Luton Town 2-1 Derby County: Late Hatters winner makes it two wins from two
- Published
Luton, who narrowly avoided relegation last season, have taken maximum points from their first two Championship games this term
Jordan Clark scored a late winner against Derby County to make it two wins from two games for Luton Town in the Championship.
Luton's Luke Berry put his side in front midway through the first half, volleying in a fantastic Elliot Lee delivery.
Derby were soon level after the restart through Jack Marriott's side-footed effort after good build-up play from Rams debutant Kamil Jozwiak.
But Clark headed home Rhys Norrington-Davies' cross in the 87th minute to seal all three points for the hosts.
Luton - now unbeaten in their seven Championship matches stretching back to last season - could have gone in front in the 18th minute when Harry Cornick's effort struck the base on the near post against the run of play.
But the Hatters grew into the game and, in an opening period of few chances, were good value for their half-time lead.
The visitors dominated after the restart, deservedly levelling through Marriott, while substitute Jahmal Hector-Ingram was denied by Luton goalkeeper Simon Sluga.
Nathan Jones' side absorbed some late Derby pressure before Clark, whose winning goal against Reading in the Carabao Cup on Tuesday set up a tie with Manchester United, netted his second goal in as many games with a powerful back-post header.
Luton Town boss Nathan Jones told BBC Three Counties Radio:
"You couldn't ask for a better start. I'm delighted. I thought we were excellent, we really caused them problems pressing at the right times.
"We weren't aggressive enough straight after half-time and allowed their players to get on the ball and to play and dictate.
"We made changes and reacted so well and I'm really pleased with the winner. It was a great goal and it's something we practise regularly."
Derby County manager Phillip Cocu told BBC Radio Derby:
"The main problem at this time, it's too easy to concede. It's just a simple cross with a runner.
"We scored an excellent goal and created a few opportunities, you have to pull the trigger. If you lead this [type of] game, you'll probably win it. But we didn't do that.
"We conceded a silly goal which we defended very poorly.
"I think the performance today was much better, but we also have to make sure we get results."