Benson back in the goals as Hatters beat Dons

Paul Benson nods Luton's second goal against AFC Wimbledon

Hatters picked a strong side for the match as Nathan Doyle made his return from injury, playing for an hour, with valuable minutes for Magnus Okuonghae, Mark O’Brien and Alex Lawless.

An early Doyle shot was saved by a sprawling Will Mannion, while Dons went close through David Fitzpatrick, his low effort drawing a comfortable stop from Elliot Justham.

Marriott’s cross then reached Hall and his fierce drive saw Mannion make an excellent fingertip save.

Lawless saw his outside of the boot attempt from 18 yards fly narrowly wide before Luton were ahead on 32 minutes.

It was the impressive Hall who bagged the opener, bursting forward and arrowing a shot in off the post from just outside the box.

Benson almost opened his accounty in audacious fashion, as his 30 yard chip sailed over.

In the second period, Hall’s long-range attempt was scrambled behind by Mannion, while Town then had a second with 50 gone.

Lawless’ deep cross was headed back across goal by Dan Potts for Benson, in splendid isolation, to nod home.

Luton came close to a third through Marriott, before Lawless completed the scoring, as from James Justin’s cross he had all the time in the world to pick his spot.

Hatters: Elliot Justham, James Justin, Dan Potts, Magnus Okuonghae, Mark O’Brien, Danny Green, Nathan Doyle (Frankie Musonda 60), Alex Lawless, Jack Marriott (Alex Atkinson 85), Ryan Hall, Paul Benson (George Murray 75).

Sub not used: Craig King.

Dons: Will Mannion, Callum Wilson, Callum Kennedy, Dan Gallagher, Reiss Greenridge, Ben Harrison, Egli Kaja, Tom Beere, George Oakley, Ibby Akanbi, David Fitzpatrick.

Subs: Neset Bellikli, Jack Wingate, Paul Mbiya-Kalambayi, Jason Stripp.