Luton Town FC vs Stockport County (12th Apr 2026)

12/04/2026 LUTON TOWN 3-1 STOCKPORT COUNTY

Town secure sensational victory to win Vertu Trophy

A superb Wells brace ensured Town would lift the Vertu Trophy at Wembley in front of over 30,000 supporters in orange

Nahki Wells’ dramatic extra-time finish was enough to secure the Vertu Trophy in a tense but entertaining 3-1 victory at Wembley Stadium.

Wells, who scored the goal to put Town ahead before half-time whistle following Emilio Lawrence’s leveller, also netted the third goal in stoppage time to send a majority of those in attendance into orange-fuelled mania and helped secure the trophy that had last been won in 2009.

It was Stockport who took the lead at Wembley when a long ball over the top allowed forward Adama Sidibeh to get through, his shot into the ground managing to get beyond James Shea just in the 11th minute.

While County looked threatening on the counter-attack, the Town performed admirably and deservedly found their leveller just 10 minutes later when Jordan Clark spotted the run of Lawrence, the youngster steadying himself with a touch before rifling his effort low between the legs of County goalkeeper Corey Addai.

With five minutes to go before the break, Kal Naismith stepped forward with a moment of quality. It was the captain who managed to pick out striker Wells on the edge of the area, the defender showed excellent composure to take a touch inside and beyond the County defender before wrong-footing Addai with a composed finish into the corner of the net.

The 45 minutes after the interval proved to be a nail-biting affair for everyone around Wembley Stadium, two great chances came and went for Stockport as Josh Stokes managed to work some space on the edge of the area before his effort whistled just past the post.

Town also needed a huge stop from Shea to preserve their lead, fully justifying Town boss Jack Wilshere’s choice to keep faith in the veteran stopper. A deep free-kick for Stockport saw the ball whipped in dangerously by Oliver Norwood, with his delivery finding Stokes once more. The header seemed destined for the back of the net before Shea reacted magnificently to tip the ball onto the bar with a wonderful one-handed save.

Minutes after the officials announced an additional 10 to play, Wells completed his brace to send Town fans into bedlam, managing to get control of the ball in the area before firing a reverse shot hard and low, beating Addai and wrapping up the game and the trophy for Town.

TOWN: Shea, Naismith, Andersen, Walsh, Odoffin, Clark, Jones (sub Morris 87), Richards (sub Lonwijk 87), Lawrence (sub Kodua 77), Palmer (sub Saville 90+7), Wells (sub Cole 90+7)

Subs not used: Al-Hamadi, Keeley

Attendance: 49,517 with 33,412 following Town

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z92h4G87Cvw – EFL behind the scenes

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dabrX-nLgRI – Match highlights

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r_DxLxS8Ilg – Jack Wilshere press conference

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3jNohbIBfF4 – Jack Wilshere post match

Vertu Trophy final: Luton Town 3 Stockport County 1

Wembley double for Wells as Luton beat Stockport to win the Vertu Trophy

Nahki Wells’ excellent brace saw Luton Town lift the Vertu Trophy for the second time in their history as they deservedly defeated League One rivals Stockport County 3-1 at Wembley Stadium this afternoon.

The 35-year-old had been a real doubt for selection ahead of the contest after going off early on against AFC Wimbledon with a groin issue on Easter Monday, but thankfully for the Hatters he was able to take his place in the starting line-up, going on to produce a clinical and match-winning display as boss Jack Wilshere won the first piece of silverware of his brief managerial career.

With Wells leading the line, the only change that Wilshere had made for the final was giving James Shea his first ever taste of playing at Wembley, the popular servant on the bench twice before in Luton and AFC Wimbledon colours, getting the nod over Josh Keeley between the posts. Easily outnumbering their opponents in the stands, Town made a bright start on the pitch, with huge appeals for a penalty turned down after just three minutes, Liam Walsh played the most delicious raking pass through the County defence for Izzy Jones who went down under a challenge by Josh Stokes, referee Martin Coy choosing to wave the appeals away.

County then got going too, as Walsh had his pocket picked in midfield which led to a break, Adama Sidibeh’s shot excellently blocked by the recovering Hakeem Odoffin. However, Luton didn’t learn the lesson as the forward did find the net on 11 minutes with Stockport's next attack, a long ball seeing the Gambian attacker have far too much pace for Mads Andersen and with Shea coming out to meet him, beat the stopper to break the deadlock.

