Player Ratings - Portsmouth 0-0 Luton

Luton Town picked up their first point of the 24/25 Championship season on Saturday, holding newly promoted Portsmouth to a goalless draw at Fratton Park.

The game wasn’t without its drama though, as Hatters keeper Thomas Kaminski was sent off just half an hour into the contest, leaving Rob Edwards’ side with ten men for over an hour. The Belgian was given the first of two yellow cards for taking too long over a goal kick, before scything down two Pompey players just a couple of minutes later to leave the Hatters in the lurch. Carlton Morris was sacrificed to allow James Shea to replace the dismissed Kaminski, and the Town switched to a back four, defending resolutely whilst a man short to secure a well-earned point on the road.

It was a much improved performance from Luton, after the embarrassment of the opening day defeat to Burnley, and the Town looked much more fluid in attacking areas before Kaminski’s error of judgment. Once they were reduced to ten men, Edwards’ side showed defensive stability to keep a clean sheet, a far cry from the disarray at the back under the Kenilworth Road floodlights. The Town certainly had openings to take all three points, Morris spurning a golden opportunity early on, whilst Adebayo and Taylor could not convert their respective second half chances. However, considering the circumstances, most Hatters fans will see the draw as a good result, despite perhaps coming into the game with higher expectations.

player ratings

Kaminski - 3

An inexcusable rush of blood to the head left the Hatters in real trouble, and Kaminski has his teammates to thank for ensuring the Town didn’t leave the South Coast empty-handed. Despite a questionable first yellow card, the Belgian can have no complaints about his dismissal, taking out two Portsmouth attackers on his way to an early bath.

Ogbene - 5.5

Didn’t quite have the beating of his full back all afternoon, and lost the ball on a couple of occasions when the Town defence needed some respite in the second period. However, produced a couple of dangerous crosses and still provided his speed and directness.

Walters - 8.5 (Man of the Match)

Extremely assured and confident performance from the youngster, looking as composed on the ball as he was off it. Sam Silvera provided the main threat down the Portsmouth left, but Walters did a superb job in keeping him quiet and helping the Town defence to a clean sheet. Looks to be a very astute signing.

Mengi - 7.5

Marshalled Christian Saydee for the majority of the game, giving the Portsmouth striker very little to feed off. Mengi is clearly too good for this level, and showcased his blistering pace twice in the final ten minutes, covering superbly as the home side looked to be in on goal.,

Bell - 7

First start for the defender after injury, and he produced a solid display at the back, showing no signs of any rustiness or lack of match sharpness. Gave the Town defence much more stability than on the opening night against Burnley, and will be a big player for Rob Edwards this season.

Doughty - 7.5

Had to show a different side to his game after the Town went down to ten men, defending astutely and making some key tackles and interceptions when he needed to in the second half. With rumours of Premier League clubs circling, Town fans will be anxious for the wing-back to remain at Kenilworth Road come September.

Baptiste - 7

Benefitted from having a more experienced midfielder alongside him in Jordan Clark, and showed good defensive acumen to help the Hatters to a hard-fought point. Has obvious ability on the ball and Town fans will hope that he can express some of his creativity in the coming games.

Clark - 8

Really good performance on his return to the side, providing stability in the middle of the park, as well as being Luton’s main source of creativity. Produced an inch-perfect through ball early on which Morris was unable to convert, and found Adebayo after a trademark mazy run midway through the second period, but the striker poked his shot wide.

Chong - 6

Forced into a more defensive role for a large part of the game after the sending off, which he coped with well, but the winger was unable to really make an impact going forward.

Adebayo - 6.5

Was always going to have a tough day once the Town went down to ten men. He was very isolated for large parts of the game, but held the ball up well when needed. Probably should’ve scored when he went through on goal in the second half, but couldn’t convert from a tight angle.

Morris - 6

Sacrificed after just half an hour for Shea, but really should’ve put the Hatters 1-0 up early on, firing his shot straight at the keeper after being played through on goal.

Shea - 7

Probably didn’t expect to find himself entering the fray after just 30 minutes, but did superbly well considering the circumstances, commanding his box and taking crosses when needed. Some dodgy kicking can be forgiven as Luton’s number one came away with a clean sheet.

Holmes - 6

Came on for the tiring Bell to help the Hatters secure a clean sheet.

Taylor - 6.5

Came on to a great reception from the away end, and almost sent the 2000 travelling Hatters into ecstasy when he found himself in the box after a great solo run, but couldn’t quite convert the chance