Luton hit back from their terrible outing at Lincoln City last weekend to defeat Doncaster Rovers 1-0 at Kenilworth Road on Saturday.
The Hatters scored what turned out to be the winner on 40 minutes through Kal Naismith’s close range header, and to find out how the Town players rated on the afternoon, see below.
5. Kal Naismith: 8
Over to the left back role on this occasion with Luton going for a back four that Bloomfield mentioned has always been his 'end goal' in the build-up and gave Town some real balance in their defensive efforts as they looked solid for the majority of the contest. His one v one defending was particularly impressive, especially in the second half when the visitors began to venture forward, halting them in their tracks and coming away with the ball. Showed his leadership when Mengi came in for some unwarranted stick too, as he also was responsible for the telling moments, timing his run perfectly to meet Saville's free kick and head in what proved to be the winner. Photo: David Horn
6. George Saville: 8
Back to the dominant midfield presence that he has shown through his brief Luton career to date and had been sorely missing at Lincoln the previous weekend, as to a man the Hatters looked far hungrier for success from the opening whistle. Nipped in to win the ball back from a throw-in and set Alli away for a shot, as he never shied away from the opportunity to get stuck into a crunching tackle, something the home supporters will always respond to. Remained deep which allowed new partner Fanne to bomb forward, as he provided an excellent screen in front of his back four, particularly during the second half. Good on the ball too with a perfect free kick for Naismith to score the winner and a great pass to Wells, as the striker was clipped for a penalty. Photo: David Horn
7. Lamine Fanne (STAR MAN): 9
So this is the Lamine Fanne that we had all been waiting to see! With Bloomfield altering to a 4-2-3-1, the midfielder was in for just his second start of the season as his combination with Saville worked well. Linked increasingly impressively with Morris too, always looking to get Town's winger away on the right hand side. Utilised his athleticism brilliantly to get into the box, seeing a volley from Wells’ cross shovelled behind by Lawlor, also seeing another attempt batted away. On the ball he did excellently, showcasing some real skill to nutmeg his man, while as the game progressed, he importantly broke up play during his 73 minutes to ensure the Hatters battled to a valiant three points. Photo: David Horn
8. Shayden Morris: 8.5
First league start since his deadline day arrival from Aberdeen, and it was such a promising display that showed exactly what he can bring to the Hatters as an attacking threat. Relieved of his defensive duties thanks to the switch in formation he was able to feature primarily in the final third which is where he is at his best, sending over some dangerous deliveries. Early cross should have won a penalty when Pearson appeared to handball, while he constantly looked to stand up his marker and get past him to reach the byline, which he did on numerous occasions, including one brilliant sprint from deep. Fouled for the free kick that saw Naismith head in the winner, as clearly tiring, he was taken off early in the second period. Photo: David Horn