Walsh had Town’s first attempt on target, his low effort deflecting tamely into the gloves of Corey Addai, although the giant County keeper then looked like he was beaten on 19 minutes when Naismith’s cross flicked off defender Ethan Pye’s head with Wells lurking, but cannoned against the post and away. Luton then really started to purr, with some lovely passing football on either flank, as they had their opponents well and truly on the back foot, Lawrence, who was being afforded close attention after his goal against Stockport a few weeks ago, having one attempt blocked.

The Hatters did unlock the door on 22 minutes when a misplaced pass was picked up by Jordan Clark, the midfielder, who scored here on Town’s last visit, looking immediately to his left where Lawrence had motored clear, the Manchester City loanee taking a touch and slamming through the legs of Addai. County tried to take the sting out of Town’s attack as the game quietened down for a spell, Andersen doing well to block Sidibeh’s run in the area and Kasey Palmer not quite getting his through ball right with both Richards and Wells in good positions.

The latter was then picked out by Naismith on 39 minutes after another Stockport move broke down, the skipper sending a terrific ball into the forward, whose first touch was exquisite, putting him clean through on goal, fooling Addai to fire down the middle and make it 2-1. Extremely good value for their lead, the Hatters looked to go into the break with even more of an advantage, as they might have done when Andersen headed a corner away and Jones got in front of his man to appear clean through from half-way.

Despite his speed, Ben Osborn did superbly to not just keep up with him, but then slide in to knock the ball away before he could get his shot off. Still Luton pressed, Richards’ low effort simple for Addai, Town flooding men forward once more in the closing stages, Palmer’s shot looping up into the hands of Addai. There was work for Shea late on, as Oliver Norwood, who had been kept on the periphery of the contest by an eager Town press, fired straight at him from 25 yards.

After the break, Jack Diamond put a header over from Osborn’s cross, but Luton were soon back in the ascendancy, working an opening for Jones on the right whose drive was charged down and away. Clark then had an even better opportunity on 50 minutes when the defence simply evaporated in front of him, seeing his curler slip wide of the far post, as Odoffin opted for power over accuracy from range.

A break in play with a head injury to Stockport defender Joseph Olowu seemed to lift County’s tails as after a lengthy stoppage, they started to find a head of steam, Shea fingertipping a cross away, while Odoffin blocked Norwood’s shot behind, Shea also doing well to punch the corner clear. It looked like he was going to be picking the ball out of his net on 71 minutes after a ricochet fell to an unmarked Stokes in the box but thankfully he flashed inches past the post.

A free kick gave Norwood a chance to try and replicate his goal at Kenilworth Road recently, although this time he got it wrong as it sailed into the stands. His next effort led to a quite brilliant and match-defining stop from Shea with eight minutes remaining, Stokes’ powerful header destined to make it 2-2, only for the keeper to superbly deflect it on the bar, Tanto Olaofe fortunately miskicking the rebound and Luton’s defence hacking away.

With 10 minutes of injury time added, you got the feeling it would be a nervy period for the Hatters, who had been hemmed back by Stockport for much of the second half, but those fears were all but extinguished in the opening 60 seconds. Shea was the architect, bowling the ball out to Clark, with Shayden Morris, on for Richards, escaping on the right. His cross saw Wells’ first attempt catch a defender, but there was no stopping his second, shooting low into the net as he gave his side some real breathing space.

Another replacement, Gideon Kodua almost added even more of a gloss to the scoreline, Wells doing brilliantly to win the ball and send him away on the left, his swerving shot drawing a fine save from Addai, as the stopper also parried another attempt late on. George Saville and Devante Cole came on late on to help see the match out, which they did, as the 33,000-plus supporters in the Town were able to celebrate at the home of English football once more.

Hatters: James Shea, Hakeem Odoffin, Mads Andersen, Kal Naismith (C), Izzy Jones (Shayden Morris 87), Liam Walsh, Jordan Clark, Kasey Palmer (George Saville 90), Emilio Lawrence (Gideon Kodua 77), Jake Richards (Nigel Lonwijk 87), Nahki Wells (Devante Cole 90).

