30 yards into the hands of Luke McCormick, before Marriott had a cross-shot from ten yards blocked by the Plymouth stopper.

Yet Argyle remained a threat. Twinkle-toe dribbling from Graham Carey saw him wriggle through three Town players in the area, but his shot was dealt with once again by Tyler.

The half came close to ending even worse for the hosts as captain Scott Cuthbert was being seen to by seven medical staff following a collision with Tanner, but the stalwart was able to carry on despite Mark O’Brien being stripped and ready to go.

And it was fortunate that Cuthbert was able to continue, with John Still forced into making all three substitutions by the 50 minute mark as Long and Ruddock made way for Hall and McQuoid.

The Hatters came out firing in the second half as sub McQuoid whipped a ball in that flew narrowly over the head of Cameron McGeehan, who was quiet in the first 45 minutes, while Doyle, who has never scored for the Hatters, unleashed a 40-yard pile-driver that caused McCormick some trouble.

Doyle’s attempt ramped up the noise at Kenilworth Road, but Marriott’s isolation up top was evident with the lack of clear-cut chances as the game headed into the final 20 minutes.

The league leaders remained a threat on the break despite their goal advantage, Carey and Tanner continuing to be at the heart of the visitors’ attacks in a bid to put the game beyond the reach of the Town.

But just as it looked chances had dried up, the Hatters were level. Penalty-area pinball eventually saw the ball find McGeehan, moved centrally a few minutes earlier having starting on the left, who took a snapshot which McCormick did well to deal with, but McQuoid was on hand to head home into an empty net.

It was McQuoid’s first goal in a Luton shirt, but the work was not done yet however with Tyler required to make another fantastic stop to tip Tanner’s rasper from the right behind for a corner as the game ticked into the final 10 minutes.

The Town weren’t finished there though, and McGeehan was inches away from putting the hosts in the lead, but his shot on the turn following Guttridge’s hard work flew wide from his weaker left foot.

For the neutral, a thrilling encounter was in store at Kenilworth Road, but the nerves of all fans were in jeopardy as both sides sensed a leveller in a more open game.

The Hatters’ chances of a victory diminished soon after though when Hall, who was booked a few minutes earlier for bringing down Tanner, was given his marching orders five minutes from time for kicking the ball away.

You felt there one would be one final chance when the game went into five minutes of added time, but with the Town down to 10 men, it reduced their outlet allowing Plymouth to keep the pressure on.

And the winner came for the visitors when a goalmouth scramble wasn’t dealt with by the home defence allowing substitute Oscar Threlkeld a shot at goal – but Brunt was quickest to the loose ball to scoop over Tyler from virtually the last kick of the game.

The Town have taken just three points from their last three home fixtures, but are back on the road on the road next week when they visit Dagenham and Redbridge next Sunday, with a 2pm kick-off.

Town: Tyler; Long (sub Hall 46), Potts (sub Lawless 28), Cuthbert, Wilkinson, Smith, Doyle, McGeehan, Guttridge, Ruddock (sub McQuoid 49), Marriott.

Subs not used: Justham, O’Brien, Lee, McCourt.

Attendance: 8,703, including 745 from Plymouth.

http://www.lutontown.co.uk/news/article/gallery-luton-town-1-2-plymouth-argyle-2763004.aspx

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8FlhSlhPRa8

League Two: Luton Town 1 Plymouth Argyle 2

Luton Town’s recurring stoppage time nightmare came back to haunt them yet again as they were beaten by a last minute goal against leaders Plymouth this afternoon.

It had looked like Luton would leave with a battling point as they fought back from 1-0 down to level with 15 minutes remaining thanks to Josh McQuoid’s first goal for the club.

However, Ryan Hall was then shown a deserved but controversial red card for two bookings, the second stupidly kicking the ball away, with Argyle making their hosts pay, ex-Hatters Ryan Brunt applying the finishing touch from a matter of yards.

It was the fifth game already this season that Luton have been beaten at the death, meaning they have now frittered a precious six points away.

The result also means that with 15 games of the season gone, Hatters already trail their west country opponents by a hefty 13 points, are eight off the top three and also six away from even a play-off berth.

