The Cobblers were beaten tonight in the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy First Round as goals from experienced duo Don Hutchison and Paul Peschisolido were enough to send Luton through.
The starting line up saw a number of changes for the Cobblers ahead of Friday’s League One encounter at home to Doncaster Rovers. Liam Dolman and Danny May came in at the back while Alex Dyer returned to the midfield. Alex Russell was handed his debut and Colin Larkin partnered Poul Hubertz up front.
On six minutes, Luton had the first real effort on goal as former Rushden man David Bell shot just over the bar. Just a minute later, young Danny May had our first effort of the game, curling wide from range.
The Hatters took the lead on 12 minutes following a corner. Calvin Andrew’s header was blocked but the ball was turned in by veteran midfielder Don Hutchison. Andrew again caused problems from Luton’s next corner and Mark Bunn had to save well from his header, pushing the ball onto the post as the home side took command early on.
On the half hour mark, Jason Crowe replaced Chris Doig in what looks like an injury to the former Forest man. Poul Hubertz and Alex Dyer both went close before half time but it was the home side who went into the break in front.
Just a couple minutes into the second half and it was 2-0 to Luton as half time substitute Paul Peschisolido broke free from the Cobblers defence and finished past Bunn with ease. Poul Hubertz had claims for a penalty turned down straight from the kick off but was instead booked for diving as the Cobblers were frustrated at the start of the second 45.
Andy Kirk came off the bench for Hubertz with around half an hour to go but he couldn’t help us find a way back into the game. Instead it was Luton who threatened more and Peschisolido shot just wide from long range.
Jason Crowe made a good run with about twenty minutes to go and hit the Cobblers’ best effort of the game wide.
With five minutes to play, Ryan Gilligan forced a good save from Luton keeper Dean Brill and from the resulting corner Crowe volleyed over the bar from just four yards out!
But we couldn’t find a way through and it’s another early exit from the JPT following last seasons’ first round defeat to Brentford. Attention now turns to the League One clash with Doncaster Rovers on Friday night at Sixfields.
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