Subs not used: Josh Keeley, Ali Al-Hamadi.

County: Correy Addai, Joseph Olowu (Malik Mothersille 65), Jack Diamond (Owen Dodgson 90), Tayo Edun, Ethan Pye, Kyle Wootton, Ben Osborn, Oliver Norwood ©, Odin Bailey (Louie Barry 85), Josh Stokes (Lewis Bate 85), Adama Sidibeh (Tanto Olaofe 65).

Subs not used: Ben Hinchliffe, Che Gardner.

Booked: Pye 36, Richards 76, Jones 78, Wells 90.

Referee: Martin Coy.

Attendance: 49,517.

Wilshere insists Vertu Trophy win as Luton boss tops FA Cup joy with Arsenal

Ex-Gunners midfielder wins the first trophy of his managerial career at Wembley

Luton boss Jack Wilshere insisted that winning the Vertu Trophy as manager of the Hatters was a much better feeling than lifting the FA Cup as a player with Arsenal.

The 34-year-old, who was appointed to his first senior role as Matt Bloomfield’s successor back in October, had got his hands on silverware twice at the home of English football previously, coming off the bench for the Gunners as they beat Hull City in 3-2 in 2014 and doing so again 12 months later in the 4-0 hammering of Aston Villa.

Although he didn’t actually step on to the field yesterday, taking his place in the dug-out instead as Town went up against Stockport County, Wilshere believed that masterminding Luton to the trophy for the second time in their history courtesy of a fully deserved 3-1 victory over their League One rivals, far surpassed his previous experiences at the home of English football.

He said: “It’s better and don’t get me wrong, I loved every single second of my career, especially the times when we came here and won trophies, but to do it as a coach and with the people as well is better. I genuinely mean that too as I’ve felt nothing but love since I've been here. From the board, from Gary (Sweet, chief executive), from Moons (James Mooney, operations director), from everyone.

"Everyone at the training ground, the physios, the staff, they’ve backed me and they’ve got behind me and believed in me and I couldn’t have done it without them. So to be standing there on the side of the pitch as the leader, but behind a really hard working group of people who want the best for this club it feels really good.

"When you’re a player you are selfish because your main concern is making sure you’re right, physically you’re right, mentally you’re right, technically you’re right. Then as a coach you’re job is to do that for everyone and the players most importantly, but the staff as well and empower the staff and inspire the staff to believe in you and commit themselves which they do every single day to improving the players, making sure the players have all they can and there’s more responsibility as a coach, of course there is, so I’d say that’s the biggest thing.”

Wilshere was particularly pleased with the role that the more experienced members of his squad played in seeing Luton replicate their 2009 success when beating Scunthorpe United 3-2 to win what was then the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy, with Nahki Wells scoring twice, James Shea getting the nod in goal, Jordan Clark grabbing an assist and Kal Naismith ending his first Wembley experience by lifting the trophy in front of over 30,000 Hatters fans.

He continued: “It’s a really nice feeling. Mainly I’m just happy for the players as we spoke a lot after games, before games, and at times we’ve spoken about confidence. We’ve spoken about belief, which you can’t change overnight, you have to go through and experience things, come back stronger and you need players who can help you with that.

"Nahki being one, Kal being one, Savs (George Saville), Clicker, people like that, who have had a career in the game. They know that football is a beautiful game when it’s nice and you get to play, but if you don’t have resilience and the ability to deal with adversity and come through it, then this game will eat you up. They’re so important to the other players, the young players, the Emilios (Lawrence), the Jakes (Richards), the players that are starting out in their careers and I’m just really happy for them.”

Although the game didn’t entirely go the way Luton wanted it to, having to hit back from conceding to Adama Sidibeh’s counter-attacking strike on just 11 minutes, the manner in which they went about their first half thoroughly impressed Wilshere. Not rocked by that early goal, Lawrence raced away to make it 1-1 with 22 minutes gone, Town going to be by far the better team, and good value for the lead at half time, given to them by Wells’ excellent control and strike from Naismith’s pass in the closing stages.

They could have led by more at the break too, Hakeem Odoffin heading narrowly wide, while after the interval Luton did find themselves under pressure at times, but they were able to withstand what came their way, Shea making a superb save with eight minutes to go when tipping Josh Stokes’ close range header on to the bar.

