The Hatters take to the field for the final time before Big Ben chimes and Auld Lang Syne rings in the New Year and what better place to do it than Kenilworth Road?
After the Boxing Day bonanza against Wycombe the Town go in search of back-to-back home league wins when we reunite with Leyton Orient under the lights.
Let’s get into it, shall we?
Hello again
So, Leyton Orient. We cross swords with the O’s just three weeks ago where we needed a last-gasp equaliser from Gideon Kodua to earn a point in East London. After tonight we won’t meet again this season. Unless we’re in the play-offs, of course.
In the three games that have followed that game, the Town have picked up four points (DLW) while the O’s have picked up one point less, (LWL) and Richie Wellens’ side lie 12th in League One.
By the way, have you seen the league table?
Never in our lives at this stage of the season have we seen so many teams on the same number of points. Six teams sit on 28 points with Orient among those clubs. And there’s a big, big queue behind them. Plymouth, one place above the relegation zone in 20th place are three points behind Barnsley in ninth.
After our win over Wycombe, the Town go into tonight’s game knowing a victory could see them jump into the play-off places.
In charge
Never before has Neil Hair overseen a game involving the Hatters. This season’s the whistler has officiated in League One, League Two and the National League – dishing out 55 yellow cards and two reds in 18 games. We’re not sure if it’s a career highlight or not (only because we’ve not asked him) but he has reffed a game at Wembley back in 2018 for the National League play-off final between Tranmere and Boreham Wood.
On this day
Some good memories in here. That Alfie Doughty goal in the fine 3-0 win at QPR. Remember Kazenga LuaLua’s last-gasp equaliser and subsequent away end celebrations at Walsall? Of course you do.
Older readers might recollect a 2-1 win at Southend under Joe Kinnear and, going back a bit further, we beat Chelsea 2-0 in the top-flight at the Kenny.
Town team news
Jack Wilshere told the press after the Boxing Day win that a number of the lads have been laid low by the Covid. While the medical team attempt to restrict that spreading, it remains to be seen who’ll be available for tonight’s game. Christ Makosso and Lasse Nordås were among those suffering. Meanwhile Izzy Jones is back training but tonight might be too soon for him.
Tune in, turn on
Simon Pitts will be in position at Kenilworth Road to call the action as it happens, live and uninterrupted on LTFC+. More subscriber info can be found right here, but it’s just £10 for a match pass if you’re overseas. If you’re out and about and can’t watch but want to listen, you can do that, too.
You can also follow our social media channels for live updates as they happen, plus photos and behind-the-scenes content during the 90 minutes. Stick around post-match on lutontown.co.uk for a full report, post-match reaction and the highlights.
And finally...don’t be THAT fan.
Now the serious bit. A reminder to all supporters, no matter who you are, how old or who you’re supporting on the night, to go about your time at the game with respect. We continue to support the Love Football, Protect the Game campaign.
Luton Town Football Club has committed in its customer charter to providing safe match-day experiences for all supporters regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, disability or sexual orientation, and this applies equally to home and away fixtures.
In the event that any Luton supporters make discriminatory chants, the Club will work with the police and football authorities to help identify such individuals. Any such fans would then face the strictest club sanctions, including football banning orders that would prevent them attending any matches, in addition to any criminal charges.
Furthermore, we would like to warn against pitch incursions and the use of pyrotechnics or missiles – which could lead to potential prosecution.
We can also be held responsible for the behaviour of its supporters, which could lead to substantial fines being imposed.
As a diverse and inclusive football club, we stand shoulder-to-shoulder with our fellow EFL clubs in supporting the FA’s ‘Love Football. Protect the Game’ campaign and call on all fans to enjoy the game in a positive spirit.
If you are offended by any discriminatory abuse of any kind at any of our games, you can report it by clickingHERE, or by contacting your nearest steward immediately.
Alternatively, email [email protected] or report the incident via Kick it Out's free, confidential reporting app on the App Store and Google Play.
We're all Luton.
This week we're mostly liking...
The finish and celebration from the GFTOAT, Jordan Clark.
See you tonight.
Up the Town.
