27 January 2024 , 19:13
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Luton hero Cauley Woodrow literally put his body on the line before guiding the Hatters past Everton in the FA Cup - by snapping a bone in his hand.
The former Fulham striker came off the bench for Rob Edwards’ side at Goodison Park on Saturday. He scrambled home a 96th minute goal for Luton to secure a 2-1 victory and with it a place in the fifth round of the FA Cup.
Vitaliy Mykolenko had previously put through his own net before Jack Harrison equalised in the second-half. Woodrow’s decisive strike triggered wild celebrations from the visitors.
However, he will have been slightly cautious after breaking his hand just ten minutes earlier. Speaking about the incident, Woodrow said: "James Tarkowski fell on me accidentally but I felt it crack, so I was in a bit of shock for a while!"
Woodrow, 29, had only managed to score one goal this season prior to his Everton winner. Opening up on his goal, he said: "To be fair I don't really remember much. It just fell to me and I managed to tap it in.
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"It was a tough game and at the end it was like a basketball match. I'm really pleased with myself because I've been waiting a long time for a goal, and also for the travelling fans - they were unbelievable today."
Elsewhere, Luton boss Edwards was full of praise for Woodrow and his attitude in what has been a tricky personal campaign. Speaking to the BBC, he said: "I'm really pleased for Cauley, he hasn't been able to get too much game time and get a rhythm. He is a real gem of a lad and he will be a happy man tonight - although he will be in a bit of pain."
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Edwards, Woodrow and the rest of the Luton team will now be keeping a close eye on Sunday’s fifth round draw having now beaten Everton and Bolton. Speaking about the Hatters’ run alongside their fight for Premier League survival, Edwards added: “I didn't enjoy many cup runs as a player.
“We will enjoy this, it does mean a lot and it is important that we enjoy these moments. Hopefully it can give us a feel-good factor going into next week. I'm excited to see who we get in the fifth round. We have been picking up results and we want that to continue. We are really pleased."
Luton could potentially be drawn against sixth-tier Maidstone United - who beat Championship side Ipswich - in the last-16, while European champions Manchester City could also be waiting for the Hatters after their win over Tottenham in North London on Friday.