On a dull November day, the Last Post was played quite beautifully within our creaking old ground amid a total hush as all football supporters came together in remembrance for those who have fallen in service of their country. The silence gave you time to briefly reflect on the often futile sacrifice that war brings and as we were hosting Accrington, I thought of the decimation of the Pals from that town. Well, all associated with LTFC, supporters and players for such a respectful ceremony. Nathan was forced to make one change from last week's starting line-up at Exeter with Jack Marriott returning from injury to replace Pelly who got a second yellow at Exeter when he foolishly attacked an Exeter players Elbow with his neck. A shame to be without Pelly as he is one of the few capable of running at defences especially when we are trying to unlock the door at home. The first half was one of those truly frustrating affairs with lots of square passing as our players looked for space and movement from midfield but that space and movement rarely came. Indeed a really frustrating aspect of the first half so slow walking pace build up with the ball often from the back reaching Cuthbert who in passing terms, had a wretched first half. Cuthbert has had some great games of late but his distribution in that first 45 minutes was awful; indeed one dreadful miss was just surreal; no player within any distance, no danger and Cuthbert somehow simply managed to kick the ball out for a throw. Not the stuff we are used to from our captain who has been outstanding recently. Around about the half hour mark at last looked like we may break the deadlock when McGeehan hit the bar followed by a couple more half chances been created by our team but really that was about the strength of the excitement for the first 45 minutes lots of possession play but difficulty in slicing through a well organised Accrington side who were a touch more defensively minded than on their last visit to the Kenny. Before I leave the first half, I should really give praise to the Accrington goalkeeper Parish, who made a really outstanding save near the foot of his right-hand post as he changed direction so brilliantly to save what seemed to be a certain goal for the Town. Looking at Accrington, you have to give immense credit to John Coleman who just does such a superb job in bringing together such a competitive side on a zero-based budget. Thankfully, maybe with wise words from NJ at half time, we managed to up the tempo a touch in the second half and patiently stuck at the task of breaking down our stubborn visitors. Around about the 60 minute mark we won a free kick in a very inviting position just outside of the penalty area: who would take it? Would it be the ever willing McGeehan or the cultured left foot of Alan Sheehan; shades of Hartlepool away? As it turns out Sheehan shot the ball over the wall and hit the bar for the ball to come back into play almost on the goal line but luck was not with us and we could not turn the ball into the net: was this going to be another afternoon of frustration in the effort to gain all three points for our promotion push? It has to be said that our chances of getting something more than a point from the game certainly looked to be on the up with the introduction of the “something to prove” Vassell. He was so totally wound up to take the game that it was a pleasure to see. Well, the frustration was set to continue. Cuthbert was now back on his game, probably given some half time advice about passing the ball from his fellow Scott bench-man O’Donnell; they do tend to offer each other advice. In fact, it really looked as if Cuthbert would give us the lead after about 60 minutes when from close range he really looked like he must score with a header but that header somehow found the legs of Parish: was it a great save, was Parish lucky? Well, luck favours the brave and Parish was having a really good game for Accy. Finally, we did take the lead when “right time, right place” Cam was on hand to score with a looping effort that somehow found the net when other much more worthy efforts from himself and others had failed to do so. Who cares, a goal is a goal and once again our Cameron had the gift of being there when needed. With all the goals he bags from midfield, it’s difficult not to appreciate the guy. Games can be won or lost via small margins and by the time Cameron’s effort had hit the back of the net, had those small margins been a tad biased in out favour then we would have been about three goals in front. However, as we are Luton Town, we never try to do things the easy way; let's simply bite those fingernails to the bone and Cook duly obliged with our portion of the jitters as he needlessly collected a second yellow card. Just why Cook made that tackle that gave him a second yellow, I really just don’t know. It was just outside of the Accy penalty area, no danger and simply no sense Mr Cook. Thanks to that silliness by Cook we were put under more pressure than necessary for the final few minutes of the game but thankfully with the aid of additional game changers, Smith and Mullins, held out for a deserved three points. It has to be said that we did have one scary moment very late in the game when Accrington looked like they were about to sneak a lucky goal but a superb save from the wonderful Walton kept that