Luton return to winning ways after grinding out home victory against Barnsley

Luton Town returned to winning ways as they were able to grind out a 2-1 victory against Barnsley at Kenilworth Road.

First-half goals by former Tykes man Mads Andersen and Nahki Wells had given the Hatters a 2-0 lead at half-time, but Makenzie Kirk’s goal did give Barnsley a way back into the contest.

Luton were able to halt the Barnsley comeback attempts, however, as they returned to winning ways following defeat at MK Dons in their previous outing as Luton grabbed a first home league win since beating Stockport in early September.

The Hatters had been hopeful of a good result against an out-of-form Tykes side without a win in eight matches and they would make a flying start with an opening goal in the second minute. Andersen would meet Jamie Donley’s free-kick and duly score against the club he left to join Luton three years ago.

Vimal Yoganathan nearly scored a quickfire equaliser for the Yorkshiremen, with his effort saved by Luton keeper James Shea and Ryan Brownlie unable to convert the rebound.

Luton would hit the post when Wells hit the post in a busy opening to the contest, with Barnsley almost responding as Tobi Adeyemo missed the target from close range.

Jordan Clark would see an effort blocked on the line by former Luton man Cameron McGeehan before the Hatters would grab their second of the contest after 41 minutes.

Another free-kick yielded the goal, with Liam Walsh picking out George Johnston and the defender’s flick-on releasing Wells to bundle in a second Luton goal.

Barnsley keeper Cieran Slicker made a double save to deny Tudor Mendel and Clark in the opening minute of the second half.

The visitors got the score back to 2-1 after 58 minutes as Kirk, who was one of a triple change made by the visitors at half-time, got space to shoot and saw a drive fly into the back of the net via the bar.

Slicker would make a fine stop to deny Clark, while Yoganathan missed a good chance as he fired straight at Shea.

Ultimately, however, Luton would get the job done as they picked up the three points, and Jack Wilshere’s side will now look to make it back-to-back home wins next weekend when they welcome Leicester City to Kenilworth Road.