Luton Town reached the Vertu Trophy Final at Wembley next month after beating Northampton Town 2-1 at Kenilworth Road on Wednesday evening.
The Hatters had trailed to Kyle McAdam’s first half header, as Nahki Wells levelled in the second period, Liam Walsh winning it late on with his first goal of the club. To find out how the home players rated on the night, see below.
9. Kasey Palmer: 7
Played further forward in the first period as he almost took on a second striker's role at times, and he was a big part of Luton beginning to get some kind of ascendancy in the contest after a quiet start, landing on second balls and linking well with Wells for a tame shot that was straight at Burge. Had another crack from a free kick which was far closer, beating the keeper only to unfortunately clip the outside of the post rather than ripple the net. Roaming style meant he was always an option as Town dominated play in the second period, as despite not always taking the right option on this occasion, was someone that Northampton couldn't ever afford to take their eyes off. Photo: Andy Fitzsimons
10. Emilio Lawrence: 7.5
Young attacker was one who didn't seem to have any kind of hangover from the Wembley triumph as he was Luton's main outlet in the first half, almost all of their good work coming down the left. Expectation always from the home support when he had the ball, unafraid to go on his right and try to get a shot on goal, also able to speed away on the outside to deliver into the box as well. Played his role in the equaliser, receiving possession out wide once more and finding Walsh who pierced the Cobblers defence from 20 yards. Carried on doing all he could in the second period too, withdrawn for the fresh legs of Kodua just before Naismith did his thing. Photo: Andy Fitzsimons
11. Nahki Wells: 6
Started again after his Wembley heroics, and showed the confidence his double strike gave him, taking on an early angled strike that deflected behind for a corner. With Luton struggling to get any decent attacks going, it never looked like he was going to repeat those efforts from the weekend as Town couldn't ever reach the level of performance they had delivered in the capital. Still worked hard to drop deep, able to get his body in the way of the ball to win some free kicks, while in the second half, a misunderstanding with Morris at the far post saw a good chance go begging. Fitness standing up well after groin issue over Easter which can only be a bonus for the run-in. Photo: Pete Norton
12. Shayden Morris (SUB): 8
On at the break, the winger went on to remind everyone just what an exciting player he can be, as he immediately got on the ball, pushed it past his marker and ran on it, seeing his cross-shot flash narrowly wide of the far post. His introduction meant Luton began to be a real threat down both flanks, as time and time again he looked to beat the Cobblers full back and pick out a team-mate in the box. Might have scored himself only to be bemused by Wells' touch, while Al-Hamadi's strike just bounced away from him too. Once Luton led, almost scored a wonderful solo goal, denied by Burge, while did his defensive duties well late on. Surely a contender to start at Mansfield now. Photo: Andy Fitzsimons