Collins' cracker seals opening day win for Luton at Barnsley

Championship: Barnsley 0 Luton Town 1
James Collins hammers home the winner at Norwich this afternoonJames Collins hammers home the winner at Norwich this afternoon
James Collins hammers home the winner at Norwich this afternoon

Talisman James Collins proved to be Luton's hero once more as his brilliant second half finish saw the Hatters pick up a gritty opening day win at Barnsley this afternoon.

A Championship fixture between the two sides had looked unlikely for the majority of last season, with both appearing destined for the drop before the campaign was postponed due to the coronavirus.

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However, the duo ripped up the form book to achieve the Great Escape, showing promotion-winning form to fight clear of the drop on the final day, ensuring they lined up at Oakwell with the slate wiped clean.

It had looked like the spoils would be shared during a clash that was low on quality for large periods, until Collins took the only chance he had in the second period with 18 minute to go, excellently rifling into the top corner to steal the points.

Town boss Nathan Jones made just one change from the 3-1 Carabao Cup win over Norwich City, Simon Sluga replacing James Shea in goal, fellow international Tom Lockyer travelling, but not included in the match-day squad.

Ryan Tunnicliffe came in for Andrew Shinnie on the bench as the visitors had a chance of sorts early on, ex-Hatter Cauley Woodrow getting on the outside of Sonny Bradley, his angled drive flashing across goal, with Alex Mowatt also driving well over after dispossessing Glen Rea.

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The Hatters had some moments, Rhys Norrington-Davies' cross needing a last-ditch clearance and Harry Cornick almost breaking through, as they although not enjoying the fast start they had last term, when 3-0 up after half an hour, looked happy to grow into the contest.

With 18 minutes gone, Luton fashioned the best opportunity thanks initially to some clever work by Elliot Lee.

His crossfield ball was headed on by Martin Cranie for Cornick, the attacker delivering a delicious cross for Collins, who volleyed over on his left foot, screaming in clear frustration afterwards.

Barnsley upped their tempo though after the let-off, forcing a succession of corners, Callum Styles shanking an effort wide from a decent position and then Woodrow's attempt dribbling into Sluga's gloves as the hosts wrested the initiative back.

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A quiet period was almost enlivened by an absolute stunner from Luke Berry against his former side, the midfielder's blast from just outside the box after a clearance fell invitingly, narrowly missing the top corner.

After the break, play became increasingly scrappy from both sides, with neither team able to get a foot on the ball as they had at time during the first period.

Jones threw Kazenga LuaLua on after an hour to try and improve proceedings, but still, the visitors lacked the quality to ever really look like breaking down a stubborn home defence.

However, they did just that with 18 minutes to go, netting a goal out of keeping with the contest.

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With the Tykes not getting enough on their clearance, LuaLua won an important header, Pelly-Ruddock Mpanzu flicked it on and Collins fairly leathered his half volley past Jack Walton and into the roof of the net from just inside the box.

Breaching the home defence in their own stadium was no mean feat by the Hatters too, with Barnsley not conceding since March 7, keeping out Millwall, Blackburn, Wigan and Nottingham Forest in the league, plus Forest again in the Carabao Cup last weekend.

As was the case last week, Luton then switched off momentarily, but unlike last week, they weren't made to pay for their loss of concentration, although they should have, Dominik Friesier missing an absolute sitter, putting his diving header from a matter of yards wide of the post.

Luton regained their composure in the final 10 minutes though, with Barnsley having just one attempt, Kiliam Ludewig's spectacular but wayward drive, as they comfortably held on for an opening day win, recording a shut-out away from Kenilworth Road at the first time of asking, something that had taken them until February last term.

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It also continued the Hatters' excellent defensive record on the road under Jones too, marshalled superbly by skipper Bradley, making it four clean sheets out of five since the manager returned in May.

Tykes: Jack Walton, Killian Ludwig, Michael Sollbauer, Mads Andersen, Jordan Williams, Marcel Ritzmaier (Romal Palmer 58), Alex Mowatt ©, Callum Styles, Elliot Simoes (Dominik Frieser 52), Cauley Woodrow, Conor Chaplin (Patrick Schmidt 78).

Subs not used: Brad Collins, Michal Helik, Luke Thomas, Victor Adeboyejo.

Hatters: James Shea, Martin Cranie, Rhys Norrington-Davies, Matty Pearson, Sonny Bradley ©, Glen Rea, Pelly-Ruddock Mpanzu, Luke Berry, Elliot Lee (Kazenga LuaLua 62) James Collins (Danny Hylton 90), Harry Cornick (James Bree 80).

Subs not used: James Shea, George Moncur, Ryan Tunnicliffe, Jordan Clark.

Booked: Woodrow 7, Berry 31, Collins 57, Mpanzu 84.

Referee: Jarred Gillett.