They then made sure of victory in the first minute of 10 added on through Wells, as summing up their display Wilshere added: “I was really happy. I felt really confident today when we started the game because I thought the players executed everything and you could see they were trying to do the right thing. We didn’t quite get it right all the time, especially in the first five or 10 minutes. When were attacking we were committing too many players forward and we weren’t respecting their counter-attack.

"You could see, we got caught and Haks (Hakeem Odoffin) cleared it up and then we got caught out again where they punished us. So we adjusted a couple of things with that, where we’re attacking, how many players we need to make sure are attacking and make sure we don’t get counter-attacked on. The players did, they executed it and I was confident because I knew the spaces that Stockport could leave.

"I knew that the players really understood how to attack those spaces and they did that, credit to them. At times I’ve stood here after the game and said we probably could have had a few more goals and we took those moments today so I’m really happy with that. We had a lot of control too, not always in this league do you have that, but against a team like Stockport, I think you need to have it, because if you don’t take the control, they’ll try and take control.

"We took it, we knew we were going to create chances, we spoke about a team that I respect, as they like to play and they’ve got some good footballers in (Oliver) Norwood who they try and play through, but when that’s the case, we also have an opportunity in high press where we win the ball back and our first goal came from that. There was always things in the game that you can’t control, I thought second half we probably could have done better, but we knew the importance of getting over the line. The third goal helped out with that, credit to the players as well as we suffered a bit in the second half.”

Town chief insists loyal servant Shea fully deserved his moment on the big stage

Hatters keeper makes a crucial stop in the closing stages

Luton goalkeeper James Shea thoroughly deserved his chance to finally take to the pitch at Wembley Stadium in the eyes of manager Jack Wilshere as he played a pivotal role in the Hatters’ Vertu Trophy final win over Stockport County on Sunday.

Going into the game, the selection regarding just who would take their position between the posts was one of the main talking points, Wilshere having to decide between picking Town’s 34-year-old longest servant, who had played every minute of the competition so far, or summer signing from Tottenham Hotspur, Josh Keeley.

It always seemed likely Shea would play, the former Arsenal youngster, who had been on the bench twice at the home of English football before, once for Luton during their Championship play-off success in 2023, also for AFC Wimbledon back in 2016, present for the pre-match media day on Wednesday, where he declared he was absolutely desperate to get the nod.

Start he did too, as he ran out on the hallowed turf to a wonderful ovation from the 30,000 Luton supporters, to make his 11th appearance of the season and 121st in total since arriving in July 2017. He quickly settled any nerves that might have been swirling around when commandingly claiming a high, hanging cross into the box, although his hopes of a clean sheet were ended fairly quickly, Adamah Sidibeh outpacing Mads Andersen to a ball over the top, before beating the keeper and opening the scoring on 11 minutes.

Shea’s heart might have been in his mouth when he came racing out of his area to try and prevent another attack, only to clatter the forward, but thankfully the offside flag was raised and he escaped any punishment that might have been coming his way from referee Martin Coy. Later on in the first half and with Town now 2-1 ahead thanks to goals from Emilio Lawrence and Nahki Wells, the keeper handled Oliver Norwood’s shot from range with ease as that was all County had to offer in the opening 45 minutes.

It was different in the second period, Stockport coming on far stronger as they looked for a way back into the contest, although Shea was well protected by his defence for the majority of the fixture. That was until just eight minutes remained on the clock and dangerman Norwood stepped up to deliver a free kick into the box.

It was met by Josh Stokes, who powerfully headed goalwards, appearing destined to make amends for his earlier error in the build-up to Luton’s equaliser and level the scores, only for Shea to react brilliantly, sticking out a right arm to tip the ball on to the crossbar, Isaac Olaofe fortunately unable to connect with the rebound and Hakeem Odoffin hacking the loose ball away.

The crucial stop meant that Wells’ second goal in the first 60 seconds of stoppage time gave Town some real breathing space, as discussing choosing his one-time Arsenal FA Youth Cup winning team-mate ahead of Keeley, Wilshere said: “I stick by it, he was always going to play. I didn’t tell you guys as I didn’t want to give it away, but he was always going to play and he was clear with that, Josh was clear with that. At this level I’ll say it again, I feel like you have two number ones. You need someone who pushes the guy that you pick every single day and if he slips up then he’s ready to step in.

