Luton Town Ease Into Carabao Cup Third Round

The Hatters eased into the third round of the Carabao Cup with a 3-2 win against League Two Gillingham.

However, our opponents pushed Luton Town all the way with a determined, resilient performance.

With the Bobbers Stand undergoing a ‘test’ night, after its complete refurbishment, it didn’t take Luton long to open the scoring with Jacob Brown, one of a raft of changes made to the starting eleven that lost, to Chelsea on Friday evening, scoring his first goal for the Hatters.

Brown, latching on to the ball, produced a low finish to send Kenilworth Road into raptures, after just 96 seconds.

The game looked to be all but over when, in the 28th minute, Alfie Doughty produced a stunning shot, destined for the top corner, to double the lead.

But all credit to Gillingham, the only EFL side in Kent battled back after half time when, in the 55th minute, Hayden Clarke reduced the arrears.

Boosted by the goal, Gillingham created several chances to draw level, but poor finishing was punished when, in the 66th minute, Cauley Woodrow produced a top draw finish to put the Hatters 3-1 ahead.

But Gillingham refused to throw in the towel and in the 88th minute gave themselves the chance of a frantic finish when Tom Nichols made it 3-2.

Thankfully, the Hatters held on, and it is Luton Town who will be in the draw for the third round, of the competition, this evening.

COYH