Luton v Watford – Blast From The Past (1)

Towards the back end of last week, I decided to start, in earnest, the build-up to the local derby with Watford.

The countdown was initiated via our article – 5-weeks-to-watford-theres-only – and in it we promised that, during the coming weeks, we would feature memorable games between the two sides.

Today, the first of those memorable games has been selected.

It comes from the 1981 / 1982 season when both clubs were playing in the second tier of English football, and it took place on the 26-September, at Kenilworth Road.

In a pulsating display the Hatters crushed the Hornets in a goal laden first half.

With 34 minutes on the clock, the Hatters opened the scoring when David Moss calmly struck a penalty low to the goalkeepers left, after he himself had been brought down in the area.

Four minutes later, the lead was doubled when Brian Stein was brought down in the are and, this time, Moss calmly struck his penalty low to the keepers right.

With two minutes to half-time, the Hatters opened a 3-0 lead when Brian Stein beat the keeper with a low shot after an excellent through ball from Ricky Hill.

Luton added a fourth goal in the second half when Stein rose superbly to head a cross from Moss past the keeper to give the Luton support a memorable day.

As for the Hatters side that day, managed by David Pleat, it read:

Jake Findlay, Mark Aizelwood, Mike Saxby, Mal Donaghy, Kirk Stephens, Brian Horton, Ricky Hill, Lil Fuccillo, Brian Stein, Steve White, David Moss

The win lifted Luton to second in the table, with 15 points from 7 games, four points behind the leaders Sheffield Wednesday.

But it was to prove a marvellous season for the Hatters who were to go on and clinch the Division Two title.

Enjoy the action:

COYH’s

Stay tuned for another great encounter from the past coming shortly.

Previous article by Mad Hatter

Is A Top Ten Finish Achievable For Luton?