Luton squeezed out in controversial defeat at Stevenage

Luton Town lost 2-1 away at local rivals Stevenage in a match that saw the Hatters left very unhappy with both goals conceded.

Stevenage took the lead through Dan Kemp, if after a move where Liam Walsh claimed to be fouled in the build-up and where Hatters boss Jack Wilshere was sent off for protesting.

The Hatters’ mood would take another knock when Josh Magennis made it 2-0 in the second-half despite a strong appeal for offside against the former Northern Ireland international.

Mads Andersen scored a goal back for the visitors but it wouldn’t be enough for Luton, who slip to a second defeat of the new campaign.

On a Thursday night under the lights of Broadhall Way and the Sky TV cameras, the Hatters had arrived hoping to return to winning ways after being held at home to Leyton Orient in their last outing.

The visitors made a strong start, as Gideon Kodua was denied by home keeper Tommy Setford before Jamie Donley and Callum Marshall missed the target with efforts.

A flashpoint arose after 23 minutes, as Luton fell behind in a goal that left the visitors feeling incensed. Luton felt Walsh was fouled by Stevenage’s Daniel Phillips and the ball fell the way of Kemp, who duly drilled a strike beyond Josh Keeley’s reach to put the hosts ahead.

Wilshere protested strongly that the move on Walsh should’ve lead to the goal being ruled out, and the Luton boss’ protests ultimately reached the point where he was sent from the touchline and made to watch the remainder of the game from the stands.

Luton struggled to create a lot of chances in the remainder of the first-half and this trend continued after the break, with an inaccurate strike by Marshall the best opportunity they created.

The visitors duly fell 2-0 down with 20 minutes of the 90 to go, as Ben Broggio’s cross deflected off Josh Keely to Magennis, who tapped home from close range. As if the visitors weren’t already annoyed, replays suggested Magennis was also offside when the initial cross was played.

A goal would come Luton’s way 5 minutes later, however, as Kasey Palmer’s strike hit Andersen and bounced in for a goal for the Luton defender and a way back for the visitors.

But any hope of a Luton equaliser was dashed when Stevenage put in a stout defensive rear-guard to stop Luton doing anything, as they were beaten in Hertfordshire.

Luton are next in action next Saturday against Bradford in their last game before an enforced break after international call-ups lead to their following pair of games being postponed.