Luton Town FC vs Plymouth Argyle (25th Feb 2017)

PUBLISHED 18:30 25th February 2017 Birthday boy Hylton nets, but Tanner spoils the party

LUTON TOWN 1 (Hylton 8)

PLYMOUTH ARGYLE 1 (Tanner 25)

Att: 9,124 (1,027 away)

Top scorer Danny Hylton celebrated his 28th birthday with his 19th goal of the season against Plymouth this afternoon – but the Hatters had to settle for a single point from one of the top sides in Sky Bet League Two for the second successive week.

Hylton gave the Town an early lead with a stunning counter-attacking goal he started himself by heading clear inside his own penalty area and racing forward to collect a pass from Pelly-Ruddock Mpanzu, before lobbing a beauty into the roof of the Argyle net.

But just like last week at table-toppers Doncaster, Nathan Jones’ boys were pegged back by a 25th-minute equaliser from second-placed Plymouth’s wide man Craig Tanner, and although the Hatters dominated the second half, they couldn’t find a winner and drop a place in the table to fifth, with Portsmouth winning 3-0 at Carlisle.

Jones initially named an unchanged side following last week’s 1-1 draw at Donny, but was forced into a late alteration when Stephen O’Donnell suffered an injury in the warm-up and James Justin came in at right-back, two days after a birthday of his own – his 19th!

The Hatters started brightly and had a penalty appeal waved away in the third minute when Isaac Vassell went on a strong run down the left and cut inside, only to be challenged by centre-half Sonny Bradley.

Town calls for a spot-kick were waved away by referee Darren Drysdale, who instead pointed for a corner, from which Jonathan Smith saw a volley drift just wide of the far post.

Hylton was next to make inroads down the left, but his low cross was cleared by an Argyle defence who were coming under some intense early pressure.

It was from a Plymouth set-piece, however, that the Town broke away to take the lead, Hylton heading Graham Carey’s centre clear and Mpanzu winning possession just outside the area before racing down the right and floating a delightful ball into the middle for Hylton.

The birthday boy still had a lot to do, but he took the ball on his chest 18 yards out and lifted it over the onrushing Argyle goalkeeper Luke McCormick with his outstretched boot for a wonderful breakaway goal.

The next chance came in the 11th minute after another surge down the left by Vassell, the Hatters working the ball back inside for Mpanzu to fire a powerful 25-yard volley that McCormick had to be alert to keep out.

Argyle’s first attempt on goal came in the 23rd minute, but Antoni Sarcevic’s volleyed effort was deflected well off target by his own team-mate Ryan Taylor, just before Justin burst down the right and saw a dangerous looking cross go just over the bar and land on the roof of the net.

The visitors were level two minutes later, however, when Carey broke down the left and crossed low for Tanner to nip in at the near post and net from close range.

Centre-half Yann Songo’o got his head to a corner soon after, but Matt Macey gathered comfortably, and Hylton was on the prowl at the other end, taking a curling ball from Cook on his chest and fashioning a chance for himself to fire low across the six-yard box, but McCormick saved low with Vassell lurking.

Mpanzu was playing well and, once again dictating play, fed Senior who whipped in an inviting left-wing cross that was an inch too high for Vassell, but almost caught out Carey at the far post, the Argyle midfielder’s header behind narrowly missing the stanchion.

Jordan Cook soon joined Smith, who had been booked for a foul on Carey in the opening stages, in referee Drysdale’s notepad for a late challenge on David Fox, and a midfield battle took it through to half-time at 1-1.

The Town started the second half as they had the first, on the front foot with Justin racing to the right byline, but his chipped cross hit the top of the crossbar on this occasion before drifting behind.

Argyle looked to get in at the other end with the dangerous Carey pulling the strings, Smith eventually halting his run in the six-yard box with a perfectly timed challenge.

Hylton and Mpanzu linked up in the 57th minute to set Cook tearing towards the byline, but the ex-Walsall man’s low cross was cut out by Oscar Threlkeld, then Mpanzu whipped a terrific ball towards the far post, where Hylton couldn’t climb high enough to get his head on it.

