Luton host Rotherham United on Saturday looking for their first home league win over the Millers for almost 30 years.
Back on August 31, 1996, the Hatters triumphed 1-0 in a new Division Two contest at Kenilworth Road thanks to Mitchell Thomas’s second half goal which secured their opening success of a season in which they finished third, only to miss out on promotion via the play-offs. To find out just who lined up for Town that day, see below.
9. MF: Graham Alexander
Delivered the free kick that led to the only goal of the game against Rotherham, Thomas heading home his set-piece for the winner. Midfielder went on to become a solid member of the side throughout the campaign, only missing two games in the regular season, scoring twice as well, those coming in the 6-0 win over Crewe Alexandra and 2-1 success at Notts County. Photo: Hatters Heritage
10. MF: David Oldfield
Played 83 minutes against Rotherham before being replaced, as he had an excellent season for the Hatters, finding the net six times in 38 games during the season, also scoring all three of Luton's goals in the play-off semi-final defeat to Crewe Alexandra. Photo: Hatters Heritage
11. FW: Kim Grant
Ghana international who was signed by Lennie Lawrence for £250,000 struggled when facing the Millers at Kenilworth Road, missing a glorious chance in the second half, which saw him then taken off by the manager on 57 minutes. Had a peripheral role during the campaign, playing 26 times, although 18 of them were as a substitute, notching two goals, against Shrewsbury and Blackpool. Photo: Hatters Heritage
12. Used sub: Bontcho Guentchev
Was used regularly off the bench during the campaign as from his 27 outings, 12 of them were as a substitute. Came on for Grant before the hour mark and was quickly fouled by Mark Monington for the free-kick which led to the Hatters' winner. Bulgarian forward did score once himself in the season, that during the 2-1 win over Gillingham. Photo: Hatters Heritage