Luton Town's inconsistent League One form continued with a 2-1 defeat away to Stevenage on Thursday. The loss, which saw manager Jack Wilshere sent from the dugout, leaves the Hatters in eighth place with eight points from six matches.
Stevenage took the lead in the 23rd minute through Dan Kemp. Luton felt aggrieved in the build-up, with Liam Walsh appearing to be fouled before Daniel Phillips won possession and Kemp eventually finished. Wilshere's protests over the incident led to his dismissal from the touchline.
Magennis doubles the lead
Josh Magennis made it 2-0 for the hosts early in the second half, tapping in from six yards, though Luton argued he was offside. The visitors halved the deficit five minutes later when a Kasey Palmer shot took a heavy deflection off Mads Andersen and found the net. Andersen's goal, assisted by Palmer, gave Luton hope with a quarter of an hour to play.
Luton's best chance for a late rally came seven minutes from time when Palmer saw a header saved.
Wilshere made a triple substitution just before the hour, introducing Palmer, Jake Richards and Nahki Wells. Rob Edwards replaced Oli Odoffin with Joe Mendel late on, but the changes could not spark a comeback. The sold-out away end of 1,363 Luton supporters witnessed a frustrating evening at Broadhall Way in front of a crowd of 5,406.
League position and reaction
The result means Luton's recent form reads one win, one draw and three losses from their last five outings. They have scored 12 goals but conceded 13 this season, leaving them with a negative goal difference.
Attention now turns to a key home game next Saturday. Bradford City, who are fifth in the table, visit Kenilworth Road. Luton will be looking to bounce back quickly in front of their own fans. Check the upcoming schedule on our fixtures page.
Jack Wilshere will also have to prepare for that match without being on the touchline, pending any potential appeal against his sending off. The club has not yet commented on the disciplinary matter.
The English Football League reports that Luton's 2-1 defeat at Stevenage was their only loss in the last 16 League One games. They had been unbeaten in 15 prior to that result, with ten wins and five draws. The Hatters now sit 12th in League One with eight points from six games. They are five points behind leaders Sheffield Wednesday. Attention turns to next Saturday's home game against third-placed Bradford City.