Hatters made three changes to the side with Pelly Ruddock Mpanzu in for his first start in the league for almost a year, his 50th appearance for the club too.

Luke Guttridge and Nathan Doyle also came in too as Craig Mackail-Smith missed out with injury, while Paddy McCourt and Olly Lee dropped to the bench.

The hosts made a bright start in the opening forays, instantly looking more comfortable having ditched the diamond formation, with McGeehan wide left and Ruddock Mpanzu on the right.

However, it was Argyle who should have netted on five minutes when Dan Potts’ defensive deficiencies were exposed again and Craig Tanner’s lofted cross was glanced wide by Gregg Wylde.

Ruddock Mpanzu then showed what he brings to the side, racing explosively on to Luke Wilkinson’s fine through ball and his fierce cross was too difficult for Marriott to convert.

Argyle were showing far more adventure than recent visitors to Kenilworth Road as Brunt’s volley was deflected behind by Scott Cuthbert.

From the short corner, Tanner drove to the angle of the area and his cross flicked off the top of Carl McHugh’s, beating Mark Tyler.

It was almost 2-0 moments later, Tanner’s long ranger rebounding off Tyler’s gloves, but Sean Long was there to clear up the danger.

Hatters once again struggled to create anything of note early on, with Ruddock Mpanzu running at the visitors defence and feeding Marriott, whose cross shot was turned behind by Luke McCormick.

Luton were then forced into their first change of the afternoon as Potts appeared to injure his hamstring in clearing, with Alex Lawless on and Long moving to left back.

Argyle were always a threat from range as Tanner once again let fly, Tyler parrying it out and Hiram Boateng stabbing waywardly over.

Guttridge tried something similar, his swerving attempt held by McCormick.

Hatters then resorted to going long to Marriott all too often, but he was well shackled, with the ball usually coming right back at the hosts.

Tyler made sure it was just 1-0 at the break too as once Graham Carey had cut inside Long and Jonathan Smith, the stopper making an excellent low block.

There was howls for a penalty moments before the break too as Ruddock Mpanzu’s cross hit a defender, but referee Ross Joyce gave nothing, as the Town midfielder limped to the changing rooms having collided with the hoardings.

Hatters made one change for the second period, as Hall replaced Long, slotting in at left back, but moments later, Luton were forced into a third and final change, as Ruddock Mpanzu, still suffering the effects of his collision, replaced by Josh McQuoid.

Town showed flashes of equalising as a deep cross into the box saw McGeehan beat McCormick’s punch, heading narrowly wide.

Finally, the hosts had something resembling a spell of concerted pressure, with Doyle’s instinctive 40-yarder clawed away by McCormick and Hall’s follow up cross inches too high for McQuoid.

After Plymouth had easily seen off the trouble, Hatters came again and did have the leveller this time.

A ball through the middle saw McGeehan’s snap shot draw an excellent save from McCormick, and McQuoid, who moments earlier had been too slow on his heels in the area, nodded into the empty net.

After restoring parity, Tyler made a superb stop from danger man Tanner whose mazy run and shot looked destined for the bottom corner.

Luton were then reduced to 10 men in a moment of controversy. Hall brought down Tanner when he looked to break away, but despite getting the yellow card out, official Joyce appeared to show it to Tanner of all people.

Moments later, Hall then kicked the ball away, after conceding a foul, and was shown a second yellow, so could really have no complaints about the overall decision.

Playing the the closing stages with 10 men, which was really nine and a half, with Marriott struggling manfully against injury for the final 20 minutes, proved too much for the hosts.

It was Tanner once more the mastermind as he dribbled into the box where the ball eventually found its way into the path of Brunt, who gave Tyler no chance, sealing a third home defeat for Luton.

Hatters: Mark Tyler, Sean Long (Ryan Hall 46), Dan Potts (Alex Lawless 28), Scott Cuthbert (C), Luke Wilkinson, Jonathan Smith,Nathan Doyle, Cameron McGeehan, Luke Guttridge, Pelly Ruddock Mpanzu, Jack Marriott.

Subs not used: Elliot Justham, Mark O’Brien, Paddy McCourt, Olly Lee.

