Matt Bloomfield believes it was about time Luton had some luck

Luton manager Matt Bloomfield felt team were due some luck after a late own-goal from AFC Wimbledon’s Ryan Johnson earned a 1-0 victory at Kenilworth Road on their return to League One.

Back-to-back relegations had left the Hatters – who were a Premier League side 15 months ago – playing in the third tier for the first time since 2019 but after dropping out of the Championship in May their fortunes took a turn for the better when the Dons defender headed the ball over goalkeeper Nathan Bishop and in off the crossbar with five minutes to play.

It was cruel on Wimbledon who had limited the hosts to a single shot on target until that point as they coped admirably with the step up after winning the League Two play-off final.

Bloomfield, who took over in January but despite a strong finish to the campaign was unable to save the team from the drop, was asked whether he felt his side deserved their late good fortune.

“Yes,” he said. “We feel like there’s certain things that have gone against us over the last period of time.

“One thing you can’t do is whine about it. All you can do is get on with your work, and you have to be grateful when the gods shine on you and give you a little bit of fortune.

“There were only two teams in the last 10 league games (last season) that got more points than us – Burnley and Leeds.

“But after being relegated you can’t expect that everything’s going to be looked on smoothly with sunshine and smiles.”

Prior to the late winner, defender Reuell Walters had had Luton’s only attempt on target in the 63rd minute, drawing an excellent save from Bishop with a half-volley struck from range.

“Relived and pleased to get the win,” added Bloomfield. “Pleased with elements of the performance – the togetherness, the unity within the group.

“Frustration that we didn’t create more clearcut opportunities and look more threatening. But pleased to get off to a winning start.

“We can’t expect to click our fingers and get to the final product overnight. There’s been a definite change of identity which we saw on show tonight.

“We’re an evolving group, we’re a new group. Now it’s about getting better every week and keep working to where we want to get to.”

Dons boss Johnnie Jackson, whose team were playing in the third tier for the first time since 2022, said: “I’m gutted for my players and supporters. To lose the game in that manner was cruel.

“It’s a fortunate goal from their point of view. They made us defend that situation, caught us in that position but that rarely happened to my team all night. I thought we defended brilliantly.

“To lose it on an own goal on the side of the bar is a hard one to take.”