You have to go back 35 years for the last time a Luton team won away to Derby.
That day in May 1990, the Hatters pulled off the great escape, retaining their top-flight status on the final day of the First Division season with a victory that has gone down in Kenilworth Road folklore.
Fast forward to the present day and the Town team of 2025 resurrected their hopes of Championship survival with a brave and gutsy 1-0 win to move level on points with the Rams in the battle to beat to drop.
It might not match the level of that day of Tim Breacker and Kingsley Black, but how the Hatters held onto their 10th-minute lead – given to them by Millenic Alli’s second goal in three games – will live long in the memory should the Town stay in the second tier come the end of this season.
A defensive masterclass followed after the goal – led by the magnificent Mark McGuinness, who denied the Rams on three occasions – and Hatters were left to celebrate a seismic victory in their quest for survival under Matt Bloomfield.
Last weekend’s disappointing defeat at home to Blackburn had deflated any Hatters hopes of staving off the threat of back-to-back relegations, but their first half performance showed anything but a hangover from the previous weekend with a controlled and measured performance capped by Alli’s strike.
The goal came when Jordan Clark floated in a free-kick into the Derby penalty area. Carlton Morris flicked the ball into McGuinness' path who in turn poke the ball looking for Alli. The Exeter man was quickest to the loose ball and despite the attentions of three Derby defenders, the forward fired into an empty net. Joy unconfined in the away end.
Ahead, it could have been 2-0 on 26 minutes when Lamine Fanne – one of two changes from the Blackburn defeat – rifled a first-time shot over the crossbar from 10 yards after the hosts had failed to clear a long free-kick from Thomas Kaminski.
Five minutes later, the Town spurned another chance when Christ Makosso screwed a shot into side-netting as the Hatters pushed for a second.
With the home side and their crowd frustrated as half-time approached the Town had McGuinness to thank for the first of his crucial acts of defending in the second minute of first-half injury time. The ball bobbled into the feet of Jerry Yates and his deflected shot seemed destined for the bottom corner with Kaminski beaten only for McGuinness to stick out a leg at the last moment to clear the ball behind. It would prove to be a huge moment.
After enjoying a first half of comparative ease, the Town would experience a much different second as the Rams turned the screw.
Six minutes after the restart McGuinness threw himself in harm’s way again, blocking Marcus Harness’ close range.
And on 58 minutes County came even closer. Yates found space in the box but could not beat Kaminski with the Town stopper spreading himself to parry. The ball was still not safe, however, and McGuinness was on hand to keep it 1-0 as his goal-line clearance prevented Kayden Jackson’s follow-up.
It was all the Rams and you felt it was only a matter of time before another chance would fall the home side’s way.
Yet the Town stood tall. Balls into the box were dealt with from all angles as the Hatters attempted to stifle the life out of the gain. When you’re in this position, anything will do.
Bloomfield sent on Teden Mengi and Marvelous Nakamba on 72 minutes to reinforce their defensive rearguard but with 10 minutes left there were hearts in mouths when Jackson pulled the trigger from close range – but Kaminski stuck out a boot to divert the ball to safety.
Still Derby pushed. The Rams kept going but McGuinness and the defence were not to be beaten.
Kaminski came to the Town’s rescue with five to play, bravely pouncing on the loose ball from six yards with Harness lurking for a late leveller.
Seven minutes were added. The tension was unbearable as the Hatters held on for dear life.
But the time ticked away. And away and away…
The sound of the final whistle was met with jubilation, relief. Pride was soon to follow.
A first-ever win at Pride Park. A third win in the last four games on the road. But more importantly, a win over relegation rivals, which keeps us right in the mix with three games to go. Just don’t look at the league table! It’s the hope that kills you.
But it’s Bristol City up next on Monday at Kenilworth Road.
AND WE WILL SEE YOU THERE.
Enjoy your weekend.
UTFT.
Town: Kaminski; Jones (sub Burke 73), Alli (sub Chong 90+4), McGuinness, Makosso, Bell; Naismith, Clark (sub Nakamba 81), Aasgaard, Lamine Fanne (sub Mengi 72); Morris (Nordås).
Subs not used: Krul, Walsh, Nelson, Harris.
