REPORT: Luton Town 2-3 Cheltenham Town
Cheltenham Town recorded a fantastic 3-2 win over Luton Town in an exciting game at Kenilworth Road.Will Boyle gave The Robins an early lead before Jack Barthram then doubled it, though Isaac Vassell pulled a goal back for the home side to make it 2-1 at half time.
After the break substitute Billy Waters ensured Cheltenham restored their two goal advantage, but that was cut back again with 20 minutes to go thanks to a Liam Davis own goal.
Gary Johnson's men held on, though, to grab the win and move up to 20th place.
It took Cheltenham just five minutes to take the lead as James Rowe’s corner caused mayhem in the box, and Boyle was on hand to poke the ball into the left hand corner and score his first goal for the club.
The onus was then on Luton to try and get themselves back in the game whilst The Robins remained solid and structured at the back, and they went close when Jonathan Smith’s volley skimmed off the slippery surface and just wide.
Soon after the home side had another good opportunity when Jordan Cook was stood over a free kick 25 yards out, but even though his effort went over the wall it cannoned back off the frame of the goal.
However, just before the half hour mark it was Cheltenham who doubled their advantage when a fantastic pass from Carl Winchester split open the Luton defence and Barthram slotted the ball into the bottom corner.
With five minutes left before the break Luton got one back when Vassell ran through on goal and put the ball between Scott Brown’s legs, and it stayed 2-1 to The Robins at half time.
After the interval it was Cheltenham who got the all important next goal when Liam Davis and Kyle Wootton combined to set up substitute Waters, who hit a lovely side-footed finish past Stuart Moore.
But that didn’t deter Luton who got themselves back in it again on 72 minutes when Cook’s free kick was diverted in by the unfortunate Davis.
Despite a late penalty shout for The Hatters and six minutes of added time, it was Cheltenham who held on to claim a vital three points.
Luton Town: S Moore, J Smith (O Lee, 45), S Cuthbert (C), J Cook, J Marriott (L D’Ath, 60), G Rea, P Mpanzu, I Vassell, J Senior, L Gambin (J Gray, 70), J Justin.
Unused Subs: C King, S O’Donnell, Z Banton, A Sheehan.
Cheltenham Town: S Brown, W Boyle, M Onariase, D O’Shaughnessy, J Barthram, J Cranston (K Storer, 89), J Rowe, H Pell, C Winchester (B Waters, 45), L Davis, K Wootton (D Wright, 72).
Unused Subs: C Kitscha, J Munns, D De Girolamo, D Holman.
Attendance: 6708 (83).