Luton hit back from 2-0 down to earn a point against Mansfield following a 2-2 draw at the One Call Stadium on Saturday.
Having trailed to Jon Russell’s brace inside half an hour, the Hatters pulled one back through Kasey Palmer before half time, with Shayden Morris levelling early in the second period, and to find out how Town’s players rated on the afternoon, see below.
5. Kal Naismith: 6.5
Retreated to his goal-line early in the first period as he was able to make an important clearance when the ball was destined to find the bottom corner. It didn't prove to be the longest reprieve though, Mansfield able to open the scoring soon afterwards, as the defender couldn't get in front of Russell and prevent him from prodding into the net. Once the midfielder made it 2-0, he and the rest of the visitors were able to batten down the hatches and get a foothold in the game, as after the break, he was still switched on to make an excellent block on Russell. A real threat from Walsh's corners, inches away from putting Town 3-2 in front, only to unluckily hit the post from a few yards out. Photo: David Horn
6. Shayden Morris: 7.5
His efforts in the week when coming on at half time against Northampton earned him a first league start for almost two months, as he didn’t really get back in time to apply the required pressure on Roberts, the attacker able to set up Mansfield’s first goal. Had Luton’s first attempt on target when his drive was parried away by Roberts, before the keeper made an even better stop just before half time, after being sent clean through by Palmer. After the break, he quickly restored parity, impressively taking Palmer’s brilliant pass on his chest and then nipped away from his man to see his cross-shot deflect in to make it 2-2. Had some promising moments afterwards, but Luton couldn't snatch a winner. Photo: David Horn
7. Liam Walsh (STAR MAN): 8.5
Gave a passing masterclass, as it was clear from early on, he was ticking in the midfield. Deft lob to Al-Hamadi who headed wide, also sending Lawrence away, but defensively didn't get close enough to Russell inside the area when he made it 2-0. After a few uncharacteristic poor corners, his set-pieces were a huge source of creativity in the second period, twice beating the clutches of Roberts, one knocked against the post by Naismith, with Odoffin then hitting the bar. Barely wasted possession throughout the entire contest, which meant Luton absolutely dominated the second period. Also demonstrated his dedication to the cause, sprinting back in stoppage time to prevent a late winner. Photo: David Horn
8. Davy van den Berg: 7
Back in the starting line-up with Clark out due to injury, as Luton struggled to get going in the opening 40 minutes, unable to prevent Mansfield from moving 2-0 in front and appearing on their way to an easy three points. When Palmer pulled one back, the on-loan midfielder simply had to make it 2-2 moments later as the ball dropped to him a few yards out, but went low rather than put his foot through it, Roberts making a quite fantastic save to tip behind. Tried his luck on a few more occasions in the second period as they were blocked away, but moved the ball well that saw Town dominate the entire second period, although they somehow couldn't nab a winner. Photo: David Horn