Emotional Premier League opener for Luton, as fans party in the stands despite defeat
Despite the result, Luton proved they're not just 'making up the number' as some pundits and opposing fans seem to have convinced themselves. COYH!
Luton’s first ever game in the Premier League didn’t go quite to plan on the pitch as the Hatters were defeated 4-1 at Brighton. Despite the result, fans were left proud of the team and sang before, during and after the match.
The biggest downside for the Hatters’ travelling faithful was travel chaos after the game. Fans were left stranded for hours at the Amex Stadium and in Brighton after trains were cancelled, with some walking 3 miles back to Brighton from the ground and not getting home until the early hours of the morning.
Luton fans were a credit to the side, singing all game and supporting the boys to the very end. Still the best fans in English football!
In this edition of Between The Houses…
The Match: A baptism of fire for Luton and their first ever Premier League goal
View from the Stands: A “very emotional” day - one of the 3,001 Hatters who travelled to the Amex shares his thoughts
Post-Game Positives: “We were in the game.” How I think we stand moving forward.
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The Match
It was a baptism of fire for Luton, as they faced a Brighton side that qualified for European football last season and constantly seem to find exciting, unknown youngsters which thrive in the Premier League before moving on for big money.
Joao Pedro almost took the lead early on, slicing a chance in front of goal. A first half header from Solly March on 36 minutes opened the scoring and Brighton led 1-0 at halftime. Luton did create chances in the first half and Morris had a great chance on goal from a corner which Steele kept out.
Referee David Coote became whistle happy in the second half, giving a soft penalty for each side, with Joao Pedro putting Brighton’s away.
Carlton Morris became Luton’s first ever Premier League goal scorer as he calmly put away a penalty, following the harsh handball against Lewis Dunk.
Late goals from Brighton youngsters Simon Adingra, after a Pelly mistake (head up Pelly), and then Evan Ferguson from a Brighton counter put the game to bed, with the score line not reflective of the performance.
View from the Stands
“The feeling of pure pride amongst us all was clear.”
Mike Fanning was one of the 3,001 Hatters who travelled to the Amex for the game. He described the experience as an emotional and special day for all Hatters.
Mike said: “I met up with some Luton friends in sunny Brighton at 8.30am for breakfast and a few pints. As the morning turned into afternoon, the streets became a sea of orange, with fans drifting down from the station to the numerous bars along the seafront .
“It was a tremendous friendly atmosphere and the feeling of pure pride amongst us all was clear. Free train travel to the ground 3 miles away was an added bonus, and we left for the ground at about 1.
“Our first glimpse of the Amex was another special moment .
“The confirmed team news at 2pm was what many of us had predicted. The teams emerged from the tunnel, pyrotechnics were released, music blared out and finally we were about to fulfil our impossible dream.
“We started the game off well and were very much still in it at half-time despite trailing by the only goal .
“2-0 down to a dubious penalty midway through the second half put us in trouble but a Carlton Morris penalty with 10 minutes to go gave us hope.
“Two late Brighton goals were not a true reflection, but a 4-1 defeat still gave us plenty of positives going forward for the rest of the season .
“Brighton allowed all fans to mix for a couple of hours after the final whistle to drink , chat and watch the late game.
“A very emotional and special day for Hatters everywhere.”
Post-Game Positives
Despite the result we were in the game, our signings, particularly Kabore and Chong, looked very good and we scored our first ever Premier League goal. We created chances and have a threat going forward, particularly with Morris and our wingbacks.
The changes provided a very different option from the bench and gave us a real threat. We can definitely take advantage of teams with our pace and power going forward and I still think we have what it takes.
What’s next?
Luton are not in action next weekend as their clash with Burnley was postponed due to Kenilworth Road undergoing a programme of extensive ground improvements. Next up for the Hatters will be Chelsea on Friday August 25. Kick-off 8pm.