Just after the hour, Smith did well on the right to cut inside and feed Hylton, but McCormick was once again equal to the leading scorer’s right-footed cross-shot.

It was to be Smith’s last involvement, Jones taking the midfielder and Vassell off for Luke Gambin and Ollie Palmer, and it was the latter who won the corner that led to the Town’s next chance, although captain Scott Cuthbert’s looping header from Sheehan’s right-wing delivery was always going to be too high.

Plymouth went close in the 74th minute when a long ball into the Town box reached Taylor, and his low shot deflected off Rea into the side-netting, then Bradley’s flicked header from a right-wing corner drifted just over.

Justin was soon raiding down the right again, but a back-pedalling Hylton couldn’t generate enough power in his header to trouble McCormick, who was quick off his line moments later to claim another cross from Senior after good hold-up play by Palmer.

In an attacking move, Jones took Senior off with a little over ten minutes to go and threw Jack Marriott into a three-pronged attack, with Rea dropping into the middle of three centre-halves and Gambin and Justin moving wide in a four-man midfield.

In the 83rd minute, Marriott looked to be impeded as he tried to race onto a ball over the top by Palmer, then – in the 87th – Hylton clipped a lovely ball through for the Leyton Orient loanee, but Threlkeld produced a brave diving header to clear the danger as Palmer prepared to pull the trigger.

It was all Luton by this stage, and after another dangerous break down the left in which Argyle struggled to clear a Gambin cross, Marriott teed up Cook to deliver a lovely outswinging cross that was just too high for both Hylton and Palmer racing in at the far post.

There was only going to be one winner, if there was one, but the Town – one loss in 11 in all competitions now and half-a-dozen without defeat – couldn’t find a way through and had to settle for taking four points from six this season from both of the current top two teams.

TOWN: Macey, Justin, Cuthbert (c), Sheehan, Senior (Marriott 79), Rea, Smith (Gambin 62), Mpanzu, Cook, Hylton, Vassell (Palmer 62). Subs not used: Mullins, D'Ath, Gray, Moore (GK)

Yellows: Smith, Cook

PLYMOUTH: McCormick (c), Sawyer, Songo'o, Sarcevic, Carey, Bradley, Kennedy (Donaldson 69), Threlkeld, Taylor, Fox (Sokolik 46), Tanner (Spencer 65). Subs not used: Bulvitis, Slew, Jervis, Dorel (GK)

REFEREE: Darren Drysdale

http://www.lutontown.co.uk/news/article/2016-17/luton-town-football-league-two-plymouth-argyle-3591707.aspx

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EcuCDDEjS3g

PUBLISHED 18:12 25th February 2017 The Town boss thought his side should have taken all three points

Hatters boss Nathan Jones was left disappointed as his side took a point against Plymouth Argyle in a match that the Town dominated for long spells.

Danny Hylton’s wonderful finish after a break from inside his own box gave his team the lead with eight minutes on the clock, before the visitors equalised through Craig Tanner’s tap in 17 minutes later.

That point on the back of the draw at Doncaster means Jones’ team have taken four points off both the top two teams in Sky Bet League Two, but the Hatters gaffer felt his side should have taken all three available this afternoon.

He said: “I am disappointed really. I thought we were the better side. We started magnificently well and then didn’t really capitalise and continue that.

“As soon as we got the goal, we tend to drop off a little bit and that allowed them to take a breath, because we really had them on the ropes at that time.

“We are very disappointed with the goal, but our second half performance was superb. The only thing we couldn’t do was get the ball in the net.

“In terms of performance levels I am very proud of them. We showed what a good side we are, what a strong, good side we are. It’s just I am disappointed we didn’t get all three points.

“We are a good counter attacking side, we have shown that, this season we have been very good. It was a wonderful counter attacking goal and a good finish, and we expect that from Danny.”

League Two: Luton Town 1 Plymouth Argyle 1

Despite plenty of huff and no little puff, Luton just couldn't make further inroads on the division's top two in this afternoon after being held to a 1-1 draw by Plymouth.

