A bizarre, beautiful and crucial own goal 12 seconds into the second half earned the Hatters yet another valuable win away from home to keep their Championship survival hopes alive.
After a goalless first half that saw the Town hit the post through Elijah Adebayo, the game’s defining moment came moments after the restart when Hull captain Lewie Coyle’s clearance struck the back of teammate Alfie Jones and the ball bounced into the net.
Hull pressed for an equaliser but the Hatters held on make it three wins in their last five games to move to within three points behind the Tigers in the Championship table.
It was no more than the Town deserved for another determined performance on the road that could have been more comfortable had they taken their excellent chances in the first half.
Adebayo struck the post as early as the seventh minute after taking Jordan Clark’s clever pass, drilling a low shot across goal that rebounded away to safety.
Four minutes later the Hatters came close once more, this time captain Carlton Morris volleying wide at the back-post after being found unmarked by a beautiful Liam Walsh free-kick.
After missing those opportunities, the Town then needed to dig in defensively as the hosts pushed for a leveller.
However, it wasn’t until the final minute of the half that the Tigers threatened when Kasey Palmer’s goal-bound shot was cleared by Mark McGuinness.
At half-time Reece Burke – making his first start since November – was withdrawn and replaced by Tahith Chong and within seconds of his introduction the Hatters led thanks to one of the strangest own goals of the season.
Morris and Adebayo forced a chance for Thelo Aasgaard but, with the Hull defence sensing danger, Coyle’s clearance hit teammate Jones and bounced gloriously past Ivor Pandur in the Tigers’ goal.
It was a huge slice of luck for the Town but it was the kind of fortune which has been missing for large chunks of this season. You certainly take those.
The MKM Stadium has been a happy hunting ground for the Hatters – prior to kick-off the Town had won on their last three visits – and, ahead, it was time for Matt Bloomfield’s side to hold on.
Clark and Amari’i Bell – the latter making his 150th appearance in Luton colours – did well to force out Kyle Joseph as the home forward raced in on goal on the hour before the same fate bestowed Aasgaard at the other end minutes later.
As time ticked down the hosts became more frantic but the Town kept their heads and held firm in defence with Thomas Kaminski gathering Abu Kamara’s shot comfortably with 16 minutes left.
Kamara then dragged a shot wide with just three minutes remaining before the officials added five additional minutes at the end.
Just when you sensed the game was up there was one final chance – and the Town had Kaminski to thank. Hull worked the ball short to Charlie Hughes and the Hull midfielder hit a rocket from 20 yards that Kaminski acrobatically turned away.
Hull could not muster another chance in the moments that remained and the Hatters were left to celebrate a huge three points away from Kenilworth Road for the second game in a row.
That’s three wins in five, two away on the spin and the league table – at full-time at least – was looking as healthy as it’s looked for months.
Promotion chasing Leeds are next at Kenilworth Road for another biggy… enjoy your weekend and we’ll see you then.
UTT.
Town: Kaminski, Burke, Doughty, Bell, McGuinness, Makosso, Walsh, Clark, Aasgaard, Adebayo, Morris.
Subs not used: Krul, Walters, Naismith, Chong, Alli, Lamine Fanne, Nelson, Nordås, Bowler.
Attendance: 23,005, including 1,147 singing for the Town
