Luton Town celebrate against AFC WimbledonImage source, Rex Features
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Luton Town earned three points from their first game in League One since winning the third-tier title in 2018-19

Ryan Johnson's unfortunate late own goal gave Luton Town a winning start to the League One season at home to AFC Wimbledon.

A game of very few chances appeared to be ending in a goalless draw before Dons defender Johnson's attempted clearing header looped up and over goalkeeper Nathan Bishop and into the net via the crossbar.

It proved a slow start to the new EFL season, with just two shots in the first half and none on target.

Reuell Walters provided the first moment of real quality in the 63rd minute, sending a swerving shot towards the corner and forcing a fine save from Bishop.

New Hatters signing Nahki Wells then sent a great ball forward searching for Cauley Woodrow, with Johnson backtracking and only able to header over his own keeper and into the goal.

Substitute Lamine Fanne curled an effort just wide from range soon after the goal but Johnson's header proved decisive for Luton, who were back in League One after successive relegations from the Premier League and Championship.

The Wombles, promoted from League Two through the play-offs, defended resolutely all evening, restricting the hosts to just six attempts, but went home empty-handed after creating just one effort themselves.

What was the main talking point?

Ryan Johnson heads the ball up and over under pressure from Luton attacker Cauley Woodrow, before the balls lobs Wimbledon goalkeeper Nathan Bishop for an own goalImage source, PA Media
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The game had been drifting towards a goalless draw until Ryan Johnson's own goal in the 85th minute

Aside from being the first game back in the third tier for both respective clubs, this was not a night that was going to live long in the memory for either set of fans.

But with just five minutes remaining on the clock, the match was settled by one moment Johnson would rather forget.

It was incredibly harsh on Wimbledon, and Johnson had played a big part for a dogged defence that gave away very few openings and showed why they conceded the least goals in League Two last season.

Debutant Wells was the creator with a pinpoint pass over the top and, with Woodrow running in behind, the Dons defender knew he had to clear the danger.

But the result was a 1-0 win for Luton, with the home fans left chanting, "we're top of the league".

Which players stood out?

Luton Town's Nahki Wells (right) and Shandon Baptiste celebrateImage source, PA Media
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Nahki Wells played the ball which forced the own goal from Johnson

"Top drawer. Quality. He oozes quality," Luton head coach Matt Bloomfield said of Wells after the game.

The 35-year-old showed his class to produce the ball forward that resulted in the game's only goal.

Wells completed his move from Bristol City this summer and started alongside fellow debutant George Saville, who was assured in midfield following his arrival from Millwall.

The Hatters are one of the favourites for promotion despite losing 47 of their 84 league games over the past two seasons and needed a moment of inspiration from Wells to get them off to a winning start.

'We're not final product' says Bloomfield - reaction

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Matt Bloomfield: 'We found a way'

Speaking to BBC Radio Three Counties Radio, Luton Town boss Matt Bloomfield said:

"The most important thing is that we've found a way. We can't always have a little fortune like we did tonight.

"We have to create more clear-cut chances for ourselves. We kept probing and I thought there was a unity and clarity in our performance and the boys were together and kept playing as a group which we were really pleased with.

"We know there are plenty of improvements and we're not the final product right now and we have to keep working towards that."

What's next for both teams?

Luton travel to Peterborough United at 12:30 BST on Saturday, 9 August and the Dons host Lincoln City at the Cherry Red Records Stadium at 15:00 BST that day.

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