Millwall 3-1 Luton Town, Championship: report, ratings and verdict

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Millwall 3-4-3

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Luton Town 3-4-3

Half Time: 0 - 1 The Den ( Attendance: 12,134 (945) )
1 min

Millwall moved into the Play-Off places with a hard-fought 3-1 win over Championship strugglers Luton Town at The Den.

In a low-key first-half, the visitors opened the scoring in the 41st minute, as Sonny Bradley rose unmarked to head home Alan Sheehan’s free-kick.

But two inspired Gary Rowett substitutions changed the game in Millwall’s favour, as the Lions scored three goals in the space of twelve second-half minutes.

First Tom Bradshaw, on for Alex Pearce late in the opening period, headed past Luton stopper James Shea to make it 1-1.

Then fellow substitute Connor Mahoney scored a sensational solo goal, firing into the bottom corner after beating two men as the Lions took control of the game.

And the comeback was complete when Mahoney then provided a pinpoint cross for Matt Smith to head past Shea late on. 

Luton pushed forward in search of a way back into the game but struggled to create any clear cut chances with Millwall eventually running out worthy winners.

Key Points

Check out all the key talking points and reaction from London Football Scene below…

Key Moment

Connor Mahoney’s second-half introduction provided a much-needed creative spark for Millwall.

Moan of the Match

Luton’s persistent time-wasting was a source of frustration for the home crowd, players and staff alike.

Talking Point

Can this Mahoney performance be the spark that ignites his so far otherwise-unimpressive Millwall career?

Man of the Match

Connor Mahoney – the wide man’s introduction was crucial as he scored and provided an assist for the Lions.

Tweet of the Match

Referee Watch

 Stephen Martin (Staffordshire) – refused to book Luton’s players for constant time-wasting, as well as waving away more than one strong Lions penalty appeal. Awful. 

Atmosphere

Millwall fans were visibly frustrated in the opening period but continued to back their side throughout whilst Luton fans were lively until they fell behind.

Verdict

Millwall started poorly but, on the basis of their much-improved second-half performance, fully deserved the three points.

Line Ups

Millwall 3-4-3

Bialkowski; Hutchinson, Pearce (Bradshaw, 42), Cooper; Romeo, Molumby, Williams, Ferguson; J. Wallace (M. Wallace, 85), Smith, O’Brien (Mahoney, 71)

Subs not used:

Steele, Bodvarsson, Skalak, Mitchell

Luton Town 3-4-3

Shea; Pearson, Cranie, Bradley; Bree, Mpanzu, Tunnicliffe, Sheehan (Bolton, 82); McManaman (Berry, 62), Collins, Lualua (Cornick, 75)

Subs not used:

Stech, Shinnie, Jones, Butterfield

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