Ebbsfleet United will look to record a vital win at Luton in their fight for survival... If the weather doesn't intervene.
The Fleet face a short trip to Luton on Tuesday as they look to produce a result that will give them every chance of survival. A victory will see the Fleet edge a little closer to safety, wheras a Luton win would mean nothing to the Hatters as their play-off hopes are all but over.
Luton Town FC
Founded - 1885 (after a merger between Luton Town Wanderers and Excelsior)
Nickname - The Hatters
Ground - Kenilworth Road
Manager - John Still
Captain - Ronnie Henry
Top scorer - Andre Gray (11)
Luton are managed by Dagenham and Redbridge legend John Still. Still spent nine long years with the Essex outfit and not only did he guide them into League Two for the first time in their history, he went one better in 2009/10 and took them to League One. Having only been at Luton for a short period of time, he hasn't been able to make much of an impact. Former manager Paul Buckle left the Hatters languishing in 10th postion in the table before leaving for 'personal reasons'. Despite their poor run in the League, Luton flew the Non-League flag in the FA Cup, making it to the fifth round. The Hatters beat Championship strugglers Wolves at Kenilworth Road in round three, before travelling to Premiership side Norwich and producing the shock of the tournament in a 0-1 victory, courtesy of substitute Scott Rendell. Another winnable game was handed to Luton in round five when they were drawn at home to Millwall, although this proved a step too far for the Hatters as the Lions ran out 0-3 winners. The Hatters fell in the fourth round of the FA Trophy as they crashed 3-0 at finalists Grimsby Town. Since Still has taken over at Town, the defence has improved vastly. The Hatters have kept an impressive five clean sheets in the eight games they have played under Still. One cause for concern is the lack of goals. Town have scored just four goals in those eight matches. Luton have drawn 0-0 five times this season. Against the worst defence in the league, they'll see this as an ideal chance to get some goals.
Luton's last match was certainly a frustrating affair. The Hatters created numerous chances but were unable to find the net. They had a total of seventeen shots with nine on target, compared to the visitors seven and four. The Tamworth keeper was in fine form as the game ended 0-0.
Manager John Still is rotating his squad around at the moment so he can see who will fit his requirements for next season, therefore it is tough to pick a standout player. One who the Hatters will hope plays well is Steve McNulty. The centre back is a relatively new player at Kenilworth Road having signed on a free transfer from Fleetwood, and although he doesn't look like a football player, he's definitely solid at the back. In Ronnie Henry's recent absence, McNulty has filled in as captain. Dave Martin is another new player that Luton may look to. The former Millwall man had a slow start to his Luton career but his form recently has improved, and the left winger will be hoping he can continue his form towards the end of the season and going into next season.
The Fleet will once again look to striker Matt Godden. Missing out on game time on Saturday due to a postponement, the youngster will be eager to get back onto the field and scoring. Five goals in eight league games for the Fleet, he'll be keen to add to that as the Fleet look to survive the drop. With the Luton players seeing this as the ideal chance to boost their form in front of goal, Preston Edwards will need to be on form.
Luton have two players on the long-term injury list. Defender Garry Richards and midfielder Danny Spiller both suffered injuries in pre-season after signing contracts with the Hatters. Both have been out of action since. Midfielder Scott Neilson had a Hernia op last week and will remain on the sidelines for the last few weeks of the season. Defender Janos Kovacs has been out of action for the last few games with hamstring problems, it is unknown when he is due back, and influential midfielder Alex Lawless has been missing for the same reason. Striker Stuart Fleetwood has been out of the squad for the last few games.
LUTON'S LAST SIX MATCHES (DWDLDD):
Luton Town 0-0 Tamworth
Luton Town 1-0 Stockport County
Wrexham 0-0 Luton Town
Luton Town 1-2 Hyde
Luton Town 1-1 Hereford United
Nuneaton Town 0-0 Luton Town
EBBSFLEET'S LAST SIX MATCHES (DWLDLL):
Cambridge United 1-1 Ebbsfleet United
Ebbsfleet United 4-1 Southport
Alfreton Town 3-0 Ebbsfleet United
Ebbsfleet United 1-1 Newport County
Wrexham 4-1 Ebbsfleet United
Kidderminster Harriers 3-2 Ebbsfleet United
PREVIOUS LEAGUE MEETINGS:
The two clubs haven't met a lot over the years, due to Luton's higher League placing. In the five matches that they have played each other a total of twenty three goals have been scored, with Luton scoring sixteen of them. The first meeting between the sides was a memorable one for the Fleet. During their relegation season, they went to Kenilworth Road and recorded a fantastic 2-3 victory. Unfortunately, the Hatters got revenge with a 1-6 victory, scoring all seven of the goals.
27.08.2012. Ebbsfleet United 1-3 Luton Town
17.04.2012. Luton Town 3-0 Ebbsfleet United
11.10.2011. Ebbsfleet United 2-2 Luton Town
20.03.2010. Ebbsfleet United 1-6 Luton Town
30.01.2010. Luton Town 2-3 Ebbsfleet United
LAST TIME OUT:
Ebbsfleet United 1-3 Luton Town
The Fleet continued their poor start with another loss. This 1-3 loss meant they had conceded seven goals in their last two matches. Two goals from Stuart Fleetwood and a Scott Rendell goal gave the Hatters a 1-3 win. Fleetwood started off the win with a net finish from close range following good work from Rendell. Six minutes later, it was role reversal as Fleetwood produced a ball from the byline for Rendell to tap in. Fleetwood made it three in on 73 minutes from eight yards out. Substitute Nathan Elder scored a late consolation goal for the Fleet.
Attendance: 2,018.
HOW THE BOOKIES SEE IT:
William Hill have Luton favourites at 1/2, with the Fleet at 19/5. A draw for this game sees odds of 3/1.
Ladbrokes too have Luton at 1/2 favourites. A Fleet win sees odds of 4/1. A draw sees odds of 14/5. If you fancy the Fleet to record a shock 0-1 victory then you can get good odds of 16/1.
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