"Josh has had an outstanding season and Sheasy’s probably been a little bit unfortunate at times but there have been games where Josh has been touch and go and we’ve gone with Sheasy because we trust him so much. Also, he deserves it for his time at the club. He probably hasn’t played the games that he wanted, but I knew how much this meant for him. It was a big stage for him, I know his family of course and they should be really proud of him as he gives everything every day and he deserves that.”

Shea also had a hand to play in the third goal as well, as it was his quick thinking that saw the stopper bowl the ball out to team-mate Jordan Clark in acres of space. The midfielder quickly advanced upfield and found substitute Shayden Morris who got past his man and picked out Wells in the area, whose first shot was block, the rebound gleefully tucked away to ensure it was Luton who would be lifting the trophy.

On the part his keeper had, and that of Morris too, Wilshere added: “He’s also good with his feet and he understands the game. He’s a good footballer, he loves football, he watches the game, he studies the game, and credit to Shayden as well as Shayden has been out of the team recently. It’s been tough for him because the teams been doing so well and Jake’s (Richards) been playing well on the right, scoring goals, making goals, and we haven’t used Shayden as much over the last few games.

"We’re still working with him, he’s still training really well. When he came on the pitch, I thought he made an impact, set up the goal, defensively I thought he was good, Nigel (Lonwijk) behind him too. We wanted to change that right side because I felt like they were getting a little bit of joy on the pitch, but the players that came on the pitch, again, like Monday (against AFC Wimbledon), helped us see it through.”

Hatters chief happy to give Luton fans something to celebrate at Wembley

Town show up in their numbers at Wembley

Luton boss Jack Wilshere was thrilled to give the Hatters’ fans something to celebrate after a tough few years with victory in the Vertu Trophy final over Stockport County on Sunday.

The last time Town’s supporters headed to the home of English football, it was to witness their side beat Coventry City 6-5 on penalties to win the Championship play-off final and take their place among the elite by reaching the Premier League. Not many there on the day would have expected the next time they graced the home of English football it would have been in a competition for League One, League Two and Premier League U21 sides, but having tumbled out of the top flight and then the Championship in successive seasons, that was indeed the case.

Although it hasn’t been anywhere near the campaign that supporters wanted, with hopes of even getting into the play-offs hanging by a few threads, over 33,000 still made their way up Wembley Way in anticipation of silverware, and were treated to an excellent display from their side who were excellent value for their 3-1 victory.

They had to do it the hard way too, in what was a hugely entertaining affair, falling behind on 11 minutes to Adamah Sidibeh’s breakaway strike, but hit back to lead 2-1 at the break thanks to goals from Emilio Lawrence and Nahki Wells. Keeper James Shea then made a superb save in the closing stages of the contest to keep Town in front, before Wells bagged a third in the first minute of stoppage time to seal the victory, ensuing the Hatters’ supporters got to celebrate their second successive victory at the national stadium.

Discussing just what how proud he was to give Luton’s supporters something to cheer about, Wilshere said: “We’re not where we want to be and we understand that, but also you can see how much this club means to the fans. The support we had today and the support we’ve had all season, I’ve said so many times that I understand their frustrations. Sometimes in some games they haven’t always seen what they want to see, but it’s never been through a want of trying.

"The players are all in to try and turn this around, to try and get back up the leagues, to try and get us more consistent, and we need the fans. Any club, especially this club because of where it’s been and the support it has and how much it means to so many people, they need to see that you’re winning games. They want to win trophies, fans want that and the players delivered that, so I’m really happy for the players, but also really happy for the supporters as it hasn’t always been easy for them.”

Just viewing the wall of orange behind the goal to his left was a joy to Wilshere as well, the Hatters’ contingent easily outnumbering those who had come down from Edgeley Park, particularly having had such a tough time of it on the pitch in the last two seasons, as he continued: “This club, for years and years they’ve had that (level of support). It’s a big club and it means so much to so many people, especially around the town.