Argyle: Luke McCormick, Kelvin Mellor, Gary Sawyer, Carl McHugh, Curtis Nelson (C), Peter Hartley (Lee Cox 73), Graham Carey, Gregg Wylde (Oscar Threlkeld 84), Ryan Brunt, Hiram Boateng (Josh Simpson 58), Craig Tanner.

Subs not used: Jake Jervis, Tyler Harvey, Ben Purrington, James Bittner.

Attendance: 8,703 (745 Argyle)

Booked: Doyle 42, Tanner 82, Hall 82, Hall 85.

Sent off: Hall 85.

Referee: Ross Joyce.

Still doesn’t care about Argyle loss after going for winner

Hatters boss John Still admitted he didn’t care that his side lost 2-1 to Plymouth in stoppage time this afternoon after pushing for victory despite being reduced to 10 men.

Having drawn level at 1-1 through Josh McQuoid’s first goal for the club, Luton then had Ryan Hall dismissed for two yellows with five minutes to go, the second offence, needlessly kicking the ball away.

Ryan Brunt then netted with seconds remaining as Luton were forced to play the final 20 minutes with an injured Jack Marriott having made three subs.

Still said: “We’ve got 10 men after a stupid sending off, we’re struggling with Jack.

“We were actually going to take Jack off and play with 10 as I didn’t want to make it worse. I haven’t got Craig (Mackail-Smith), haven’t got Benno (Paul Benson), and I thought what do we do? But then he gets sent off, so we can’t do it.

“But we said, lets try and win it. We pushed the full backs on, we tried to win it, we were positive, did everything we could to try and win it and we got beat, and you know what, I don’t care, as we did everything right.

“We’ve played really well, the boys are very disappointed, but they’ve no need to be, because I thought they played terrific. We got beat in the last minute, but we tried to win it and I’m happy with it.”

When asked what he thought supporters would make of the statement, Still continued: “They can say what they want, I don’t care if we lose trying to win, that’s my comment, I don’t care.

“Every game I’ve had here I try and win. We’ve never played to draw, never, we always try and win and I’m always going to try and win.

“Even with 10 men we’ll try to win so I was delighted with the attitude of the players to try and win and if people are unhappy with that, I understand that, but I’m the manager, it’s my philosophy. Every game we play we’re going to try to win.

“We tried to win today and we didn’t, but I’ve got no complaints with the performances of the players at all.”

Luton Town 1 Plymouth Argyle 2

'Here be dragons' was long ago used by not-so-intrepid explorers to mark areas of unchartered or dangerous territories on their maps.

We have now consigned these creatures to mythology...and Game of Thrones, but while enough of planet earth has been discovered to turn attentions to infinity and beyond, there's a case to say that old medieval practice of non-adventure is actually alive and well in Luton.

You see, as far as the furthest frontiers of the Kenilworth Road pitch are concerned, there may as well be fire-breathing beasties ruining Town's quest.

Other explanations are available but they contain no less mystery as to why the Hatters have been so potent on their travels but fail to go forth and conquer on home soil, or worse still, let invaders pillage late points. A team with 10 men behind the ball is one thing but league leaders Plymouth were cut from more adventurous cloth – the kind that leads teams to the Promised Land of promotion.

Luton have in their party the adventuring pioneers with the potential to reach those shores but it is going unfulfilled and even Christopher Columbus would have struggled to stumble upon the Americas if he didn't take his best crew.

Town's changed to include Nathan Doyle, Luke Guttridge and the lesser spotted Pelly Ruddock Mpanzu, for his first start in 2015 and probably his last after limping off two minutes into the second half. They offered some early hope of a more swashbuckling afternoon, but that was snuffed out by Carl McHugh's 15th minute opener.

The Hatters have not come from behind to win since their return to the Football League – a Conference victory against Dartford on April Fool's Day last year to be precise. Try as they might in the second half – Josh McQuoid breaking his duck in the 75th minute to equalise – they never looked like changing that statistic.

Yet it should have been at least a hard-fought point, but Ryan Hall was controversially dismissed five minutes from time for two quick-fire yellow cards before Ryan Brunt snatched it for the Pilgrims deep into injury time. Déjà vu for the fifth time this term. The more things change, the more they stay the same.

