Luton made a winning start to their Championship season with a 1-0 win at Barnsley on Saturday. James Collins' late goal proved to be enough to keep the Hatters to return with all three points, rifling into the top corner with 18 minutes to go. To find out how the visitors rated on the afternoon, see below.
. Simon Sluga: 7
After the pressure he came under when Barnsley visited Kenilworth Road a few weeks back, couldn’t have imagined an easier afternoon at Oakwell, with just the one shot on target. Distribution was good as well.
. Martin Cranie: 8
Kept his place at right back despite Bree’s availability and gave another dependable display as Town shut out their hosts. A Zidane-esque turn inside his own half was one of the highlights of the whole encounter.
. Rhys Norrington-Davies: 7.5
Didn’t get a great deal of chances to overlap on the left hand side on this occasion in what was a tight game. Occasionally caught out of position, particularly when the Tykes should have levelled at the back post.
. Matty Pearson: 8
One of a number up against his former club as he came into his own when the game opened up in the latter stages, making sure that Barnsley couldn’t get any openings. Marshalled Chaplin excellently all afternoon.
. Sonny Bradley (STAR MAN): 8.5
Vocal, dominant and committed throughout, the skipper gave a fine display at the heart of Town’s defence, effectively clearing his lines and geeing up his team-mates when needed. Won his battle with Woodrow too.
5. Sonny Bradley (STAR MAN): 8.5
Vocal, dominant and committed throughout, the skipper gave a fine display at the heart of Town’s defence, effectively clearing his lines and geeing up his team-mates when needed. Won his battle with Woodrow too.
6. Glen Rea: 7.5
Provided an imposing shield in front of Luton’s back-line to stop the Tykes from ever really being able to create any goalscoring opportunities.
7. Pelly-Ruddock Mpanzu: 7.5
Some powerful breaks from deep as he used his body strength impressively, although a final ball was just lacking at times. Clever flick header set up Collins for the only goal of the game.
8. Luke Berry: 7.5
Midfielder got through plenty of work in the middle of the park to ensure Barnsley couldn’t ever really get going. A whisker away from netting a tremendous strike on his old stomping ground, just missing the top corner.