All you need to know ahead of Saturday's game
Luton Town v Burton Albion
Sky Bet League 2
Saturday 11th April 2015, kick-off 3pm
Live commentary on Hatters Player, DiverseFM, BBC3CR and lutontown.co.uk
• Town ninth in League 2, one point off the Play-Offs
• Burton top, one point clear, need two wins for promotion
• Hatters lost last three home games, all 3-2
• Scott Griffiths and Elliot Lee set to feature
• 130 years ago to the day that Luton Town were formed
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO US! First and foremost, Saturday will be the Hatters’ 130th birthday. Remember to pick up your copy of Talk of the Town for a brief history of the Town’s formation.
TICKET NEWS. It promises to be a big game for both sides so remember if you fancy making the trip to Kenilworth Road buy in advance to avoid disappointment with a 9,000+ crowd expected.
WHO? Burton Albion Football Club, also known as the Brewers. Established in 1950, the club won promotion to the Football League in 2009. The Brewers have reached the Play-Offs in the last two seasons, and last year lost in the final to Fleetwood at Wembley. At the helm is former Leeds and Chelsea striker Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink.
THIS SEASON. After two near misses, Albion seem set to be playing at a higher level next season with Hasselbaink’s side one point clear at the top of the table and 11 points clear of fourth-placed Bury with just five games of the season remaining. The Brewers have been consistent all year, even despite rookie boss Hasselbaink taking over from Gary Rowett in November. The Dutch international striker won his first game in charge away at Wycombe and then was victorious in his first home match in charge against the Hatters.
HAVEN’T WE MET BEFORE? Saturday will be the first meeting between the two clubs at Kenilworth Road, but Burton came out on top in the first-ever meeting, winning 1-0 at the Pirelli Stadium in November. The Hatters have played one side from Burton many moons ago, however. The town had Burton Swifts playing in the Football League in the late 1800s, with the Hatters playing the Swifts six times between 1897 and 1900. The record is a straightforward one of two draws and two wins apiece.
EX-FACTOR. One of the best left-backs in the Town’s history was Steve Buckley – a player David Pleat signed from Burton in 1974. He went onto play 135 times for the Hatters before signing for Derby for £165,000 in January 1978. Burton have former Town man David Oldfield on their coaching staff, while former Burton manager Paul Peschisolido spent a season with the Hatters in 2007/08.
REF WATCH. West Yorkshire whistler Andy Madley takes control of his first-ever Luton game on Saturday. So far this season the official has shown three red cards and 90 yellows in 31 matches. He’s also seen his fair share of goals this year, including 5-1, 7-0 and 6-1 scorelines.
TOWN TEAM NEWS. Left-back Scott Griffiths has delayed a hernia operation and is likely to resume action after coming through the win at Tranmere with no ill effects. On-loan West Ham striker Elliot Lee has declared himself fit having missed the last three games with a hip injury. Mark Tyler and Pelly Ruddock Mpanzu remain unavailable.
MILESTONES. If involved, Jonathan Smith will make his 97th appearance for the Hatters.
LIVE AND ONLINE. Hatters Player is the only place to listen to online commentary of the Hatters this season and once again the DiverseFM team will be bringing subscribers all the action from Kenilworth Road. What’s more there will be a full report, reaction and photographs post-match and live text updates during the match itself.
GET SOCIAL. Remember to subscribe to our official YouTube channel for free, as well as checking out the official FACEBOOK, TWITTER and INSTRAGRAM accounts, too, and don’t forget to use the hashtag #COYH