Luton Town 1 Chesterfield 0

Last updated : 29 November 2003 By Footymad Previewer

Luton Town defeated a Chesterfield side, which has not won on its travels since last Boxing Day, 1-0 in a poor contest at Kenilworth Road.

Before kick-off the Hatters were looking for all three points and a comfortable victory against their second bottom opponents. And, despite picking up the points, the game itself was a dull and uninspired game of football in which neither side managed to excite.

Steve Howard's looped header in the third minute from Forbes' deep right wing cross, was the only highlight of an otherwise scrappy affair.

The first half was keenly contested, but the most either side could muster was a series of half chances.

Chesterfield failed to test Luton keeper Marlon Beresford, whilst the Hatters only had the lively on-loan striker Gary McSheffrey posing any real threat.

Chesterfield soaked up the pressure in the second half, looking to score a counter attacking equaliser, but Luton were resolute in midfield and largely restricted the visitors to their own half.

Three long range efforts in a six-minute second half surge were the closest Luton came to extending their lead. Robinson saw his superb 25-yard right footer go inches wide of the upright in the 80th minute and Howard twice came close to doubling his tally with two stinging drives.

Ian Evatt's free-kick went spiralling high and wide of the left hand post but was the closest Chesterfield came to snatching a point.

For all their endeavour they never posed a serious threat.

Luton Manager Mike Newell was content with his team's workmanlike performance and praised the growing maturity within the team.

He said: "We stuck at it in the second half. We didn't produce any football of any note and we didn't really create any chances, but two months ago we may well have conceded a late goal, made it difficult for ourselves and lost the three points.

"So in that way we have to say we are pleased."