Luton Town and Middlesbrough battled out an incredible 3-3 draw in the opening night of the Championship season. It was the Hatters’ first game in the second tier since 2007 and the beginning of life under Graeme Jones, while Middlesbrough were also getting started under a new manager in Jonathan Woodgate.
Luton Town Show No Fear Against Middlesbrough
Recovery
After falling behind inside ten minutes to Ashley Fletcher’s free header, Luton regained confidence once they’d calmed their nerves. With an open midfield throughout the first half, the Hatters soon got level. Centre-half Sonny Bradley showed the qualities of a top-class striker with his close control and rocket finish into Boro’s top corner.
Luton Take the Lead
Luton soon led for the first time in the game, full back Martin Cranie rising highest above a rattled Boro defence to head home his first in Town colours. The hosts seemed settled until a costly lapse in defence allowed former Nottingham Forest man Britt Assombalonga to curl a first time shot past Simon Sluga. The Croatian, however, will be bitterly disappointed as the Congolese striker’s shot squeezed under his fingers.
This wasn’t the end of the drama. Boro’s homeboy Lewis Wing took one touch before unleashing a curling stunner past Sluga putting the Northerners back in front.
Another Poor Penalty
The lead would have been extended, though, had Assombalonga not skied his penalty way into the main stand. With five minutes of normal time remaining, James Collins converted to level the game once more. With 25 goals in League One last season, he quickly answered any doubters by providing a cool finish past Darren Randolph.
Football is Back
A pulsating start to what will no doubt be another incredible season of Championship football. Luton will take the positives ahead of their trip to Cardiff City next Saturday. As for Boro, they may feel this was two points dropped, even at this early stage.
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