Luton Town out of Carabao Cup after single goal loss to Coventry City

Luton Town are out of the Carabao Cup following a 1-0 defeat away at Coventry City in the First Round.

The Hatters were beaten by the team they beat in the Championship play-off final two years ago, with a second half strike by Ellis Simms winning the game for the Sky Blues.

A Luton side that made 11 changes from their weekend win over Peterborough were unable to get back on level terms, allowing Frank Lampard’s side to progress at their expense.

Matt Bloomfield opted to make a total refresh from the team that won their weekend game, including a debut for teenage academy graduate Christian Chigozie.

Despite the changes, Luton were causing Coventry problems, with Cauley Woodrow flicking one header narrowly wide and another effort denied by home goalkeeper Ben Wilson.

Kai Andrews fired Coventry’s best chance wide, with the teenager also seeing a strike blocked by Tom Holmes.

Coventry would open the scoring just before the hour mark. A run by Raphael Rodrigues released Haji Wright, whose cross found Simms at the back post for a tap-in.

The game’s best chances for a second goal came Coventry’s way, with James Shea denying Jack Rudoni’s free-kick and Simms firing wide when well placed.

Luton sub Jake Richards headed over at the end, but the game was up for Luton, whose Carabao Cup interest is over for another season.

Their attention now returns to the league programme, with Luton’s next assignment seeing them host Bradford City on Saturday.