Howard and Unders will miss top of the table clash

Last updated : 11 February 2005 By Peter Bulkeley
Steve Howard will miss this weekend's top of the table clash with Hull City due to suspension. The Hatters' top scorer picked up his 10th booking last week and as a result he will miss Saturday's clash as well as Tuesday's trip to his ex-club Hartlepool. Paul Underwood is still injured and boss Mike Newell is unlikely to miss the hard-working left midfielder against Hull.

Chris Coyne returns to the Luton line up after missing last week's game at Huddersfield due to suspension, and Marlon Beresford will remain in goal after being cleared of the ridiculous charges against him after the game at the Galpharm Stadium last week. This means that the Luton defence will be strong, and hopefully strong enough to withstand the strongest attacking team in League One, albeit a team without top scorer Stuart Elliot in midfield. The suspension of Steve Howard means that Enoch Showunmi is likely to make his first home start of the season. The fans favourite will be eager to impress Mike Newell and try to force his way into the team, either in the place of the in-form Rowan Vine Vine Vine or Steve Howard. The absence of a strong target man could be a worry tomorrow, but hopefully if we can play our usual passing game, and if Nicholls can deal with ex-England man Nick Barmby in midfield, then we can take three points and edge closer to the Championship.