Coming into the game on the back of an identical scoreline at Doncaster, this was a real opportunity for the Hatters to claw back some ground on Argyle, who started eight points clear of Nathan Jones' side.

However, despite an engrossing first half in which Luton took an early lead through top scorer Danny Hylton's superb finish, they were pegged back by Craig Tanner's close-range strike midway through.

The second period then never really came to life, with Argyle quite rightly accepting a draw would be more than enough to keep Town at arm's length, while Luton couldn't break down a defence that has been virtually watertight on their travels this term.

Although it now looks like the top two places will prove beyond the Hatters, despite Doncaster being held by Accrington, Carlisle's 3-0 home defeat to Portsmouth did see Jones' side cut the gap to four points on third, despite being leapfrogged by Pompey in the process.

The hosts were unchanged when the teams were announced, only for full back Stephen O'Donnell to pull up injured in the warm-up, the third time it's happened to Luton this term and was replaced by James Justin.

Hatters should have had a penalty inside five minutes as former Argyle striker Isaac Vassell picked the pocket of Yann Songo'o and was clipped in the area by Sonny Bradley, with referee Darren Drysdale awarding a corner, despite the centre half getting none of the ball.

However, Luton did have the lead on eight minutes when Pelly-Ruddock Mpanzu burst from deep and clipped the ball over the top for Hylton, who did superbly under pressure to bring it down and then poke over keeper Luke McCormick.

Mpanzu then went alone from distance, McCormick gathering his volley at the second attempt, as Hatters seemed content to allow their visitors to have the ball and try to counter through the blistering pace of Vassell.

The visitors were level on 26 minutes though when an exquisite backheel by Ryan Taylor was taken up by Graham Carey and his low cross was perfect for Tanner to turn home from close range.

Plymouth threatened briefly, Songo'o's header easy for Macey, before Luton went close, Hylton's angled drive gathered by McCormick.

After a first period that was engrossing for the 9,124 inside Kenilworth Road, just short of a season's high, the second period began well too, Bradley clearing Jordan Cook's low cross before Hylton could pounce.

Hylton almost had his second from Mpanzu's eagle-eyed vision too, just unable to climb high enough to convert the midfielder's deep cross at the far post and then forced McCormick to palm away his cross-shot moments later..

Taylor came close for the visitors on 73 minutes, his shot deflecting into the side-netting, with Sonny Bradley glancing over the top.

It appeared Hatters were only going to score through Hylton, the forward's header was grabbed on the line by McCormick, as although Jones threw on Ollie Palmer and Luke Gambin, they couldn't really affect the game as he would have liked, with Argyle giving little or nothing away.

Jones then made his last throw of the dice with Jack Marriott on for Jack Senior, going for a front three in the final 10 minutes.

Hylton almost put Palmer through but Oscar Threlkeld came out of nowhere to save the day with a full length diving header, typifying the visitors' defensive qualities.

With three minutes to go, Hatters finally opened up the visiting back-line as Cook's lovely cross was just missed by Hylton, with Palmer unable to apply the finishing touch at the back post.

Argyle almost grabbed a bonus winner, forcing two corners late on, but Drysdale's whistle blew before the second could be taken, with both sides sharing the spoils.

Hatters: Matt Macey, James Justin, Jack Senior (Jack Marriott 78), Scott Cuthbert (C), Alan Sheehan, Glen Rea, Pelly-Ruddock Mpanzu, Jonathan Smith (Luke Gambin 62), Jordan Cook, Isaac Vassell (Ollie Palmer 62), Danny Hylton.

Subs not used: Stuart Moore, Lawson D'Ath, Johnny Mullins, Jake Gray.

Argyle: Luke McCormick, Gary Sawyer, Yann Songo'o, Graham Carey, Sonny Bradley, Matthew Kennedy (Ryan Donaldson 69), Oscar Threlkeld, Ryan Taylor, David Fox (Jakub Sokolik 46), Craig Tanner (James Spencer 65).

