Luton Town

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AFC Wimbledon 1-1 Luton

Blue Square Premier newcomers AFC Wimbledon and Luton town played to stalemate on Saturday afternoon with the referee taking centre stage for both goals.

Despite being without the services of influential trio Liam Hatch, Alan White and Kevin Nicholls the Hatters made a strong start to the game.

Luton were awarded a penalty after just 14 minutes when Dons club captain Paul Lorraine was penalised for tugging the shirt of defender Shane Blackett.

The referee had no hesitation in pointing to the spot and the resulting penalty was calmly placed in the bottom-right corner by Tom Craddock.

The hosts had to be aware at the back because Luton were pilling on the pressure after making the early breakthrough.

However, some committed defending ensured the Dons ended the first period with just a one goal deficit.

The Wombles finally got their first shot on target fives minutes into the second half but Danny Kedwell's flicked header was easily collected by Luton goalkeeper Mark Tyler.

Luton were still looking dangerous on attack but the heat was starting to take it's toll as the game started to slow down.

The Wombles brought on a three substitutes in a bid to alter the course of the game and it paid off as they were awarded a penalty with eleven minutes left on the clock.

Defender Blackett was involved again as he was adjudged to have fouled Dons substitute Jon Main, who had sprung clear of the defence.

Blackett was given his marching orders for s professional foul and Main converted to resulting spot kick to setup an exciting finish.

In fact, Luton were forced into some desperate defending late on as the hosts looked to snatch a late winner.

Chris Hussey almost got lucky with a free kick in injury time but his shot took a deflection and drifted just inches wide of goal.

AFC Wimbledon bookings: Lorraine, Johnson, Garrard.

Luton bookings: Gallen, Reynolds, Blackett.

Sent Off: Blackett (80).

Ref: I Cooper (England).

Att: 4,488.