The Town got off to a winning start to the season as a late own goal secured victory over AFC Wimbledon at Kenilworth Road.
In a game short on chances, the Hatters had to be patient and the crucial moment came with five minutes left.
Debutant Nahki Wells held up a fine searching pass looking for substitute Cauley Woodrow and visiting centre-half Ryan Johnson looped a header over his goalkeeper and into the net in off the bar.
It was a goal that finally broke the resistance of a Wimbledon side who had the best defence in League Two last term on their way to promotion, and the Town could breathe a sigh of relief to get their campaign up and running in front of their home support.
It was a night that began with the Town fielding four debutants and just four players who started the last game of the previous campaign.
But as the game wore on the more it looked as though this new-look side would be left frustrated by a Dons side who had defended solidly all evening.
Chances were at a premium in the first half – the best opportunity falling to Wells who found space in the penalty area to poke a shot at goal that was blocked on 25 minutes.
The Hatters looked comfortable in possession but could not quite find the right pass to unlock the door, while every set set-piece was dealt with by the visitors.
And it was much the same in the second half.
It was not until the 64th minute that the Town tested Dons goalkeeper Nathan Bishop when Reuell Walters, who was a bright spark all night down the right flank, saw his daisycutter from the edge of the box tipped away to safety.
Matt Bloomfield made a double change moments later, introducing Lamine Fanne and Zack Nelson, and with 10 minutes left two more substitutes arrived in the shape of Woodrow and Shandon Baptiste.
And within five minutes the Hatters finally broke the deadlock thanks to the head of Johnson, his header coming down off the crossbar to spark celebrations around Kenilworth Road.
With their tales up the Town almost added a quickfire second when Baptiste side-footed an effort wide following Mill Alli’s cut-back.
But there was little time for the visitors to mount a comeback and the Hatters held on to secure three points and a clean sheet to start the season.
It’s a week off until we’re next in action when we make the short trip to Peterborough.
We’ll see you then. UTT.
Town: Keeley, Walters (sub McGuinness 88), Lonwijk (sub Fanne 67), Makosso, Andersen, Naismith, Saville (sub Nelson 67), Walsh (sub Woodrow 80), Clark (sub Baptiste 80), Alli, Wells.
Subs not used: Shea, Kodua.
Attendance: 11,735
