Kenilworth Road mood darkens as Burton snatch last-gasp equaliser

Luton’s wretched season continues to lurch from one disaster to another, as they conceded a stoppage time equaliser to draw 1-1 against lowly Burton Albion at Kenilworth Road this afternoon.

Town had led thanks to Nahki Wells’ goal on 13 minutes, but that was literally as good as it got for the Hatters in an attacking sense, unable to fashion another serious attempt on target afterwards, as a Brewers side who hadn’t won on the road in the league since early November, easily kept them at arm’s length.

With Burton starting to believe they could get something from the game, they came on strong in the closing stages, and in the second minute of seven added on, got their reward, when a cross into the box saw half-time substitute Davy van den Berg fail to clear his lines. It allowed Udoka Godwin-Malife to send over another delivery, Fabio Tavares escaping his markers to nod into the net at the back post, bringing with it a crescendo of boos from the majority of the 10,364 inside the stadium.

Those jeers were to increase in the final moments, as Luton went back to Josh Keeley at times, and intensified at the full time whistle, with skipper Kal Naismith having to be stopped from going over to the stands by his manager Jack Wilshere, who also then had a heated discussion of his own with another supporter when going down the tunnel. Angry fans also turned their frustrations on the club’s board, with watching chief executive Gary Sweet and chairman David Wilkinson both coming in for criticism from those venting their fury, as Luton now find themselves six points off the top six, and their slim hopes of extending their season dimming with every passing moment.

Prior to kick-off, Wilshere made four changes from the 1-0 defeat at Wigan on Wednesday night, George Saville starting for the first time since New Year’s Day, while Shayden Morris, Gideon Kodua and birthday boy Joe Johnson all came back in, while Izzy Jones finally moved to the right back berth that the manager had stated was his best position. With the last two away defeats still clearly hurting supporters, then despite boasting a 10-game unbeaten record on home soil, it led to an uneasy atmosphere around the ground, with boos heard from a small minority of home fans when Luton’s players kept the ball at the back after just 97 seconds of the contest.

It clearly affected the players too, as they went away from trying to build up from the back, either giving the ball straight to their hosts or hitting it aimlessly through for a goal kick. An early goal was essential and thankfully it arrived on 13 minutes when Johnson stepped into midfield and looked up to find the run of Wells who had sliced through the centre halves, speeding into the box and tucking a composed finish beyond Bradley Collins.

Luton almost undid that moment of good work on 17 minutes though, as an attack on the Brewers right saw Tyrese Shade left completely unmarked in the middle, JJ McKiernan undetected too, as thankfully Shade couldn’t quite stretch and reach the low cross. Still the crowd weren’t totally onside either, as Burton’s players were finding space only for the final ball to thankfully not be up to scratch, although Town did occasionally threaten themselves when Saville’s pass was just beyond Kodua inside the area.

A spell of pressure by Burton was finally ended on the half hour when Morris set off from almost by his own penalty area, carrying the ball half the length of the field before being eventually fouled. On 37 minutes, visiting keeper Collins could count himself extremely lucky to stay on as he came racing outside of his area to try and win the ball before Wells, the Luton striker clearly there first and then being absolutely cleaned out by the stopper, referee Seb Stockbridge, who made some maddening decisions throughout, somehow awarding the free kick against Town’s poleaxed forward.

Wilshere made one change at the break, van den Berg on for Kasey Palmer, as George Evans tried a spectacular leveller early on, his 35-yard half volley not quite having enough dip on it, although Josh Keeley looked to have it covered. Johnson continued to step into advanced positions, winning a free kick when he was barged over as the set-piece was played short and Clark slammed wide on his left foot.

Trying to enliven a dull second 45, Luton brought on Richards and Cole for Morris and Wells with 69 minutes gone, Richards almost getting a shot away with one of his first touches, only for the ball to unluckily hit his standing foot. Saville also had a go, shanking an ambitious attempt wide, but with Luton’s supporters seeing precious little to get them off their seats, it looked like their side would at least see the game out though, both Johnson and Jones stepping in to make important interventions

With five left, Kain Adom lashed into the side-netting when it looked like he had made it 1-1, as seven minutes were found to be added by the officials. With that came the sinking feeling from many that Albion would level, and as the rain came down, they did so after some terrible defending from the hosts, which saw Tavares escape to make it 1-1 and put another hammer blow in any thoughts the hosts have of playing Championship football again next term.

Hatters: Josh Keeley, Izzy Jones, Joe Johnson, Mads Andersen, Kal Naismith (C), George Saville, Kasey Palmer (Davy van den Berg 46), Gideon Kodua (Nigel Lonwijk 86), Jordan Clark, Shayden Morris (Jake Richards 69), Nahki Wells (Devante Cole 69). Subs not used: James Shea, Teden Mengi, Emilio Lawrence.

Brewers: Bradley Collins, Udoka Godwin-Malife (C), Jack Armer (Jasper Moon 46), Kgaogelo Chauke, Toby Sibbick (Fabio Tavares 80), JJ McKiernan (Andy Cannon 61), Jake Beesley, Tyrese Shade (Kain Adom 80), George Evans (Sulyman Krubally 61), Kyran Lofthouse, Alex Hartridge. Subs not used: Kamil Dudek, Julian Larsson. Booked: Evans 29, Palmer, Lofthouse 74, Keeley 82. Referee: Seb Stockbridge. Attendance: 10,364.