one safe; really, why ever did people describe him as a young Joe Hart, daft simply daft, Walton is a decent keeper. Overall impression: The win was not spectacular in a “wow look at us” sense but nevertheless absolutely notable in the patience and commitment that the team showed when others, including me, could just not see that goal coming. The Sunday Rant: I still struggle to see what Nathan is able to see in Jordan Cook; yes, the odd nice touch but surely there is much more of a contribution needed from him? I reckon there is a good player in there based on his time at Walsall but do we continue to play him in the starting line-up simply hoping that one day he will click? I would rather he be used from the bench until such time that he settles in as we have others who could contribute more. Maybe next week with Cook taking a break, we will have Pelly and Gilliead giving us a touch of width and McGeehan showing us what he can do in the “No 10” role. As Ever, a few impressions of individual players performances yesterday: Walton: brilliant instinctive reaction save late in the game; simply did nothing wrong all afternoon. Really this guy is in a class of his own as a tier four goalkeeper. All credit to Nathan for getting him for the season. Justin: I simply forget when watching him that he is such a young player; composed, athletic and so pleasingly does not mess about in the area when he needs to clear the ball. In my opinion, he is going to be a really classy wing back for us. Cuthbert: simply could not pass the ball in the first half; just so many of his attempted passes went astray. Much better in the second half thankfully. Rea: good dependable performance at centre-back making some excellent interceptions. My preference though is still to have him in front of the back four in that holding role. Sheehan: decent enough game and when in position he slung over some well-placed crosses. He had a beautiful free kick in the second half that struck the bar and then was scrambled along the goal line. In terms of playing LB since the away game at Nottingham, this was his best LB performance but I still don’t think he is the wing back answer that Nathan needs. Lee: yesterday Accrington presented Lee with a chance to show the more natural side of his game as the Accrington set up did not close him down or really overly pressurise him; a thoughtful passer of the ball and when it works it can be attractive. As ever, I would be happier to see him given some game time playing in front of Rea as holding midfielder. Gilliead: some good parts some not so good parts but at least he was trying to be creative and move the ball forward and take on the Accrington defence. McGeehan: poor Cam has been out of sorts for the past few games but yesterday looked a touch more lively. You simply have to give him huge credit for always arriving in the box and been available to get involved and grab that all important goal. He won’t classify his goal as his best but who cares. When we have Pelly and Cameron ticking along together, it has to happen sometime, we will in my opinion be at our best. Cook: well Nathan obviously rates him but I still feel he does a wonderful job of concealing his latent talent. Maybe he is doing an Alex Lawless who was way off the mark in his first season with us and the turned into a star; time will tell. However, I don’t reckon he is worth his place in the starting 11 at the moment. Cook so stupidly got himself sent off for a second bookable offence; simply no point in making that poorly judged sliding tackle in an area of zero danger. Marriott: desperately needs a goal or two to get his confidence going. He almost got that goal in the first half with a good shot across goal: I hope he manages to bag a couple of goals soon. Previously I reckoned he would score 20+ goals this season. Hylton: was his usual bag of energy and a decent harrying game. He was well marked at times by the Accy defenders but still managed to be a real nuisance. Having said that, although he was good, I have seen a lot better from him this season; simply a great lad to have in our side he is really that good at this level. The game changers: Vassell: I was really impressed with Vassell simply bags of energy and when he does get a goal or two I reckon we will really see what he is capable of; overall a much more confident display from him yesterday. Smith: using a Jonesism, I totally love the bloke and personally I am happy that his contract runs until 2018. He will always do a job for us and is to my mind one of our most improved players this season particularly with his passing. The Teams: Luton Town: Walton, Cuthbert, McGeehan, Hylton, Cook, Marriott (Vassell, 66), Gilliead (Smith, 87), Rea, Lee (Mullins late on), Justin, Sheehan Unused subs: O'Donnell, Gray, Mackail-Smith, King Accrington Stanley: Parish, Pearson, Hughes, Beckles, Clark, Brown, Gornell, McConville, Boco, Lacey Conneely Referee: Brett Huxtable: I thought he did well as he was sensible about the conditions, kept the game flowing as was totally correct about Cook’s second yellow: no complaints from me. Attendance: 8,008
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Hi there, welcome to my site where I chronicle various things about the Hatters, a team I have followed since the mid 60’sArchives
December 2017
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