Luton Town bounced back from their hammering at Mansfield with a 2-0 victory over Stockport County on Wednesday evening.
Nahki Wells opened the scoring early in the second half, before Callum Marshall netted a sublime strike from 25 yards to double the advantage as the points remained in Bedfordshire. To find out how the Hatters rated on the night, see below.
9. Jamie Donley: 7
Another tough opening 45 minutes as he and Luton saw precious little of the ball during the final third, with County able to snuff out any attacking moves the hosts tried to put together. He and the Hatters got better as the game progressed and chinks of space opened up, with some wonderful chest control almost leading to an opportunity as he started to influence proceedings and begin to gain an understanding with his team-mates. Flashes of his undoubted class came through too, showing good strength to hold the ball up and find Gore in the build-up to the first goal, also sending Marshall away for his screamer. Impressive fitness levels meant he kept going for the full 90. Photo: Andy Fitzsimons
10. Kasey Palmer: 7.5
With Gore starting, it released Palmer from the deeper position he had played against Chelsea and Mansfield, which stifled his attacking nature, and thankfully allowed him to play further upfield once more, where he is at his best. Fizzed one shot wide in the first half, but didn't see much of the ball, although his enthusiastic desire to press began to get the crowd involved, especially when left annoyed by a challenge from Diamond and went tearing around to try and win the ball back. Came into things far more in the second period, cleverly feeding Ashby for Town's opener, while some impressive dribbling led to several exciting moments. Understandably tired and replaced by Kodua. Photo: Andy Fitzsimons
11. Nahki Wells: 7.5
Had it tough going up against the Stockport defence as wasn't given much, if any, chance by some of Keeley's clearances as he was never going to realistically win the aerial battle against the imposing visiting centre halves. Might have made it 1-0 just after the half hour when Walsh's free kick dropped to him, only to be denied by a superb save from visiting keeper Whatmuff, who somehow diverted his close-range attempt over the bar. However, his moment arrived early in the second period, when he was in the right place to adjust his feet when the on-loan Manchester City parried Ashby's cross-shot into his path, tucking in a fifth of the campaign already. Photo: Andy Fitzsimons
12. Izzy Jones (SUB): 6.5
One of the five players dropped from Sunday's 5-2 defeat at Mansfield, but was on from the bench earlier than he might have expected, replacing Benny Benagr at the half-time break, due to the youngster struggling with a slight knock. Moved to the left wingback role, which thankfully kept Ashby on the right and had a few good bursts forward, winning the ball back in midfield and getting Town going, also sprinting forward to help with Marshall's late chance. Did nothing wrong at the back either, helping the Hatters bounce back from their Stags outing at the first attempt. Photo: Andy Fitzsimons