Luton Town 3 Swindon 0

Last updated : 28 September 2002 By Footymad Previewer

Improving Luton town equalled their best victory of the season by convincingly beating struggling Swindon 3-0.

Goals by Steve Howard, Andrew Fotiadis, and a Steve Robinson penalty mean Joe Kinnear's early season relegation candidates have now lost just once in eight games.

Andy King's Swindon, meanwhile, have now lost eight of their last nine matches, after topping the table three games into the season.

Howard, who is a leading contender for this seasons Division Two Golden Boot, crashed a 20 yard effort against the crossbar before netting his eighth goal of the season after 13 minutes.

The tall striker turned and shot powerfully into the bottom corner from ten yards after collecting a Paul Hughes pass.

Swindon's first shot of a one-sided half came when John Jackson burst past poor challenges from Fotiadis, Sol Davis and Hughes before crossing for Eric Sabin to head over.

Fotiadis, restored to Luton's league starting line up for the first time in 10 months, got the home side's second goal two minutes into the second half, after missing three earlier chances.

An overhead kick by Davies was headed down by Howard and Fotiadis turned to shoot into the bottom corner.

Fotiadis was replaced by Dean Crowe after 78 minutes and the lively substitute won his side a penalty four minutes from time, when Andy Gurney tripped him.

Northern Ireland International Steve Robinson assumed penalty duties, in the absence of injured captain Kevin Nicholls, and side-footed confidently into Swindon keeper Bart Grieminks left-hand corner.

Crowe almost added a fourth goal in the last minute, but his lob saw Griemink strain everything to make a fine save.

Home manager Kinnear said afterwards: "It was a very good performance, we made a lot of opportunities and got our just reward.

"The only disappointment was that we did not score more before half time."