Player Ratings: Luton Town 1-3 Lincoln City
Luton fell to another defeat on Saturday afternoon, losing 3-1 away against a Lincoln city side which included former Hatters, Sonny Bradley and James Collins.
Lincoln went 1-0 up early on when Ben House beat Keeley after his run wasn’t tracked by any Luton defender. Jordan Clark levelled the score on 77 minutes with a well-worked free kick routine but a second goal from House and another by Coventry loanee Justin Obikwu followed and the scoreline flattered Luton, with the Hatters fortunate not to concede again during the game against a side that rarely had to come out of second gear.
Matt Bloomfield and his players were met with anger from the travelling fans at full time after yet another tepid performance, with the disconnect between players and fans continuing to grow.
Luton lined up in a 3-5-2 to the disappointment of some and the eventual change to a back four in the second half was met with ironic singing of “Four at the back” from large sections of the sold out away end, whilst many left early for a trudge back to Lincoln Central Station.
Something will need to change for the Hatters to make a promotion push this season, with Matt Bloomfield’s side dropping to 11th in League One ahead of Saturday’s clash against Doncaster Rovers at Kenilworth Road
Player Ratings:
Josh Keeley - 5
Should have done better for Lincoln’s second and third goals and did not look convincing when trying to deal with set pieces against a physical side.
Teden Mengi - 4
Terrible defending for Lincoln’s opener, didn't communicate with Lonwijk and allowed Ben House to arrive in the box unmarked.
Mads Andersen - 5
Difficult to blame for any of the goals specifically, but struggled as a result of a constantly changing backline.
Kal Naismith - 5
Substituted in the second half for a change of shape and visibly disappointed by his own performance.
Nigel Lonwijk - 4
Poor marking for the opening goal and a terrible attempt at a tactical foul on house, allowing him to run unchallenged for the third. Wasted at right wingback, with little attacking output.
Nigel Lonwijk struggled to get the better of Adam Reach. Photo Credit: Luton Town FC/George Dunn
Zack Nelson - 4
A poor midfield performance despite some recent promising signs. Struggled against a physical Lincoln side.
George Saville - 5
A poor performance by his own standards, unable to dominate the midfield like he has done against other sides.
Jordan Clark - 7
Luton’s only shining light during the game. Clicker took his goal well and showed signs of trying to push the team up throughout the game.
Milenic Alli - 4
Had little impact throughout the game and rarely beat his man. Played a clever pass to set up Clark’s goal.
Nahki Wells - 5
Limited to a tame effort on goal in the first half and made a couple of semi-promising runs in behind.
Nahki Wells played 88 minutes against Lincoln. Photo Credit: Luton Town FC/George Dunn
Jerry Yates - 4
Limited to 10 touches before being substituted at half time after picking up a yellow card for a wreckless challenge on Lincoln’s goalkeeper.
SUBS
Joe Gbode - 5
Offered more of a physical option in attack but lacked quality.
Shayden Morris - 6
Bright spark with good runs and pace to beat his man out wide and deliver the ball into the box.
Cohen Bramall - 6
Provided natural width on the left and allowed Luton to change to a back four.
Makosso - 4
Terrible attempt at a headed clearance directly led to Lincoln’s second goal. One of his worst performances in a Luton shirt, not helped by a lack of leaders in defence.
Lasse Nordås - N/A