Subs not used: Nauros Bulvitis, Jordan Slew, Jake Jervis, Vincent Dorel.

Booked: Smith 17, Cook 43.

Attendance: 9,124 (1,027 Argyle)

Referee: Darren Drysdale

Hatters MOM: Pelly-Ruddock Mpanzu. Midfielder kept prodding away to try and open Argyle up.

Hatters boss Nathan Jones was left ultimately disappointed that his side couldn’t make further inroads into the top two after being held to a 1-1 draw at Kenilworth Road by Plymouth Argyle yesterday.

Leading scorer Danny Hylton had given Luton the perfect start, scoring after just eight minutes, only for Craig Tanner to equalise midway through the first period.

Town then couldn’t break through the Argyle defence again during the second half, as they remained eight points behind the Pilgrims and 11 away from leaders Doncaster, held 2-2 by Accrington.

Despite dropping down to fifth, Luton did reduce the deficit to four points on Carlisle in third after they lost 3-0 to Portsmouth and Jones said: “I'm disappointed really as I thought we were the better side.

"We started magnificently well and then didn't really capitalise and continue that. As soon as we got the goal, we tended to drop off a little bit and it allowed them to take a breath as we really had them on the ropes at that time.

“We gave one or two free kicks away to allow them to have a little bit of respite and then they scored out of absolutely nothing.

"We're very disappointed with their goal, but the second half performance was superb, it's just the only thing we couldn't do was put the ball in the net.

"In terms of performance levels I'm very proud of them, we showed what a real strong, good side we are, I'm just disappointed that we didn't get all three points.

"We did enough second half to have created a clear-cut chance that should have won us the game and that’s the only thing I’m disappointed and I’ve said to them in there.”

Hatters have now taken on the top two in consecutive weekends, and more than held their own during successive 1-1 draws, as Jones felt it showed just what a good outfit Town have become.

He continued: “It’s hard to be too down and too critical as Plymouth are second in the league. We’ve played the top two and we were the better side on both occasions, so we’re in a good place.

"It’s just we really could have made inroads into that top three this week and that’s the only thing we’re disappointed with, but we go again.

"We’ve got to keep going, keep finding the three points that’s going to push us up the league as there’s a lot to play for. It's a big week, but performance-wise and health-wise, we’re in a real, real good place, we really are.

"It’s hard to be disappointed. I want us to win games, want us to have a killer, ruthless streak about us that if we’d had that today and demonstrated that tiny bit of quality, then we would have won the game as we were the better side today. I don’t think there’s any argument about it, we were the better side."

Luton Town 1 Plymouth Argyle 1

OPPORTUNITY knocked but Luton missed the call, again.

For a club that desperately want a top three finish they keep on passing the chance to smash through that glass ceiling.

A second consecutive must-win match against high-flying League Two rivals brought another 1-1 result and, with this stalemate against Plymouth, a flat feeling, not least because Portsmouth beat third-placed Carlisle 3-0 to leapfrog Luton into fourth.

And though Town are a point closer to the Cumbrians, with the deficit now reduced to four points, the time continues to tick, while the feeling nags ever more incessantly that they might just have to make club history and win promotion in a way they've never managed before – through the play-offs.

They're not at that resigned stage yet and performances certainly don't merit it, but days and results like this don't help.

Hatters manager Nathan Jones said: "We did enough in the second half to have created a clear-cut chance that should've won us the game and that's the only thing I'm disappointed with.

"It's hard to be too down or too critical because Plymouth are second in the league. We've played the top two in consecutive weeks and should've won both games. We were the better side on both occasions last week and this week, so we're in a good place, it's just that we really should've made inroads into that top three this week and that's the only thing I'm disappointed with."

That aim had been given an adrenaline boost with a magnificent eighth-minute finish from Danny Hylton – claiming his 19th goal of a stellar personal campaign on his 28th birthday – but the hosts could not press home their early advantage.

Argyle levelled on 25 minutes through Craig Tanner and then, in the second half, showed no ambition. They didn't need to. They're in second place and looking good to go up without hassle. How Luton would love to be at this stage of the season, able to sit tight for a point.

