Luton earn historic place in Premier League with penalty win over Coventry
Luton booked their place in the Premier League after winning the 'richest game in football' with a penalty shootout victory over Coventry at Wembley on Saturday.
On a titanic evening in the Championship play-off final, Luton took the lead through Jordan Clark and dominated the first-half as Rob Edwards' side closed in on a memorable return to the top-flight. However, Coventry levelled when Gustavo Hamer struck in the 66th minute to take the game to extra-time.
Neither team could be separated after the additional 30 minutes as the match went to penalties. After 11 successful penalties, Coventry's Fankaty Dabo missed the crucial spot-kick, blazing over the bar to hand Luton a 6-5 victory in the shootout.
The Hatters will now play in the Premier League next season - nine years since winning the National League. A remarkable journey.
The Hatters, who were aiming to book their return to the top-flight for the first time in 31 years, started the brighter of the two sides but were dealt a major blow inside the first 10 minutes. Luton captain Tom Lockyer was stretchered off after going down unchallenged and it was later revealed he was conscious as he left the pitch.
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Lockyer was later pictured sitting up and celebrating the penalty success in his hospital bed, with his father confirming that the Welsh international was doing well.
But that didn't seem to effect the Hatters as they continued to push for an opening goal. Carlton Morris sliced one effort wide after a defensive mistake, before the striker had an another opportunity but he blazed over the bar.
However, Luton eventually took the lead in the 23rd minute thanks to a moment of magic from Clarke. A long pass made its way to Elijah Adebayo, who did excellently to outmuscle Kyle McFadzean, before laying the ball to Clarke, who drove into the box and drilled the ball into the back of the net.
Jordan Clark celebrates after scoring for Luton at Wembley (Getty Images)Luton were buoyed after scoring the first goal and Edwards' men were in the mood to add to that tally. They should have doubled their lead when Morris' effort was blocked and the ball made its way to Adebayo free with the goal at his mercy, but he couldn't steer his attempt on target.
As the half wore on, Coventry began to grow into the game and had their best chance of the first-half on 43 minutes. A hopeful cross from the left-hand side was flapped by Ethan Horvath, gifting Gustavo Hamer with an opportunity inside the six-yard box but he side-footed over.
After the break, the Robins started to get on top following the introduction of Matt Godden at half-time. But the Sky Blues didn't create any clear-cut chances, up until they equalised. A free-flowing counter-attack was slotted home by Hamer mid-way through the second period after excellent work from Godden.
Gustavo Hamer scored for Coventry at Wembley (Getty Images)It was an excellent finish from Hamer, who tucked the ball beyond a hapless Horvath, sending the 35,000 Coventry fans into delirium. But Hamer would end the game in tears after he was forced to come off in the 79th minute through injury, having previously a knock to his leg moments earlier.
Chances were few and far between in the final 10 minutes of regular time as both sides settled for extra-time after a tense but exciting affair at Wembley. Viktor Gyokeres had his first real opportunity of the game but his effort was blocked, before Clarke fired a free-kick well over for the Hatters.
The first-half of extra-time, as expected, was tight and cagey. Neither side really had a go at scoring their second goal as both cancelled each-other out. Luton were concerned when Horvath went down holding his hamstring after a clearance but the United States goalkeeper managed to get up and carry on.
As for the second 15, substitute Joe Taylor thought he had given Luton the lead and secured the all-important winner as he pounced on a mistake and slotted beyond Ben Wilson. But the goal was ruled out after Taylor appeared to handle the ball as he tacked the fortunate Jonathan Panzo.
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Coventry and Luton could not be separated after 120 minutes as the clash was settled by penalties. Both sides were immaculate in the shootout, up until Dabo stepped up for the Sky Blues. The former Chelsea right-back blazer over the bar to give Hatters the win and hand them a place in the Premier League
They have become the first team ever to move from the top-fight, down to non-league and all the way back up to the highest tier of English football. Luton will also scoop an increase in revenue of at least £170million across the next three seasons, despite whether they stay in the Premier League next season.
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