Match Report | Luton Town 0-1 Cardiff City
The Bluebirds began a big week of Sky Bet Championship action with an away win, defeating Luton Town, 0-1, at Kenilworth Road on February 8th.
Neil Harris' side were made to wait for their opportunity - but took it clinically, with danger man Lee Tomlin curling the ball home on 73 minutes to secure victory.
Neil Harris gave a debut to winger Albert Adomah, signed on January transfer deadline day from Nottingham Forest on loan.
It was a tight game - with the hosts showing the battle needed when embroiled within a relegation scrap, while the Bluebirds were looking for three points to push them closer to the top six.
Forward Harry Cornick had a real opportunity to open the scoring after 19 minutes after latching onto a rare misplaced pass from City defender Curtis Nelson. The former AFC Bournemouth attacker though placed the ball wide of Alex Smithies' right post.
The lively Pelly-Ruddock Mpanzu and captain James Collins both had chances in the opening half - but missed the target. Graeme Jones' side keeping hold of the ball well and keeping the Bluebirds at bay.
Joe Bennett went close twice early into the second period. The City left-back's powerful low drive from the left side drifted wide before a curling in-swinging corner pulled the best out of Hatters 'keeper Simon Sluga.
Sluga, Luton's record signing, was called into action again after 72 minutes, saving the blushes of his defenders. Callum Paterson caused confusion in the home back line and managed to break in behind both central defenders before trying to lift the ball home. Sluga though made a smart save, leaving one hand in the air and pushing away Paterson's effort.
A moment of magic was needed in this match - and City's magic man provided it just moments after Paterson's chance. Lee Tomlin received the ball on the edge of the area from debutant Adomah, and allowed it to roll before taking a touch and curling low into the far corner of the net - directly in front of the travelling Bluebirds support - to give his side the lead.
Half chances followed for both sides - but a second goal didn't materialise. City's defence holding strong to earn a clean sheet - and three points away from home.
FINAL SCORE: LUTON TOWN 0-1 CARDIFF CITY
Luton Town: Sluga, Potts, Tunnicliffe (LuaLua 78’), Pearson, Cornick, Rea (Moncur 78’), Mpanzu, Carter-Vickers, Collins, Brown (Berry 63’), Bree. Subs Not Used: Shea, McManaman, Shinnie, Daniels.
Cardiff City: Smithies, Richards, Morrison, Nelson, Bennett, Vaulks, Pack, Tomlin (Bacuna 80’), Murphy (Hoilett 74’), Adomah (Whyte 90’), Paterson. Subs Not Used: Etheridge, Flint, Glatzel, Ward.
