Sheffield United vs Luton: Luton force late goals to win 3-2

• Luton Town forced two late goals to secure a crucial 3-2 victory over fellow strugglers Sheffield United at Bramall Lane
• The Sheffield United vs Luton fixture was the first match in the Premier League in 15 years to be officiated by a black referee

Luton Town forced two away goals on Boxing Day to secure a crucial 3-2 away win in the Sheffield United vs Luton fixture.

Luton took an early lead in the first half through Alfie Doughty (17) before Sheffield bounced back in the second half to go 2-1 up, thanks to goals from Oliver McBurnie (61) and Anel Ahmedhodzic (69). But it was the visitors who had the final say in this fixture after two late own goals from Jack Robison (77) and Anis Ben Slimane (81). Substitute Carlton Morris, who created the chances that led to the own goals, played the last 20 minutes of the match.

Sheffield United vs Luton. Photo/ The Sun.

Sheffield United are currently stuck at the bottom of the table with seven points after a 14th Premier League defeat this season. Luton Town are also still in the relegation zone despite recording back-to-back wins. There is still a lot of work to be done if both teams are to avoid relegation this season.

Sheffield United vs Luton 

With fellow strugglers Nottingham Forest having secured a crucial 3-1 win over Newcastle United, this clash between two relegation battlers had all the hallmarks of being a thrilling one. Sheffield United settled into the game faster, but it was the visitors who took an early lead after Alfie Doughty pounced on Albert Sambi Lokonga’s pass and then released a superb strike in the 17th minute. The ball squirmed through the legs of Sheffield United goalkeeper Wes Foderingham into the net.

The hosts didn’t create any meaningful chance afterwards and it took until the half hour-mark before they got sight of goal. But Luton goalkeeper Thomas Kaminski had an easy time saving Gustavo Hamer’s free-kick. Well, Sheffield seemed to have been motivated after testing Luton’s keeper and they found another opportunity a few minutes later, but James McAtee curled his effort wide.

Both teams came re-energized after the break, with chances being missed at either end of the pitch. Sheffield found the equalizer in the 61st minute when Oli McBurnie reacted quickest in the box to convert McAtee’s pass. Eight minutes later, the Blades had turned the game around, thanks to Anel Ahmedhodzic who fired from close range after Luton failed to clear.

Having taken the lead at home and the momentum being on their side, it looked as though the Blades were cruising to victory at Bramall Lane. However, Luton put on a spirited fight and had successfully restored their lead after two own goals within four minutes. Luton came under serious pressure from the hosts in the last minutes of the game but they held on to secure a crucial away win.

Sheffield United fought back from a goal down to lead 2-1 but ended up squandering the lead themselves to lose 3-2 to Luton Town at home. Photo/ FBC News.

Sheffield United were left disappointed with the outcome of the match and speaking afterwards, manager Chris Wilder that the backward step hurts.

“We really should be talking about a home win. We really should be talking about us getting a third win [in the league], not throwing it away. There has been a lot of positivity lately but this is a backwards step that hurts. Everyone has to be accountable. These boys have got to have that attitude of being strong mentally. We handed them the game. We can only look at ourselves. We have to get back on the bike pretty quickly. You can’t just turn a game over like that.” BBC Sports quotes Chris Wilder. 

The Sheffield United vs Luton fixture was the first match in the Premier League in 15 years to be officiated by a black referee. Sam Allison took charge of the game.