Five Things We Learned from Luton’s win at Northampton

Jack Wilshere secured his first win as Luton manager thanks to a late goal from Lamine Fanne, as the Hatters edged a tight contest at Sixfields. It was far from straightforward, but the three points lift Luton to tenth in League One with 19 points from 13 matches. Following on from last week’s defeat to Mansfield, this was a much-needed response. Here are five things we learned.

Luton players celebrate Lamine Fanne’s decisive goal. Photo Credit: Luton Town/George Dunn

1. A step forward in resilience

Against Mansfield, Luton's defensive shape unravelled under pressure. This time, they held firm. Northampton grew into the game in the second half and pushed hard for an equaliser, but Wilshere’s side stayed organised, blocked intelligently and held their nerve.

The standout moment came in added time when Hakeem Odoffin raced back to clear Ethan Wheatley’s effort off the line. Winning gritty matches away from home has been something Luton have lacked, so this stands as an encouraging shift.

2. Still lacking sharpness in front of goal

For all the control in the first half, Luton's end product was missing. Nahki Wells lifted a chance over the bar from close range, Gideon Kodua saw a deflected effort drift wide and Nigel Lonwijk forced a save at the back post, but nothing truly clear-cut. Kodua struck the crossbar after the break and there were flashes of imagination, yet Wilshere will know greater precision in the final third will define future results.

3. Lamine Fanne offers a decisive touch

Fanne’s late finish proved the difference. Arriving at the back post to bundle home Isaiah Jones’ low cross, he reacted instinctively when it mattered most. Beyond the goal, he competed well in midfield and helped break up Northampton’s rhythm. If he continues to impact big moments, his influence will grow quickly.

Fanne’s marauding run into the box proved pivotal. Photo Credit: Luton Town/George Dunn

4. Josh Keeley continues to impress

Keeley was not overly busy early on, but once Northampton found a rhythm, he delivered when required. His smothering save to deny Kamarai Swyer was vital, and he stayed composed as the pressure built. Clean sheets have been rare this season, so this shut-out should boost both his confidence and the defence in front of him. His calm handling in the final minutes stood out.

5. Early signs of Wilshere’s influence

Wilshere has only been in the dugout twice, but subtle improvements already appear. The team pressed with more togetherness and looked more confident in possession, playing through midfield rather than rushing forward. There was also greater discipline during transitions, a weakness that haunted them last week. The build-up play remains a work in progress, but this performance hinted at the blueprint Wilshere wants to shape.

Final thoughts

This was not a perfect display, but after a difficult start to Wilshere’s tenure, it was exactly the type of result Luton needed. Scraping three points away from home can alter a team’s mood and momentum. Sitting tenth and ten points off the top with plenty of football still to play, the campaign remains alive.

Wilshere will demand more creativity, more fluency in advanced areas and greater composposure at key moments. However, this win gives supporters something to hold on to. After the Mansfield setback, the response was positive.

Luton’s season has lacked stability, but nights like this can plant belief. The next challenge is sustaining it.