"I’m really happy for them as they’ve had a tough few years. Three years ago the high of getting to the Premier League and then a tough few years of dropping down the leagues. To get double relegation has been tough and they deserve days like this because of the support they give, because of the love they have. They keep coming to the Kenny to support us, I keep getting loads of positive messages about the club and they deserve that today.”

While the supporters were able to go and enjoy the victory in the various establishments around London and back in Bedfordshire afterwards, it was a bit different for the players, who have a home game against Northampton Town to prepare for. Asked what his charges would get up to, Wilshere stated: “A little one (celebration), a small one.

"As I think that’s important as well, that the players, the staff, they spend time together, they spend time with families, because we ask their dad or their husband or whatever they are to them, their son, to give up a lot. Being a footballer and having a career in this game is a 24/7 thing where you always have to be ready, you always have to commit yourself, you have to make sacrifices. Then when you win things you have to spend time with your family because they deserve it as well."

Wilshere was also fairly emotional at the full time whistle when the job was done, shaking hands with opposite number David Challinor and then quickly embracing assistant boss Chris Powell before making his way over to the throngs of Luton supporters. Asked about his immediate feelings, he added: “I was (emotional), you sacrifice a lot.

"I’ve got four young kids and an amazing wife, who they also have to sacrifice a lot and they have to commit a lot. We’re not where we want to be, but it’s a big step and it’s a nice feeling, as all of the hard work that you put in and the hours you sacrifice you can kind of see that you're on the right track. There’s going to be more adversity that we’re going to face, but we have to enjoy today.”

Luton's two-goal hero reveals it was a 'miracle' he was able to make Wembley final

Striker had been a huge doubt with groin issue

Hatters’ two-goal hero Nahki Wells revealed it was something of a ‘miracle’ that he was able to take to the field at Wembley at all yesterday, let alone score the double that saw Luton lift the Vertu Trophy when beating Stockport County 3-1.

The 35-year-old had been a serious doubt for the fixture after going off just six days earlier in the opening 15 minutes of Town’s League One fixture at AFC Wimbledon with what was diagnosed as a groin strain. Having treatment on it all week and barely venturing out for training at the Brache, Wells was then somewhat surprisingly named in the side at the home of English football to take on the division’s other Hatters.

Clearly concerned by just how things would go, boss Jack Wilshere named two strikers on the bench in Devante Cole and Ali Al-Hamadi, but he needn’t have been worried, as the forward looked strong from the word go, on target in either half to ensure Town lifted the trophy for the second time in their history.

Asked just how touch and go he was to not starting, Wells told BBC Three Counties Radio: "Close, I don't think I’ve ever been into a football match where I've had such uncertainty on how the game will go. I've been very lucky and fortunate in my career to be quite healthy for large parts, but today was a tough one, that's no surprise and a big, big credit to the support staff, the physios, the doctors to get me right as the last two weeks, I probably trained once.

"I knew I was playing this morning, but if you asked me a day ago I wouldn't have been so certain. Today was about trying to battle through whatever adversity and difficulties as in moments like this you always find a way. I woke up and I felt as ready and rejuvenated as much as I possibly can. I've done as much prep as I can to help get me to that and accomplish 90 minutes, and after the few weeks I’ve had, it almost feels like a miracle, but a higher power has definitely played its part.”

Having seen Stockport move 1-0 ahead with a breakaway finish early on, Wells almost had a chance to draw his side level, Kal Naismith’s wonderful cross from the left seeing Josh Stokes get there just ahead of him to flick a diving header against his own post. However, it was then 1-1 soon afterwards when Emilio Lawrence burst clear to fire through the legs of Corey Addai, before Wells got his moment on 39 minutes, brilliantly taking another terrific Naismith pass out of the air with an exquisite first touch and then sending Addai the wrong way to find the net.

On his strike, the forward continued: “The first one is I’ve just got a really good touch, something I wish I could do more often, but it's all about that. It's fallen into my path and the second bit’s the easy bit, just putting it away. I’m just grateful, happy to do that as it really gave us a lift. Big, big credit to Emilio who got the first as that shifted the momentum and then mine’s put us in front. Everything came full circle and I just felt like we were at it today and we weren't going to let it slip from that moment.”

