Looking back - 2006 | Drama at The Kenny

Despite a heroic comeback from two goals down, there was no love in the air from Dave Jones at the end of a fiery encounter at Kenilworth Road on Valentine’s Day, 16 years ago.

After the difficulties of the previous campaign, City made encouraging signings in the summer of 2005 who would go on to establish themselves as modern day legends. Darren Purse and Riccy Scimeca put pen to paper on permanent deals from West Bromwich Albion, whilst the enigmatic Welsh international playmaker Jason Koumas signed on a season-long loan. 

Steven Thompson came in midway through the season to join striking ranks that already included Alan Lee and Cameron Jerome. One-cap England international Michael Ricketts ended his loan spell at Ninian Park, eventually linking up with Burnley.

City had shown promise in the early part of the 2005/06 campaign, beating Leeds United, Leicester City and Crystal Palace. Inconsistency was the word most often noted in local press, though; the Bluebirds went from the end of October until New Year’s Eve with just three wins in 13 games.

Jerome had enjoyed his time in front of goal with nine leading into Christmas and a total of 18 come the end of the campaign; Koumas was one behind him at the turn of the year with eight (finishing on 12). Despite the former leading the scoring charts, it was the latter who truly sparkled through an otherwise middling team campaign.

And in February 2006, Koumas almost secured a remarkable three points from the jaws of defeat in Bedfordshire.

In-form striker Rowan Vine had put the Hatters into a commanding a lead with two goals in as many first half minutes, before Koumas struck from 25 yards, ten minutes into the second half. City defender Chris Barker turned the ball into his own net on the hour mark, before Scimeca headed the Bluebirds back to within touching distance of salvaging a point.

And a point was exactly what Jones’ men would get, as Koumas struck another from range four minutes from time to the rapture of the travelling contingent packed into the old stand behind the goal.

But that wasn’t the full story: as Jones himself reflected upon post-match.

“For the referee and the linesman to miss that (a late foul on Koumas in the penalty area) is unacceptable at any level,” Jones fumed. “Coming back from two down should feel like a win, but [with the decision] it feels like a loss.”

With the benefit of replay, the decision not to give City the opportunity to secure the win from the penalty spot – and, indeed, Koumas to potentially seal his hat-trick – seemed harsh.

As for the fortunes of both sides from thereon in, City would stumble towards the end of the campaign with just three wins from their final 12 League fixtures to finish 11th.

Luton ended a point above them.