Penalty misfortune as Luton exit the Carabao Cup
Luton Town travelled to West London on Tuesday evening to take on QPR in the Carabao Cup. Luton, yet to win this season, set up strong with Morris and Adebayo up top, the returning Marvelous Nakamba in the middle and Reece Burke also getting his first minutes of the season, in defence.
Another slow start from the Hatters saw them fall behind after just eleven minutes after Hevertton Santos was quickest to react to a rebound, following a Thomas Kaminski save.
Five minutes later, Luton found themselves level after a moment of brilliance from youngster Zack Nelson. A corner by Alfie Doughty was flicked on by Town captain, Carlton Morris, the ball fell to Nelson on the edge of the area and he fired it goalwards, on the half-volley and into the back of the net. Not a bad way to get your first senior goal!
Following the goal there was not to much goalmouth action from either sides, who went into the break level, with a goal apiece.
Rob Edwards made three changes at the break, Nakamba was replaced by new signing Liam Walsh. Defensive duo, Reece Burke and Amari’I Bell also made way at the break for Mads Andersen & Tom Holmes.
10 minutes into the second half and Luton were inches away from going into the lead, but for an incredible save from R’s keeper, Walsh. Alfie Doughty swung his corner to the back post where it met the head of skipper, Morris, but his header was kept out by Walsh, who did well to get down low and keep the ball out.
It took the hosts 96 minutes to earn their first corner, but they failed to make use of it and Luton were able to clear and the full time whistle blew, meaning penalties would settle the tie.
Luton’s 10, Cauley Woodrow stepped up first and saw his penalty comfortably saved by Walsh. Alfie Doughty slotted his penalty, but Tahith Chong crashed his effort against the crossbar. Paal scored the decisive penalty, meaning Luton’s hopes of a cup run will have to wait until the FA Cup in January.
The Hatters face The R’s again on Friday night, in the Sky Bet Championship, where they’ll be hoping to earn their first three points of the season.
