Luton Town 3 Chesterfield 0

Last updated : 31 August 2002 By Footymad Previewer

Luton Town enjoyed their first victory of the season by beating Chesterfield 3-0.

The Hatters had equalled the club's worst ever start to a season by losing their first four games but a point at Division Two title favourites Cardiff on Monday and this win could prove a turning point.

Joe Kinnear's men certainly deserved maximum points against a poor Chesterfield team and goals from Russell Perrett, Steve Howard and Dean Crowe settled a one-sided encounter.

Perrett headed Luton in front after 36 minutes when he met an inswinging corner by Sol Davis at the far post.

Howard, last seasons top scorer in Division Three, wasted an excellent opportunity to double the home side's advantage after 64 minutes when he side-footed straight at Spireites keeper Carl Muggleton .

But the six foot three inch striker made amends five minutes later with his third goal of the season.

Davis was again the provider with his free-kick from the left wing finding Howard, who's deliberate header sailed into the top corner.

Howard turned creator for the Hatters third goal after 84 minutes, sliding the ball through for Crowe to fire across Muggleton into the bottom corner.

Chesterfield, who went into the match with three straight victories rarely threated on loan keeper Ben Roberts' goal with Steve Payne's firmly struck 77th mintue free-kick by far their best attempt.

Disappointed away boss Dave Rushbury said: "Luton deserved their win but, for all their huffing and puffing, they were only one up at half time.

"Both their first goals were from set pieces and our young lads have got to learn to keep their concentration."

Luton manager Kinnear said: "I felt we dominated in midfield and took our goals well. We have given everybody in the division a four game start but hopefully we are on the move now."