Luton Town v Southend United Information

October 8, 2014 by Alec Hitchman

Luton Town v Southend United

Hatters’ Johnstones Paint Trophy defeat could spur Blues on Southend United make the short trip to Luton Town at the weekend, knowing that The Hatters will still be hurting from their JPT (Johnstones Paint Trophy) defeat against Crawley Town on Tuesday night.
However, Blues also go into the game on the back of last week’s defeat to Morecambe, whilst Luton won their last league game away at Stevenage. This will not be an easy game for Blues though, as John Still’s men might be buoyed by their previously mentioned defeat.
The two sides last met 65 times in total, the first match was in 1921, when we drew 1-1, before losing 4-0 to Luton in the reverse fixture that season. The most recent meeting was in the 2008/2009 season, when Blues beat Luton 3-1 in the FA Cup.

Overall Meetings:

Southend Wins: 21
Draws: 14
Luton Wins: 30

Who are Luton Town?

Full Name: Luton Town Football Club
Founded: 1885
Nickname: The Hatters< br>Ground: Kenilworth Road (10,356 Capacity)
Manager: John Still
2013-14 Season: Conference Premier – 1st – Champions

Most Recent Line-Ups

Luton Town: Justham, Lacey, Griffiths (Robinson ’46), McNulty, Wilkinson, Doyle, Smith (Lawless ’46), Guttridge, Howells, Benson, Wall (Walker ’60)
Southend United: Bentley, White, Thompson, Prosser, Binnom-Williams, Clifford (Atkinson ’61), Deegan, Payne (Barnard ’61), Hurst, Weston (Worrell ’70), Coulthirst

Last Time We Met

Southend United: Mildenhall, Francis, Clarke, Barrett, Herd, Betsy, Christophe (Grant ’65), McCormack, Stanislas (Orenuja ’89), Revell (Walker ’77), Laurent
Luton Town: Logan, Gnakpa, Roper (Pilkington ’51), Spillane, Davis (Andrews ’71), Jarvis (Emanuel ’71), Watson, Hall, Howells, McVeigh, Martin

Luton’s Last 5 Results

Crawley Town (H) – L 0-1
Stevenage (A) – W 1-2
Oxford United (H) – W 2-0
Cambridge United (A) – W 0-1
York City (A) – D 0-0

What Could Happen?

A win for Luton, who are currently in 7th, would put them up to 4th, above Southend. This will only happen though, if, as mentioned, Luton win and Morecambe (5th) & Northampton Town (6th) both lose.
A win for Blues would put them at least up to second, assuming Wycombe Wanderers (2nd) & Burton Albion (3rd) both lose. Blues could potentially go top with a win, but they would have to beat Luton by 6 goals or more, and hope that Bury lose by 6 goals or more.

For Travelling Blues Fans

Where Can I Drink?

Based on what I have been told one Luton fan I spoke to, the ground is in a predominantly Muslim area, and so you are only able to have a pre-match drink in the town centre. "Stevo" (see fan interviews below), recommends "The George" which is near Luton Station.

Where Can I Park? –

If you are driving, there is plenty of street parking round the ground, but it will only set you back £2 if you park in the station car park. (again, thanks to Stevo for this information)

SatNav Postcode:

LU4 8AW

The Opposition Thoughts

What is your name and how long have you supported Luton Town?

I'm Stevo (AKA @LordLuton) and I've been a Luton fan for 40 years (I was very very young!).

2. You are back in the Football League after a five year absence, could you briefly describe what it feels like to be back?

It's a massive relief because the Conference is such a difficult league to escape from - upwards at least. In our first season down, we finished 2nd on 88 points. That ought to be enough to earn promotion from any league. Four teams up from League 2 make upward progression (in time) a realistic prospect.

3. You currently have former Blues' midfielders Luke Guttridge & Dave Martin (on loan at Bristol Rovers). Kane Ferdinand also made an appearance for you last season. What do you think of the three of them?

Luke Guttridge was my player of the season last season. Strong, skillful, comfortable on the ball and a goal threat. For me, he was the catalyst that drove us upwards to promotion after an indifferent start. Dave Martin looked great in his first few games but was unable to maintain form when it counted. Kane Ferdinand didn't appear interested.

4. Andre Gray was your top scorer last season and he is one of the main reasons you are in League 2 now. Was it a blow to lose him?

Yes, albeit an inevitable one. Players with pace who can score goals are always going to do well and Gray deserves a chance at a higher level.

5. Paul Benson is my dad's friend's son. Would you class him as one of your main players?

Beno's been carrying an injury and I'm not sure we've seen him anywhere near his best for us this season. Last season, he was a class above many of the opposition defenders he faced.

6. What are your views on Southend United?

Like Luton, I think Southend are a club currently playing below their natural level and again like Luton, I believe financial issues have been a negative influence. I'm not surprised to see Southend in a play-off spot.

7. Which players should Southend fans look out for?

Pelly Ruddock Mpanzu in midfield is a strong, powerful box to box midfielder who could well go on to play at a higher level. Mark Cullen up front will score if he gets a chance.

8. How do you think the game will pan out and what do you think the score will be?

We've been far from our best lately but managed to grind out some decent results. Another win would be great but a tight draw wouldn't be a disaster.

And the second fan...

1. What is your name and how long have you supported Luton Town?

Dave

2. You are back in the Football League after a five year absence, could you briefly describe what it feels like to be back?

We should never have been away. The fans were made to suffer because of the actions of the directors who walked away with virtually no sanctions taken against them. I have watched the Hatters in the old Division 1 and every League down to the Conference. It's good to be on the way up.

3. You currently have former Blues' midfielders Luke Guttridge & Dave Martin (on loan at Bristol Rovers). Kane Ferdinand also made an appearance for you last season. What do you think of the three of them?

Guttridge, exceptional signing who I cannot believe Northampton let go. Probably as great an influence as Andre Gray. Martin seemed an excellent signing when first arrived but deteriorated rapidly and was nowhere near first team selection. Ferdinand was a complete waste of space.

4. Andre Gray was your top scorer last season and he is one of the main reasons you are in League 2 now. Was it a blow to lose him?

Yes, but we have very high hopes for a couple of prospects.

5. Paul Benson is my dad's friend's son. Would you class him as one of your main players?

Benson, last season yes. He has not been fully fit this season and is somewhat off the pace. Perhaps his best days are over, although I hope not.

6. What are your views on Southend United?

Can't comment.

7. Which players should Southend fans look out for?

Several are very capable of match winning performances.