Resurgent Bulls take all three points against Luton

A 55^th minute wonder strike from James McQuilkin followed by a disciplined rearguard action saw off big-spending Luton at Edgar Street tonight.

Martin Foyle patched up his battle weary squad and drafted in Simon Clist for the suspended Harry Pell while former Bristol Rover flop Paul Buckle included both Stuart Fleetwood and Janos Kovacs in his expensively assembled team.

The Bulls kicked off attacking the Blackfriars end but it was Bittner who was first to be called into action when he came confidently to collect a deep cross from Henry.  Joe Heath lost his footing to allow Gray to get past him but his cross was blocked away for a corner that was cleared up field.  McQuilkin and Gallinagh both had shots blocked at the other end before Fleetwood cut in from the left to test Bittner with a low drive.  Gray and Henry combined down the right to earn another corner before Todd’s through ball almost released Bowman.

McQuilken and Gallinagh Stopping A Luton Player Taking Off (Pic Steve Niblett)

The visitors got plenty of midfield possession through Mendy but, as against Shrewsbury, the Bulls’ midfield five formed an effective barrier.  Fleetwood managed to get the ball into the feet of Rendell but his shot on the turn produced a fine save from Bittner on fourteen minutes.  Bittner then released Heath with a quick throw and the fullback fed Clucas who left Henry sat on his backside before seeing his low cross smothered by keeper Dean Brill.  Heath, in a rare expedition into the visitors box collected a neat reverse pass from Clucas but Brill was again out to gather.

Mendy had his deflected shot saved by Bittner and both Stam and Todd got in good blocks to deny Fleetwood and Gray while McQuilkin was working hard to assist Gallinagh with the teasing runs of Woolhope's former assistant manager.  Then, on forty-two minutes, Clucas brought a full length save from Brill with a cracking 20-yarder.

HT  Bulls 0  Luton 0

Kyle Perry replaced the tiring Ryan Bowman after the break and he combined well with Will Evans to release Clucas who beat two defenders before Kovacs got a foot in to make a desperate clearance.  Gray found himself in space on the edge of the box but his wayward shot was high over the Blackfriars roof.  Continued pressure from The Hatters produced shot from Howells and Smith but both were blocked and Fleetwood's curler went straight into the arms of a well-positioned Bittner.  Then with 55 minutes on the clock The Bulls took the lead.

The ball was worked down the right and a four-man tangle saw McQuilkin emerge with the ball and head off on a run across the visitors box before unleashing a curling shot that beat Brill at the far post.

Cue a classic Martin Foyle shut out.

Another Solid Performance From Stam (Pic Steve Niblett)

Luton probed and prompted but even when Kovacs was sacrificed for an extra midfielder with twenty minutes remaining The Bulls well-organised shape was able to close down and clear their best efforts.  Fleetwood again tested Bittner but The Bulls' stopper was equal to the task and when Will Evans went on a storming 70-yard run he was unlucky to see his shot deflected wide by the stubborn Simon Ainge.

Buckle threw on a couple of seemingly pointless subs late on and a series of corners and free kicks were won but without the aerial threat of Kovacs Bittner and his band of protectors were able to see out the game despite an added five minutes.  Smikle and Luke Graham made late appearances before the roar that greeted the final whistle sent home a disappointed 372 Lutonians in the crowd of 2108.

Bulls: Bittner, Gallinagh, Stam, Todd, Heath, Clucas, Evans, O’Keefe, Clist (Graham 88), McQuilkin (Smikle84), Bowman (Perry 46).  Unused – Hanford, Marsh.

Luton: Brill, Henry, Kovacs (Lawless 70), Ainge, Rowe-Turner (O’Donnell 85), Howells, Mendy, Smith, Fleetwood, Rendell, Gray (Robinson 70).  Unused Tyler, Walker.

Considering the efforts of the team on Saturday and the limited resources available to Martin Foyle this was an outstanding performance and should go some way to attracting the fans back to Edgar Street.  The first period was a close tactical game and, once the goal had been scored, a second period that was an exhibition of resolute defence.

With the expected return of some of the injured troops there is reason for optimism.

See you at The Goatcourse on Saturday.

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