"We've got to be more ruthless in both boxes," was the assessment from frustrated Hatters goalie Mark Tyler.

There was little he could have done to stop Argyle's opener, which came slightly against the run of play, when McHugh nodded Craig Tanner's cross-cum-shot beyond the already committed keeper, but from there it was all they could do to survive the shots fired repeatedly across their bows.

Tyler beat away two more stinging Tanner blasts and one from Graham Carey, while Hiram Boateng lifted over the bar and Brunt was denied because of the bravery of Luke Wilkinson.

When Ruddock Mpanzu limped off early in the second half an almost palpable groan crept around the stands but it sparked a spirited surge from the hosts.

Cameron McGeehan almost levelled soon after when beat keeper Luke McCormick to a cross but headed just wide, while Nathan Doyle forced the custodian to beat away his long range dipper.

McQuoid saw Kelvin Mellor deny him just as he looked likely to score but his frustration was only momentary as the former Bournemouth ace headed into an open net after McCormick had saved from McGeehan.

Stirred into action, Plymouth romped up the other end and Luton needed Tyler to tip around the post from Tanner and suddenly it was end-to-end, but any hope that Town might nick was all but extinguished when Hall was sent off.

The half time substitute looked to have gotten away with a cynical foul on Tanner, who inexplicably appeared to be booked instead for having the temerity to get scythed down, but then the Hatter stupidly booted the ball away after play had been stopped a minute later and referee Ross Joyce flashed a yellow then red.

No-one was more surprised than Hall, but things only got worse as an unlucky ricochet allowed Brunt to bully the ball in from close range five minutes into injury time. Never mind dragons, Town keep getting their fingers burnt and one way or the other they've only themselves to blame.

Luton: Tyler, Potts (Lawless, 28), Smith, Cuthbert, McGeehan, Marriott, Ruddock Mpanzu (McQuoid, 48), Long (Hall, 45), Guttridge, Doyle, Wilkinson

Unused subs: McCourt, Justham, Lee, O'Brien

Plymouth: McCormick, Mellor, Sawyer, McHugh, Nelson, Hartley (Harvey, 73), Carey, Wylde (Threlkeld, 84), Brunt, Boateng (Simpson, 57), Tanner

Unused subs: Cox, Jervis, Purrington, Bittner

Referee: Ross Joyce

Attendance: 8,703 (745)

Manager John Still admitted he didn't care that his Luton side lost in the last minute to Plymouth Argyle as they'd gone for glory, even with ten men.

Josh McQuoid scored his first for Town in the 75th minute to cancel out Carl McHugh's 15th minute opener and it looked like either side could snatch it.

But Ryan Hall got himself sent off with five minutes remaining for two quick yellow cards and then Pilgrims striker Ryan Brunt bundled the ball in to win it 2-1 in the fifth minute of injury time.

Boss Still said: "We tried to win it, we were positive and did everything we could to try to win it and, you know what, I don't care because we did everything right. We've played really well.

"The boys are very disappointed but there's no need to be because I thought they played terrifically.

"We got beaten, last minute, but we tried to win it and I'm happy with that."

Asked if fans would be disappointed with his viewpoint, the Luton chief added: "They can say what they want. I don't care if we lose trying to win.

"Every game I've had here, we try to win. I've never played to draw, never. I'll always try to win and even with ten men we tried to win, so I was delighted with the attitude of the players to try to win.

"If people are unhappy with that I understand that, but I'm the manager, that's my philosophy. Every game we play we'll try to win. We tried to win today and we didn't, but I've got no complaints with the performance of the players at all."

It was the fifth time this term that the Hatters have conceded decisive goals at the death and this latest hammer blow has left them with three defeats and two draws from their last five outings in all competitions.

On suffering yet more late heartbreak, the manager said: "I'm not saying were unlucky because I don't believe in luck. We've done all we could do to win a game."

They are now 13 points off League Two leaders Plymouth and now six points off the play-offs after slipping to 15th in the table and Still admitted: "We should be higher. I think our performances, for a run, have been decent. Other than Crawley [a 2-1 away defeat last week] I think our performances have been decent.

"Home draws have not been good. We should be doing better. We should be getting stronger and I do believe that. I still say that we will get stronger, but this is football."