With three motorway exits, two railway stations and an international airport, you get the impression that a humanitarian town planner has made the task of getting out of Luton as simple as possible. But there’s always one poor sod who seems to be going against the flow and this weekend’s poor sod, dear folks, is us. Yep, it’s the Hatters away and, well, it’s a day out we suppose…
Luton Town v Stevenage: Whassahatteryou?
We’ve staggered into April at last, which means the finishing tape is in sight. The problem is we’ve been running this particular race in quick sand – the one thing stopping us from hauling ourselves over the line are York City, continuing to hold on tight to our ankles. If we could just shake them off, we might be able to breathe a little deeper and sleep a little easier. But no, not yet.
Not since our first visit to Kenilworth Road have we managed to lord it over our nearest and dearest, with November’s thrilling nil-aller halting a run of three successive defeats against the Hatters. Given the Bedfordshire side are deemed to have the third best League Two attack on the road this term, that doesn’t seem all that bad now. Then again, our standards have been set low.
Let’s get your hopes up, shall we? Luton’s home form hasn’t been all that magical this season – only five other teams have done worse indoors. And yes, before you ask, we’re one of those five. Obviously. Five wins from the 18 played at their gaff is the tally – exactly half the number they’ve managed in the 20 times they’ve taken their all-singing roadshow out around the regions.
We can’t get too whoopdy-doo-dah about all of this, however. With the exception of a 4-3 humdinger in the LDV Trophy under Wayne Turner, it’s often been the case that we can barely bring ourselves to score against this rum lot – let alone beat ’em. And that’s why 24/23 (Marathon) on ‘No’ when it comes to both teams scoring has turned our heads at a neck-cracking speed.
Of course, the bookies’ odds reflect a vote of confidence in Luton not seen since £91m went on a special road for buses. You can find the hosts hovering around 11/10, while we’re out at 10/3. And it’s fair enough: our head-to-head against Luton, combined with a season we’d rather forget as soon as it’s at all possible, does as much for the inspiration as a swift kick to the knackers.
York City host Leyton Orient this weekend, in case you were looking back over your shoulder.
And so it must be. We all knew this was coming, like your annual tax return and a trip to see the mother-in-law. You just gotta do what you gotta do – rewards in heaven, and all that jazz. We did a little woopsie on Oxford’s bonfire last Friday, so while we seem to be in the mood, let’s share and share alike at Kenilworth Road. The place could do with some tarting up, after all…
BoroGuide’s Luton Town club profile – now departing from Platform Two
