Player Ratings: Luton Town 2 - Sheffield Wednesday 1
Luton Town picked up their first home win of the 24/25 season on Saturday, 21st September as they left it late to rescue a 2-1 victory against Sheffield Wednesday.
Rob Edwards’ side struggled to make an impact for the majority of the first half, into the second half and frustrations in the crowd were voiced, though mainly directed at the officials after an inconsistent refereeing display.
Sheffield Wednesday were the better side in an uneventful first half and should have taken the lead through Josh Windass, but the forward’s effort was kept out of by a brilliant Kaminski reflex save. The visitors took the lead early in the second half after Alfie Doughty was dispossessed and Wednesday’s key man, Barry Bannan brilliantly volleyed a Vallery cross into the bottom corner.
A triple substitution changed the game for Luton and Luton were level with just over ten minutes to go, after Morris calmly put a penalty away following a handball on the goal line and subsequent red card for Di’Shon Bernard. With two minutes of normal time remaining Morris completed the turnaround, firing a loose ball past the helpless James Beadle and providing Luton with their first back-to-back league wins since December 2023.
Player Ratings
Kaminski - 7
Was very little he could do about the Wednesday goal, but made a fantastic first half save to keep Windass out.
Walters - 6
Did very little wrong during a lifeless first half Luton performance. Subbed on 60 minutes and the change of shape benefitted Luton.
Burke - 7
Another very solid performance from Burke. Played well on the right of a back three and even better when he moved to right back. Difficult to see him being dislodged from the right of defence if he stays fit.
McGuinness - 8
The Irishman was the best player on the pitch during the first half and dominated the aerial duels. His effort on goal led to the penalty in the second half and he was a constant threat from set pieces throughout the game.
Mengi - 7
Struggled initially on the left, particularly from short goal kicks, however he grew into the game and was defensively solid, benefitting from the change of shape to a back four.
Doughty - 6
Struggled to influence the game for the opening 65 minutes and it was his mistake in possession that led to Sheffield Wednesday going ahead. Improved significantly in the second half and was influential in the winning goal with a good delivery into the box on his weak foot.
Nakamba - 6
Tried to increase the tempo of Luton’s play when on the ball, but struggled to have his usual defensive impact, winning second balls.
Walsh - 6
Put himself about and worked hard for the team, but his passing style didn’t suit the game that was being played on the pitch.
Clark - 6
Tried to create chances going forward but was unable to have a major influence in the first 60 minutes of the game. Put himself about and worked hard to stretch play later in the game.
Chong - 5
Had very little impact on the game going forward and was unable to find any space with the ball or beat defenders. Was surprised that he wasn’t substituted earlier in the game.
Adebayo - 5
Worked hard to win long balls but was manhandled by the Wednesday defenders all game. Had no real opportunities in front of goal and was unsurprising to see him cone off later in the game.
Subs
Krauß - 7
A very impressive debut from the German midfielder, worked incredibly hard and got stuck into challenges all over the pitch. His passing was consistent and forward thinking. Excited to see what else is to come from him.
Nelson - 6
Quietly effective performance from the youngster again. Added natural width to the pitch and looked to get involved going forward. Will continue to benefit from more minutes.
Morris - 8 (Man of the Match)
Calm and composed from the spot despite an incredibly long wait to take the penalty. Got himself into the right place to score the winner and worked incredibly hard to hold the ball in the corner and ensure the win late in the game. Hopefully the start of a great season in front of goal and can see him starting the next game.
Carlton Morris was our man of the match as voted by you.
Moses - 7
Direct play out wide, providing plenty of width on the right. Clever play to create space and find Alfie who then eventually delivered the ball for the winner. Despite his age he is still relatively quick and uses his experience to create opportunities.
Taylor - 6
Few players are as popular when they come on as Joe Taylor. He came on late and put pressure on defenders with his tenacity. He is constantly looking to run into channels and causes problems for defenders with his pace.
