Luton Town comeback against Sunderland to reach play-off final

• Luton Town have reached the Sky Bet Championship play-off final defeating Sunderland in the semis
• Luton Town are fighting to earn a promotion to the Premier League for the first time in the club’s history
• Luton have played in the top-flight league before but not since 1992 when the Premier League was started

Luton Town secured their place in the Sky Bet Championship play-off final with an impressive 2-0 victory over Sunderland. The Hatters delighted their passionate supporters at Kenilworth Road as goals from defenders Gabe Osho and Tom Lockyer in the first half sealed their triumph over the Wearsiders.

Entering the second leg with a 2-1 deficit, Luton needed a strong performance, and they got the breakthrough they desired in the 10th minute. Osho capitalized on a loose ball in the box from a Jordan Clark corner, tapping it home from close range to give Luton an early lead.

Sunderland had an opportunity to equalize just three minutes later when Pierre Ekwah’s flicked effort from Patrick Roberts’ corner was saved by Ethan Horvath. Ekwah’s rebound attempt hit the woodwork, and the visitors’ penalty appeals fell on deaf ears.

Luton continued to threaten, and in the 22nd minute, Luke O’Nien cleared a Carlton Morris shot off the line after Anthony Patterson failed to hold Alfie Doughty’s cross. Morris and Lockyer came close to extending Luton’s advantage, but their efforts were narrowly off target.

Luton Town players celebrate after scoring against Sunderland in the Sky Bet Championship play-off semi-final second leg on Tuesday, May 16 2023. | PHOTO: Sky |

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However, in the 43rd minute, Lockyer found himself unmarked and made no mistake as he headed Doughty’s cross past Patterson, giving Luton a 2-0 lead on the day and a 3-2 aggregate advantage.

The second half started with a golden opportunity for Morris to make it 3-0, but he failed to convert after Patterson’s mistake. Sunderland, plagued by injuries, struggled to mount a comeback and create significant scoring chances. Aji Alese made his return from injury as Sunderland’s first substitute in the 58th minute.

As the game entered its final stages, Luton remained in control, with Alese making a crucial challenge to deny Elijah Adebayo a clear shot on goal. Sunderland’s Patrick Roberts had a couple of chances but failed to hit the target.

Despite their efforts, Sunderland rarely troubled Luton’s defence, and Cody Drameh came closest to adding another goal for Luton in added time. However, his shot went wide of the open net.

The final whistle sparked jubilant celebrations among the majority of the 10,013 spectators, including a pitch invasion to commemorate Luton’s victory. The Hatters now set their sights on the play-off final at Wembley on May 27, where they will face either Coventry or Middlesbrough. With a return to top-flight football after a 31-year absence within reach, Luton’s fans are eagerly anticipating the decisive clash.