Luton Town

By Sam Drury, BBC Sport

It is clear that the FA Cup is not Luton's priority this season but there will be understandable frustration at being taken to a replay by a side two divisions below them.

Bolton are flying high in League One but even after a relatively even first-half, Rob Edwards' side had ample opportunities in the second to win the game.

Alfie Doughty was unfortunate with a effort that came back off the post - and Edwards was adamant the wing-back should have had a penalty for a trip by Bolton's Will Forrester when the ball came back to him - but, ultimately, the hosts were not clinical enough in front of goal.

Carlton Morris and Elijah Adebayo should both have done better with headed chances but a lack of ruthlessness when they had Bolton on the ropes means a trip to the north-west next midweek and a shortened winter break.

As much as Luton would have wanted to progress, it is that extra game and the timing of it that might most irk Edwards and his team.

Luton were left frustrated as League One promotion-chasers Bolton earned a replay in the FA Cup third round with a goalless draw at Kenilworth Road.

After an even first half, in which chances were at a premium, the Premier League side dominated much of the second 45 minutes but were unable to find a goal.

Captain Carlton Morris had Luton's best chance, but his header was too close to Bolton goalkeeper Nathan Baxter, before Alfie Doughty struck the post with a fierce left-footed strike late on.

While a home goal always seemed more likely, the visitors threatened in the closing stages and almost snatched a winner when Luton keeper Tim Krul mistimed a punch and sent the ball backwards and only just over his own crossbar.

Luton had a chance in the final seconds after Baxter came for a cross and failed to gather, but Bolton's defenders came to his aid to crowd out Chiedozie Ogbene and secure a rematch back at the Toughsheet Community Stadium.

Ian Evatt's side acquitted themselves well, particularly in the first half, with Paris Maghma firing their best effort just over the bar after Ross Barkley had been dispossessed in midfield.

Luton struggled to muster much better before the break as Albert Sambi Lokonga fizzed a shot just wide, while a pair of long-range efforts from Barkley were easily saved.

Were you at Kenilworth Road or following the match from elsewhere?

How did you rate the performance of your team, Luton fans?

Follow all the reaction here

There is less than an hour to go before Luton Town host Bolton Wanderers in the third round of the FA Cup.

Follow all the action live here

Listen to BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra match commentary

BBC Sport football expert Chris Sutton has made his predictions for all 32 ties in the FA Cup third round and given his verdict on who will make it into round four.

For this weekend's matches he is up against singer-songwriter and Liverpool fan Banners.

Sutton's prediction: 2-1

I'd like everyone to remember how difficult it is to know whether anyone will put out their strongest side in these ties, not just the top-flight clubs.

I am not sure how Luton boss Rob Edwards will approach this game because his side have got a sniff of staying up after picking a couple of wins over Christmas, but Bolton could well rotate their squad too, because they are flying at the top of League One.

Banners' prediction: 1-1 (Luton to win replay)

Get the full list of predictions

Image source, Getty Images

The draw for the FA Cup fourth round will take place on Monday, 8 January before the third-round tie between Wigan Athletic and Manchester United, which is being televised by ITV.

The 16 fourth-round games will be scheduled across the weekend of Saturday, 27 January.

Luton Town manager Rob Edwards has been speaking to the media before his side's FA Cup third-round tie against Bolton Wanderers on Sunday.

Here are the main lines from his news conference:

• Edwards doesn't have many fond memories of the FA Cup as a player: "Unfortunately I've never really had the cup run, so it's on the to-do list." The Hatters boss added that he believes the Hatters have enough squad depth to cope with a cup run this season.

• In terms of injuries, the game comes "too soon" for defenders Dan Potts and Reece Burke, who are both back in full training but not up to match fitness just yet.

• Luton aren't looking to rest any players for the game, with Edwards stating: "It's the most important game for us right now, so I'll pick the team with that in mind really. I think we've got around 16 to 18 outfield players that can start and are genuine starters for us."

