Luton edge out Cambridge

Luton withheld a second half fightback from Cambridge to triumph 3-2 at Kenilworth Road on Saturday.

The hosts raced into a 3-0 lead by the interval, perhaps taking advantage of opponents thinking of Tuesday's appointment at Old Trafford, but the U's almost stole a point with goals from substitutes Johnny Hunt and Robbie Simpson. Tom Elliott thundered a header against the bar for Cambridge early on, but Luton went ahead on 19 minutes when Jake Howells' shot was well saved by Chris Dunn, only for Andy Drury to volley in the rebound. It was 2-0 moments after the half hour mark as Drury swung over a corner and Luke Wilkinson leapt highest to nod his header past Dunn. Wilkinson had to go off injured with Fraser Franks taking his place just before half-time, but the Hatters looked to have wrapped up the points up when Jonathan Smith's shot went straight through Dunn and into the net. However, after Jayden Stockley volleyed wide from 25 yards early in the second period, the hosts were forced on the back foot for long periods as Cambridge upped the pressure. They pulled one back when Cameron McGeehan teed up the onrushing Hunt and he placed a measured finish into the corner after 67 minutes. Then with just four minutes remaining, Simpson gathered a long ball to swivel and finish beyond Mark Tyler, but Luton just about held on.