Any thoughts about his capacity to keep going in the second period were put to one side as despite Town being under the cosh at times, he still appeared fresh and was able to occupy the County centre halves. With the 90 up and into the first of 10 minutes added on by referee Martin Coy, Wells’ stamina was rewarded, picked out by substitute Shayden Morris, as his first shot was blocked, but not the second, firing past Addai to make sure of victory.

He continued: “This season has been one of them, a lot of games haven't ended like that as we haven't had that killer instinct. We haven't gone and solidified the game and we’ve had to ride out to the last second or we've conceded, but experienced from the occasions and from the trauma that we've had this year, us being able to really go to the end. Thankfully it dropped and I was able to get the goal as at that point that was when I really believed, okay we've done it. Up until then we had to deal with a lot and credit to them, they went to the very end.”

Wells had gone into the game with three appearances at the home of English football behind him, two memorable and one less so. The striker had been part of a Bradford City side who were thumped 5-0 in the Capital One Cup final by Swansea City in February 2013, although did then score in the Bantams 3-0 League Two play-off final victory over Northampton Town a few months later.

He was also part of Huddersfield Town’s Championship play-off final victory over Reading on penalties in 2017, as on what it meant to lift the trophy with Luton, he said: “I’ve been here in the Capital One Cup final and it’s gone significantly wrong, but that was a great achievement for a League Two side. Then League Two promotion, scoring, Championship play-off, because that’s the pinnacle of all our careers, trying to get to the Premier League, that one was amazing. I didn’t score in that, but today is up there. A couple of goals at Wembley, lifting a trophy, a real high and a big day in my life and my career.”

Meanwhile, Hatters chief Wilshere admitted he owed his forward, who is now up to nine goals for the campaign, a debt of gratitude for putting himself up for selection and delivering the goods, as he added: “I’m really happy for him and I’m really grateful to him because he didn’t train this week. He came off on Monday with a tight groin, he trained a little bit yesterday and we wanted to wait for him for his experience, his know-how, his ability to lead the group.

"He’s probably by his own admission not scored the goals he wanted, but I’ve spoken so many times about how much more he brings. Of course we want him to add goals and he got that today, but he’s a leader and his energy around the place, we’re really grateful for that. His first was a top goal. I’ve always said it about Kal, he’s a good footballer, he’s a really good footballer, and he can play. At times he’s made some wrong decisions this season, but I completely trust him when he’s driving forward and he’s got the ball at his feet.

"He’s got a lovely left foot, then to find Nahki and Nahki for his first touch to set it up like he did and have the composure to give the goalie the eyes and put it in was a top goal. That was in my opinion a top number nine goal as he understood that it wasn’t an easy ball to control, then he had to control it, and the quicker he did that the more time he had to set himself. It was a top finish but a top pass as well and you could see how much it meant to them.”

Luton keeper Shea labels brilliant Stockport save as the 'best' of his entire career

Town keeper makes a brilliant stop late on at Wembley

A thoroughly elated Hatters goalkeeper James Shea labelled his stunning save against Stockport County in the Vertu Trophy final victory at Wembley Stadium on Sunday as without doubt the ‘best’ of his long career.

With eight minutes remaining at the home of English football, County won a free kick that saw Oliver Norwood, who had scored from a similar position against Town in the 1-1 league draw at Kenilworth Road last month, standing over the ball. Having put an earlier attempt over the bar, Shea was in two minds over what was coming his way, as this time, the former Northern Ireland international swung a cross in which saw Josh Stokes meet it powerfully, sending a header goalwards that appeared to be flashing under the woodwork, with Odin Bailey already celebrating.

However, they hadn’t banked on the reflexes of the former Arsenal stopper, who threw himself to his right and fingertipped the ball onto the woodwork, making a quite superb stop. He did get a slight element of fortune, as when it bounced back down, Isaac Olaofe was unable to turn in the rebound, with Hakeem Odoffin clearing the danger as crucially it remained 2-1 to Luton.

Having played 121 times for Town, with just under 250 outings throughout his time as a professional, asked about his heroics, Shea said: “The main thing was we won the game, but to be able to contribute to it was fantastic. Yes, 100 percent, hands down, at the time I thought, cor, that was the best save I've ever made! I’ve made a few, but I don't think anything will compare to that. I'm not going to lie, I’ve probably seen my save about 60 times I’d say.