• On opponents Bolton Wanderers, who are pushing for promotion from League One: "They are capable of an upset. I know Ian Evatt [Bolton manager] really well, he's a former team-mate of mine. He's done a brilliant job, he's been building that club for a number of years, he's deserved that time."

• He added: "They came close to promotion again last year. So they are a really dangerous team, a confident team, they are in good form. It will be a very, very difficult game."

• The club is "delighted" to be able to make Andros Townsend's contract more long-term, with Edwards saying: "He's got some determination. He's very driven, he's really focused, he's worked tirelessly on himself to make sure he's in the best condition possible to perform really well."

Image source, Getty Images

BBC Three Counties Radio's Luke Ashmead and Simon Oxley are hoping Luton Town midfielder Ross Barkley will join Andros Townsend in committing his long-term future to the club.

The former Chelsea man has quickly become a key part of Rob Edwards' side since his arrival on a free transfer in the summer but it is unclear if he will remain at the club beyond the end of the season.

"There were no details at the time about what kind of deal he had signed," Ashmead said. "With the best will in the world Ross Barkley - the way he's played - would be unlikely to be playing Championship football [should Luton be relegated this season].

"He continues to be outstanding. He's just annoyingly good. It's like going back to the playground where there was one kid who could dribble it round everybody."

Oxley added: "It's the way he holds his balance, his shape, his awareness of where he is. He's just so good."

Listen to Luton In The Prem on BBC Sounds

Image source, Getty Images

On the latest instalment of Luton in the Prem from BBC Three Counties Radio, Luke Ashmead and Simon Oxley discuss what the Hatters need from the January transfer window.

Oxley said: "Goalkeeper - not a problem. Centre-half you've got (Teden) Mengi, (Gabriel) Osho, (Amari'i) Bell, (Reece) Burke on the way back but not yet, and Mads Anderson of course. There is cover but on the basis that Tom Lockyer isn't going to be there for most if not all of the season, then you might be looking at something there.

"Possibly right wing-back as well because (Issa) Kabore is going to be away anyway with Afcon and, although (Alfie) Doughty and (Chiedozie) Ogbene and play there and Giles comes in on the left, it's a possible but not an imperative.

"Central midfield is where you're probably looking on the basis (Marvelous) Nakamba will be out for a couple of months and (Albert Sambi) Lokonga has been out at times. Is Ross Barkley going to be fit for the whole season? Lots of talk about Oscar Zambrado, the young midfielder from Ecuador. He's very highly regarded and they've been linked with him before.

"They are not on seven or eight points, they're on 15. On the basis that they're within touching distance, is it worth a look? Not silly money but still."

Ashmead added: "It's such a balance between giving it a go which Luton are doing anyway, but also having to prepare for two different divisions."

Listen to Luton in the Prem on BBC Sounds

• Luton are without a win in their past six meetings with Bolton in all competitions (D2 L4). This is the first game between the sides since Bolton's 6-2 home win in the FA Cup in January 1997.

• Bolton have won four of their five FA Cup ties against Luton Town, with the only exception being a 1-0 defeat in February 1973.

• After losing five consecutive FA Cup third round ties between 2014-15 and 2019-20, Luton have reached at least the fourth round of the competition in each of the past three seasons.

• Bolton are looking to reach the FA Cup fourth round for the first time since 2018-19. However, they are without a win in seven FA Cup games against Premier League opponents (D2 L5).

• Jon Bodvarsson has scored seven goals in his past eight FA Cup appearances for Bolton, including a hat-trick in the competition's second round this season.

Listen to BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra match commentary of Luton Town v Bolton Wanderers at 14:00 GMT on Sunday

Geoff Doyle, BBC Three Counties Radio

Luton have a break from the Premier League and they deserve one for what they’ve been through in December. Time to take stock and refocus to give it another good go in the coming five months.

It was great to hear the positive news from Tom Lockyer and he can now cheer the boys on like every other Luton fan.