Too often they have had to settle for just that. Twelve times this term, to be precise.

In reality, though the Hatters – finishing with three strikers on the pitch – did all the pressing in the last half an hour, they rarely looked like breaking down a defence that had expertly shut out Liverpool at Anfield last month and taken the Premier League big boys to an FA Cup third round replay.

Substitute Ollie Palmer had the one good chance to win it late in the game but Jordan Cook's cross evaded the head of Hylton and then skipped away from the Leyton Orient loanee at the back stick.

Initially Luton had named an unchanged side but then right back Stephen O'Donnell injured his ankle in the warm-up, which saw James Justin – who turned 19 on Thursday – promoted from the bench.

But it signalled a fast start from the hosts who took the lead when Pelly-Ruddock Mpanzu burst from deep inside his own box and dinked to Hylton who had a lot of work to carve out the chance. The frontman has been magic most of the season and he sprinkled some stardust on the situation, bringing the ball down on his chest, holding off his marker and poking high over on-rushing keeper Luke McCormick.

The visitors hogged the possession after that without causing the Hatters much trouble until the 25th minute when Ryan Taylor back-heeled to Graham Carey, whose low drilled cross invited Craig Tanner squeeze in at the near post to level.

Plymouth had the bar minimum they came for and Luton really only began to respond around the hour mark when an exquisite dummy from Hylton to Mpanzu got bums off seats before Bradley hacked clear Cook's dangerous cross.

McCormick beat away a Hylton shot before the goalscorer almost put Palmer through. Both strikers then failed to make a connection with Town's big chance late on, which was representative of an even bigger opportunity missed.

Luton: Macey, Justin, Smith (Gambin, 62), Cuthbert, Hylton, Cook, Rea, Mpanzu, Vassell (Palmer, 62), Senior (Marriott, 79), Sheehan Unused subs: Moore, Mullins, D'Ath, Gray

Plymouth: McCormick, Sawyer, Songo'o, Sarcevic, Carey, Bradley, Kennedy (Donaldson, 69), Threlkeld, Taylor, Fox (Sokolik, 45), Tanner (Spencer, 65) Unused subs: Bulvitis, Slew, Jervis, Dorel

Referee: Darren Drysdale

Attendance: 9,124 (1,027)

Luton Town: Hylton left to rue 'missed opportunity'

DANNY Hylton had his birthday party pooped by a 1-1 draw against second-placed Plymouth, which he confessed was a 'missed opportunity' in Luton's quest for a top three finish.

The point actually drew Town closer to third place, with Carlisle's defeat to Portsmouth reducing that League Two gap to four points, but the last seven days could have been so much better for the Hatters who have now come away from consecutive must-win matches against division's top two with the same disappointing draw in each.

Despite marking his 28th birthday with a fine finish for his 19th of the season, Hylton said afterwards: "I think it was another missed opportunity. I thought we were better than them. I thought it was a game we should have won.

"We scored and sat back a little bit, waited for them to score and then we came back out and played. We had a few chances, or half chances, and it was just unfortunate that we couldn't get the second."

It was Luton's 12th draw of the campaign and asked why the side keep outplaying teams but missing opportunities to take all three points and then make ground on the automatic promotion places, Hylton said: "That's the million dollar question isn't it? I don't know. We'll just keep doing what we do.

"We're not getting outplayed, we're not getting out-muscled and we're not coming off the pitch thinking anyone is better than us and in the last two games we've played first and second, so we're doing something right.

"We're just missing that little something, but I'm sure it will come and I'm sure we'll start turning those draws into wins."

But with Pompey leapfrogging Luton into fourth it's now looking like a scrap for the final automatic promotion spot, particular as Town are now eight points off Argyle and 11 from last week's opponents Doncaster, at the league's summit.

Hylton said: "I couldn't care if we come first, second or third. If we get in the automatics then I'm delighted. If we finish third, I'll celebrate the same way I would if we finish first."