"It was a great feeling, great to be able to show people what I'm about and to leave my mark on the game, that's the biggest thing. The timing of everything, it just added to it even more. After the game my brother came to me, and said, ‘did you mean to save it?’ I said, ‘of course I meant to save it!’ I don't think he realised I actually saved it, I think he thought it hit the crossbar straight away. It's what dreams are made of. I was desperate for us to win, but to be able to contribute at a big moment, it’s what you live for. It’s all the hours you put in just for that one save, to be able to do something, to show what I’m about still, I was over the moon.”

When the set-piece had originally been set up, with Norwood lining things up, questioned as to exactly what was running through his mind, Shea continued: “I’m not going to lie, at first I’m thinking he might shoot, that's what’s going through my head, because he has done it a few times this year. So I was thinking, just be ready for this, I've got to get set and see what happens,

"Then the boy’s headed it, I’ve managed to make a save, get it on to the crossbar and then got my bit of luck when it fell to their player, he miskicked it and we managed to clear it. That is my job to try and make saves and it was a big moment, but that's what I'm there to do. Thankfully we went and got the third goal just to put the icing on the cake.”

Before Shea made that save, he had been enjoying a fairly quiet afternoon, as playing at Wembley for the first time in his career, he did well early on claim a high, hanging cross into the box and settle any nerves, before being breached on 11 minutes when Adamah Sidibeh outpaced Mads Andersen to fire past him.

On the beginning to the contest, he said: “It (the cross) wasn't an easy one, he got some height on it, it’s one of the hard ones as you've got time to think about it. I’ve gone up and thankfully I managed to hold on to it as it just puts you into the game nicely. Then it’s a good ball over the top, we got sucked in a little bit and what's killed me the most is he's hit into the ground and it's bounced up over my shoulder. I want him to hit it clean and if he hits it clean, it probably hits me, but he’s kind of scuffed it into the ground.”

Eager to prevent that happening again, Shea did then come racing out of his box when Sidibeh looked to speed away again, completely cleaning the attacker out after beating beaten to the ball. Thankfully for the ex-Arsenal youngster, the offside flag was quickly raised, meaning he escaped any punishment from referee Martin Coy.

However, Shea wasn’t worried his dream of playing at the home of English football was going to turn into a nightmare, saying: “You know what, I wasn't to be fair. I actually thought I was going to get there first, but he's rapid, he got there just before me and I've taken him out. I’ve looked up and seen he’s given offside.

"When the player was down, the ref came over and I actually asked him, if it wasn't offside, what would it have been? He said it would just have been a yellow card, so I wasn't worried as I knew he took a big touch and it was going away from goal anyway. I knew Kal (Naismith) was recovering and the defenders were recovering, so I never felt in trouble of getting sent off. I thought it would be caution and that would be it.”

After the break, and Luton leading 2-1, Shea had felt quite comfortable between the posts, with his defence doing a sterling job in keeping out the County attackers whenever they got the ball wide, which eventually allowed Nahki Wells to make the result save with a third goal in stoppage time. He said: “I thought we were brilliant, we were absolutely brilliant (in the first half).

"We showed everything that we were about and then you know second half they’re going to come out a bit more and we’ve got a lead to defend, so you knew they would have more possession, but I never felt in danger if I’m honest with you. I thought Mads (Andersen), Haks, Kal (Naismith) and even Izzy (Jones), put their bodies on the line when they had to defend the crosses as we knew that was going to be a big threat from them and I thought the back four was fantastic.”

Since making the save, Shea has seen his social media and phone blow up in the way that it did when he made his Premier League debut in the closing stages of the 4-2 home loss against Fulham back in May 2024. To get so many good wishes from supporters and his former team-mates as well was a real boost for the keeper, who said: “The messages I’ve got is incredible. One of the main things that I love, is yes, we won, but how pleased everyone was for me.

"I had the same when I came on in the Prem a few years ago, how pleased everyone was for me, that's massive for me. The messages I’ve got, the boys coming up to me after, I’m over the moon. I’ve had a message from Chongy (Tahith Chong) this morning, ex-players who have been here, I had a message from Hylts (Danny Hylton), so it really does mean a lot to me, it does. When it’s all said and done you look back at these moments and see what you've been able to accomplish, what you’ve won and no-one will ever be able to take that away from us.”