The defeat by Chelsea last time out gave us an idea of how far the Hatters have progressed this season. In the reverse fixture at Stamford Bridge in August - which was Luton’s second Premier League match - Chelsea were comfortable as Rob Edwards' side gamely tried to restrict the Blues.

The loss last week was light years away from that. Braver and on the front foot, playing through the thirds, players linking between the lines, marauding midfield runs, overlaps, underlaps, one/two-touch stuff, getting into great wide positions, sustained periods of possession. Luton have come on a bomb.

It’s an indication of how much the team has evolved under Edwards and it’s so impressive. Hatters fans are enjoying the best football at Kenilworth Road for over 30 years.

Halfway through the season, Luton still have a right chance of staying up and the next step of the evolution is to turn these increasingly better performances into points.

Whether they use the January transfer window will be interesting. The players are performing so well that it's going to cost a lot of money to get ones who are better. And there seems little point spending millions when you cannot guarantee it will ensure survival.

Luton need to try to be cute again - which they are very good at - and see if they can find a right wing-back and a defensive midfielder and cultivate them like they have done with Ross Barkley and Andros Townsend.

A couple of new additions would suffice - and then this improving fight for survival continues.

Image source, Getty Images

Luton Town winger Andros Townsend has signed a new contract with the club.

The 32-year-old signed on a short-term deal with the Hatters in October having not played a competitive match since March 2022 while still with Everton.

He has featured 11 times in the league since joining, scoring one goal and making two assists.

The former Tottenham player has brought valuable Premier League experience to the promoted side and the new deal will see him stay with the club for the "foreseeable future".

On signing the new contract, Townsend said: "Obviously I'm delighted - three months ago I thought my career was over. So from going to begging around the world just for a trial to being offered a longer contract is a dream come true.

"It's a special, special football club. I think we can really achieve something special this season. It's only halfway done. We've got six months - 19 games - to pull off the unthinkable."

Manager Rob Edwards added: "It's an amazing signing for us. Andros has come into the group with real humility and professionalism. He's shown the whole group what it means to be elite and a top-end pro.

"His fitness levels have been insane, and he's shown more and more his qualities with every game. For us to be able to tie him down to a longer-term contract is a credit to him. He's been through a tough time and it says a lot about him as a person.

"I also think it says a lot about the ambitions of this football club that we're signing people like Andros, with his level and quality.

"It's a big, big signing for us."

Ian Robertson, We Are Luton Town, external

Last time, we discussed the profound impact a week can have, and as we enter a new year, it feels fitting to reflect on the transformation that 2023 brought to Luton Town Football Club.

This time last year, we had just entered the Championship play-off places on goal difference following an impressive victory over Queens Park Rangers.

Now, we find ourselves just one point away from safety in the Premier League, accompanied by a significant increase in wealth totalling a couple of hundred million pounds.

While being in the Premier League is a dream we're all living, the financial income made in 2023 will ensure the football club's stability for many years to come - undoubtedly the most significant win of the past 12 months.

The manner in which we finished the match against Chelsea is indicative of the team we've evolved into. While we have always been hardworking and attacking in our style, we've now grown to be more dynamic and brave.

Significant credit goes to Rob Edwards and the recruitment team for their additions to an already successful team.

Who knows where we will be in a year's time, but we have one hell of a chance.

We asked you what transfer business you want to see Luton Town do in January.

Here are some of your answers:

Sue: Keep it as it is. A happy team makes a solid team; too many changes make teams unstable. Give the players who have shown such pride, skill and passion so far this season the chance to see the campaign through. Mick Harford and Rob Edwards have found some real diamonds - let them continue to shine.

Graham: Can we get Jadon Sancho on loan? A tight-knit team that nurtures him could revive his very obvious talent.

Sam: Andros Townsend is the most important target for the club this January. His work-rate and stamina are simply unmatched - he’s a must keep for at least the rest of the season. Extending his contract should be our top priority. Oscar Zambrano could be a good addition, especially with Marvelous Nakamba out. Another centre-back would be ideal.

