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It was an frustrating afternoon at Kenilworth Road for Luton Town, as the Hatters were held to a 0-0 draw with League One Bolton. In front of a sell out crowd, Rob Edwards' side were underwhelming to say the least, struggling to break down a comfortable Wanderers defensive line. Alfie Doughty came closest to preventing an unwanted replay, driving a shot against the post late on, before being denied what looked to be a clear penalty just moments later.
It was yet another poor performance against lower league opposition for the Town, something that has been a theme for a few seasons now. Whether it is something to do with the Hatters' style of play, which thrives on being out of possession, or whether it is a case of motivation, Rob Edwards' will be extremely disappointed. To put out such a strong team and still only manage to get a replay isn't good enough.
Player Ratings
Tim Krul - 5.5
Shaky afternoon for the sub keeper, notably parrying a high ball over his bar in the last moments, when he really should have been catching it. Distribution was decent but clearly will not be troubling Kaminski for a spot in the team.
Chiedozie Ogbene - 5.5
Struggled to make any real impact on the game from right wing back. The rapid Irishman was unable to link up well with Chong throughout.
Teden Mengi - 6.5
Did his job with a calm and composed swagger that we have to expect from the centre back, can't really be blamed for the lack of creativity up top but would have expected to keep a League One attack quiet.
Gabe Osho - 7
Along with Mengi, Osho was probably the best player on the pitch. Has improved so much over the last year and in Lockyer's absence is one of the Town's most important players.
Amari'i Bell - 5.5
Like the other two centre backs, can hardly be blamed for the Hatters' lack of bite up front. Did his job to help keep the clean sheet.
Alfie Doughty - 6
Had the best chance of the game when he saw his late shot cannon off the post. Should have been given a penalty seconds later but it wasn't to be. Always a danger going forward but crossing, especially from corners, wasn't the greatest on Sunday.
Albert Sambi Lokonga - 5.5
Unable to unlock the Bolton defence, with just too many misplaced passes. You would have thought the quality would have shone through in the centre of the park but not on this occasion.
Ross Barkley - 6
Not one of Barkley's most influential games in a Luton shirt. Did start to come into the game late on as space opened up, and carried the ball forward well in the last few minutes, but ultimately there was no end product.
Tahith Chong - 4.5
After such a promising cameo against Chelsea on the left wing, you would have been forgiven for thinking Chong would carry on his form from that electric display. However, he just wasn't at the races, nothing he tried was coming off. Maybe he is more suited to entering the fray up against tired legs, later on in matches.
Elijah Adebayo - 5.5
Had a couple of half chances, as well as a few good moments but on the whole there wasn't enough creativity from the Luton frontline. Failed to properly link up with Morris, perhaps inhibited slightly by the Luton number 9.
Carlton Morris - 5.5
Worked hard, but nothing came off for Morris in the end. Was dropping very deep at some points to try and make something happen but the Bolton defence held firm.
Andros Townsend - 6
Definitely made a difference when he came on, but was unable to help Luton make the breakthrough they needed.
Jordan Clark - 6.5
Provided some energy and stability in the centre when he came on, and started to dominate as the game became stretched.
Cauley Woodrow - 5
Once again unable to impact the game off the bench. Looks very low on confidence and the fans seemed to have turned against him now as well.