There was late drama at Kenilworth Road as Kal Naismith’s last kick of the game sealed the precious three points in what will be a contender for game of the season.
There was late drama at Kenilworth Road as Kal Naismith’s last kick of the game sealed the precious three points in what will be a contender for game of the season.
Scott Parker’s Bournemouth put in a resilient performance as they recovered a two-goal deficit in the second half; courtesy of Emiliano Marcondes and Morgan Rogers.
However, a Lloyd Kelly own goal, a long range shot from Allan Campbell and a moment of quality from Naismith gave the home side three points that could prove valuable in any play-off ambitions.
From the outset, it was clear to see the game was going to be wide open and at a high intensity. Bournemouth were the first to liven the stadium as Leif Davis’ lobbed ball behind the defence saw Ryan Christie attempt with a volley but denied by Luton goalkeeper James Shea.
Luton were quick to reply with their own period of play, which saw Mark Travers called upon twice in the space of a minute.
The Hatters were the first to breakthrough with a stroke of luck. Good play saw striker Elijah Adebayo with an attempt on goal. Travers was sure to save, but Kelly was unlucky to have the ball deflect on to his shin and into the net.
Things looked to get worse for the away side as Cameron Jerome poked in a second, but after some time of commotion, the goal was ruled out for offside.
It turned out this was just an indicator of what was to come as Luton then provided a valid second goal. Allan Campbell was quick on the turn to drive at the Bournemouth defence, and with an impressive long ranged effort put it past Travers.
Bournemouth now found themselves in a situation which they were used to putting teams in. Luton were relentless in their energy and pace in the attack, constantly forcing the Bournemouth defence back.
On a number of occasions, we have seen Bournemouth lose a two-goal lead gained in the first half, but it was now their turn to graft back at least a point. The second half showed the Cherries’ intent to do so as they scored within six minutes of the restart.
Excellent play from Jack Stacey down the right beating two Luton players allowed him to play an inviting cross to Marcondes who was able to finish the chance. The momentum was now with Bournemouth to complete the comeback.
They thought they had done so only five minutes after as Lerma rose highest for the corner but saved well by Shea.
It would be mission accomplished on the 75th minute mark, as Morgan Rogers’ driving run into the box was met by a Jamal Lowe cut back. Rogers was sure in his finish as he hit the roof of the net.
Luton Town were not depleted despite the comeback. They returned to the levels of aggression and intensity shown in the first half which saw them threaten Travers’ goal.
The victory was to be excellently stolen with the last kick of the game by Naismith following the relentless pressure Luton posed on the visitors.
Controlling a clearance down with his chest, Naismith teases a shot but cuts back onto his left foot and guides it into the bottom corner.
It was an electrifying atmosphere as the goal was scored and whistle blown quickly after. For any play-off ambitions Luton have, it could prove a valuable three points as they now sit eight points off Huddersfield in seventh with three games in hand.
Bournemouth will be immensely disappointed. Praise must be given for their resilience to bring back the two-goal deficit, but Bournemouth were never able to put their foothold on the game. They carried the momentum well going up to their equaliser, but they were quickly returned to being on the backfoot.
The Cherries currently sit top but level on points with Blackburn who finished their 12.30 kick-off versus Cardiff City with a 1-0 victory. Fulham currently have one game in hand as they take on Bristol City at Craven Cottage today. A game that will see them top with a win or draw.