Dan: Need a central midfielder as Nakamba is injured and Pelly-Ruddock Mpanzu is off to Afcon. I worry we are now too reliant on Ross Barkley and Albert Sami Lokonga. We also need a right wing-back because we lack cover there with Issa Kabore off to Afcon too. I prefer Alfie Doughty on the left. I'd let Dan Potts, Luke Berry and Cauley Woodrow go to free up spaces in squad.

Chas: The January window opening, but I think we should just close it again - no-one in, no-one out. I don’t think bringing in a new striker or defender will help, and in Barkley and Lokonga we have a good midfield. The main thing would be to not lose any of our current main squad as that could upset the dynamics.

Image source, Getty Images

Luton Town captain Tom Lockyer has released a statement thanking the club, Hatters fans, and the wider football community for their support and saying he will meet specialists in the new year to decide his footballing future.

Lockyer suffered a cardiac arrest during Luton's match against Bournemouth on 16 December.

Speaking via Instagram, external he said: "I would just like to say that I am doing very well and feeling very much myself after the cardiac arrest I suffered in Bournemouth.

"The reason I’m doing so well is all down to the heroic actions of the players, staff, doctors and paramedics. I feel thankful that this happened to me surrounded by these heroes. They saved my life. I will never forget what you did for me.

"While I’m sad not to be involved, I feel full of pride watching the boys carry on the battle without me. The fighting spirit I’ve seen in the past three games has given me a much-needed lift.

"I will be doing whatever I can, in whichever ways are possible, to help the gaffer and the club. In what capacity that is remains to be decided as I’m due to meet with specialists in the new year.

"I cannot stress enough how important it is for as many people as possible to know CPR. It literally saves lives, like mine. Please check out the British Heart Foundation website for basics or get yourself on a course. You just never know when you might need it.

"I have been overwhelmed by the support that I have received and thank you all for your messages, letters, gifts and well wishes. Seeing the banners at the ground and hearing my name being sung really did mean a lot to me and my family.

"Finally, I would like to thank Bournemouth, Gary Sweet, Rob Edwards and Luton Town for the support they’ve given my family during this time."

With the transfer window about to open again, we want to know what business you think Luton Town need to do.

Who should they buy? Who should they sell? And who should they keep?

Have your say here

We asked you for your thoughts after Luton Town hosted Chelsea in the Premier League.

Here are some of the top comments:

Luton fans

Dan: Amazing effort from the lads to get back into it after going 3-0 down. Really disappointed with their first goal though - Kabore was onside and the linesman yards behind play when he blew for offside. Chelsea scored shortly after the resulting free-kick and that gave them the impetus. Really proud of this team. Come on you Hatters!

Sue: I just watched a team that always give 100% against a team that are 10 places above them, and in the second half we played as if we were in the top half. Strange decisions again from the officials. We still believe and will still play our way.

Mac: Up until the subs at half-time, we tried to reinvent the way we play and it wasn't until we reverted back to a more direct approach that we started causing problems. Great heart from the lads and with this kind of fight, l am confident we will stay up!

Captain Pugwash: Played well, hit the bar twice, goal disallowed. Really must cut out the defensive mistakes and pass better for ball retention.

Chelsea fans

Matt: That match epitomised our season so far. We played some brilliant football at times and you think we’ve finally clicked into place and then suddenly I’ve got my head in my hands wondering how we’ve almost thrown it all away.

Andrew: Good teams are built on a solid defence, something we still don’t have. There is talent here but it is still some way from being a team.

David: Cole Palmer is our best player. Others are starting to look a bit better but we can't defend.

Phil: I still cannot fathom what Pochettino is telling the players. At 3-0 up, why not go for goal difference rather than sit back and play into their hands, just like the second half against Palace? Totally relying on individual skill to carry us through.

Gary Lineker introduces highlights and analysis from Saturday's six Premier League fixtures.

If you missed Match of the Day, you can catch up on the action on BBC iPlayer.

Listen back to Saturday's BBC Radio 5 Live match commentaries in full on BBC Sounds:

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• Nottingham Forest 2-1 Manchester United