Luton seal dramatic comeback win to boost survival hopes

Luton breathed new life into their bid to stay in the Premier League as Carlton Morris’ dramatic late goal saw them come from a goal down to complete a 2-1 comeback victory against in-form Bournemouth.

Marcus Tavernier’s low strike gave Bournemouth the lead in the 52nd minute and looked to be consigning Luton to a third straight defeat in the league, but Rob Edwards’ side showed their fighting spirit.

With time starting to run out and desperation creeping in for Luton, Jordan Clark came to their rescue as he thumped home an equaliser in the 73rd minute.

The momentum was with Edwards’ side and they completed a stunning comeback victory when Morris poked home Cauley Woodrow’s cross in the 90th minute to spark wild celebrations at Kenilworth Road.

The win sees Luton move level on points with Nottingham Forest, who travel to Spurs on Sunday evening, live on Sky Sports. Edwards’ side stay in the bottom three but have renewed hope following a first league win since January 30.

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How Luton boosted their Premier League survival hopes

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Luton Town’s Jordan Clark celebrates after scoring their equaliser

Luton boss Edwards warned in his pre-match programme notes that his side were going to go for it against Bournemouth and that there would be some “nerve-racking moments and difficult moments” for his side in the game.

He was right. Luton were wide open at times during the first half, but Bournemouth couldn’t capitalise.

Marcus Tavernier’s free-kick struck the crossbar before both Tavernier and Justin Kluivert fired wide at the end of quick Bournemouth counter-attacks as the visitors pushed for an opener.

Luton’s best chance of the half fell to Tahith Chong, who turned and fired over the crossbar with a shot from the edge of the Bournemouth penalty area.

The first half lacked quality in the final third from both sides and they both got the message at the break.

Luton came out with a renewed tempo. Three times in the first five minutes of the second period Neto was called upon to save, most impressively when Morris was denied with a fine fingertip reach.

It proved to be a crucial moment as Bournemouth went up the other end and took the lead. Kluivert teed up Tavernier, who arrowed the ball past Thomas Kaminski’s reach and into the bottom corner.

However, Luton showed plenty of fighting spirit. Morris’ low strike left Neto rooted to the spot but the ball thumped against the foot of the post, with Clark’s ferocious follow-up blocked, before Alfie Doughty’s weak effort was comfortably saved.

They did eventually grab a deserved equaliser with 17 minutes to go as Clark started and finished the move himself. After initially being dispossessed, the ball broke kindly for Clark who had gambled and continued his run into the box and his reward was Luton’s leveller as he powered a low shot into the bottom corner.

The momentum was with the hosts and there looked to be only one winner. With time ticking towards the end of 90 minutes, Morris got himself on the end of Woodrow’s cross to steal a stunning Luton victory.

What’s next?

Luton play again on Saturday as they take on Man City in the Premier League; kick-off 3pm.

Bournemouth also play on Saturday Night Football as they host Man Utd live on Sky Sports; kick-off 5.30pm.