Millenic Alli’s early strike handed Luton a lifeline in their battle for Championship survival as they beat fellow strugglers Derby 1-0 at Pride Park.
Matt Bloomfield’s men remain in the relegation zone, but the away win means they are now behind their 21st-placed opponents on goal difference alone with three games to go.
John Eustace’s side recovered from a difficult start to eventually seize control of the contest. But they were unable to fashion the equaliser they probably deserved with Luton goalkeeper Thomas Kaminski making several important saves.
It was no surprise to see Derby and Luton show signs of nerves in what was a game of critical importance to both their seasons.
But Alli gave the visitors a huge confidence boost when, in the 10th minute, he fired past Josh Vickers from close range after Mark McGuinness had guided a corner back across the box.
It was the midfielder’s second goal since leaving Exeter during the January transfer window.
Derby, who had seen Marcus Harness waste a promising opportunity moments after kick-off, quickly suffered another setback.
This one came in the shape of an injury to Nathaniel Mendez-Laing, who proved unable to continue due to injury in the 15th minute.
Already without his first choice goalkeeper Jacob Zetterstrom, the 33-year-old winger’s exit forced Eustace to make another adjustment which had the expected effect upon his team’s rhythm.
Luton should have taken advantage of that midway through the first period, when Derby’s rearguard failed to deal with a long punt forward by Kaminski. But Lamine Fanne, seizing possession inside Vickers’ area, wastefully thrashed over the crossbar.
Derby finally began to apply some pressure just before the interval.
Centre-back Matt Clarke might not be the most prolific player at Eustace’s disposal but it was his presence which forced Christ Makosso to make an important clearance following a scramble in the box.
Soon after, Jerry Yates saw a shot deflected behind for a corner as Luton began to wobble.
The break did not stall Derby’s momentum, with Kane Wilson and Yates both seeing attempts blocked in quick succession.
Those efforts, even though neither reached Kaminski, saw doubts begin to creep back into Luton minds.
Kaminski was called into action just before the hour mark when Yates burst into the area and his shot was parried. McGuinness then cleared a follow-up drive from Harness off the line.
Derby continued to dominate the second half as they looked for a crucial equaliser to maintain the three-point gap between the teams.
But substitute Kayden Jackson saw a low shot turned away by Kaminski after wriggling clear of his marker and the hosts could not find a way through in seven minutes of stoppage time.
Let's start our Daily Laugh today. Arsenal & Chelsea formation for this season Fluminense vs. ChelseaPSG vs. Real Madrid The Club World Cup semifinals are set Real Madrid take down Dortmund to reach the Club World Cup semifinals France beat reigning champs England in their Women's Euros opener Chelsea have confirmed the signing of 20-year-old Jamie Gittens from Borussia Dortmund Thoughts T...
Viktor Gyokeres has been linked with a move to Manchester United since November and it's now been claimed that the striker could skip pre-season with SportingViktor Gyokeres has been linked to Man UtdManchester United have received a promising update on Viktor Gyokeres.However, Sporting CP's president Frederico Varandas last month firmly stated that the forward wouldn't be leaving for €60mil...
Chelsea are reportedly interested in signing an Arsenal player in return as the Gunners close in on Noni Madueke.Chelsea are interested in Ethan Nwaneri.Chelsea and Arsenal could complete yet another transfer after Noni Madueke, should the 23-year-old winger seal a switch to the Emirates Stadium this summer. The Gunners have reportedly agreed personal terms with Madueke ahead of opening club-to-cl...
Manchester United are reportedly contemplating making a shock move to sign Dominic Calvert-Lewin on a free transfer after his departure from Everton. With financial caution dictating this summer’s recruitment strategy, Amorim is believed to be keen on bolstering the squad with low-risk, high-upside signings, with Calvert-Lewin fitting the bill perfectly.United eager to bolster their attackHa...
Barcelona eye Leao as Milan set asking priceBarcelona have been made aware that a proposal in the region of €70 million, with additional performance-based clauses, may be enough to convince AC Milan to consider selling Rafael Leão, according to Diario Sport.The Portuguese winger has already attracted interest from Bayern Munich, but the German champions reportedly failed to reach an agr...
Harry Kane costs Bayern Munich in PSG lossHarry Kane's error paved the way to Bayern Munich's Club World Cup loss to nine-man Paris Saint-Germain, as Jamal Musiala suffered a horror injury.Paris Saint-Germain v FC Bayern München: Quarter-final - FIFA Club World Cup 2025TELL ME MOREAfter an end-to-end opening, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia could only find the side netting when put through by Achraf Ha...
Luis-DiazLuis Diaz opened up on his future plans as Barcelona have reportedly reignited their interest in the Liverpool star after they were snubbed by Nico Williams. Hours after Williams’ contract extension was officially announced, reports emerged linking the Blaugrana with Díaz, who has long been admired by sporting director Deco. The Colombian forward is now seen as a priority for B...
FBL-WC-CLUB-2025-MATCH59-PSG-BAYERNBayern Munich sporting director Max Eberl has criticised Paris Saint-Germain star Gianluigi Donnarumma for his role in Jamal Musiala's injury.WHAT HAPPENED?The PSG stopper collided with Musiala in the first half of Bayern's 2-0 Club World Cup quarter-final loss on Saturday, with the 22-year-old having to be stretchered off for a serious-looking injury. Now, Eberl...
Aston Villa FC v Manchester City FC - Premier LeagueKyle Walker has bid Manchester City fans an emotional farewell message following his move to Burnley.WHAT HAPPENED?Hours after Walker signed for Burnley on a two-year deal from City in a deal worth up to £5 million, the England international has taken to social media to thank fans for their support, while also reflecting on just how successf...
Real Madrid CF v Borussia Dortmund: Quarter-final - FIFA Club World Cup 2025Kylian Mbappe was left stunned as Gonzalo Garcia matched a Cristiano Ronaldo Club World Cup goals record after scoring against Borussia Dortmund.WHAT HAPPENED?Garcia gave Madrid a 10th-minute lead over Dortmund in the Club World Cup quarter-finals for his fourth goal of the competition, and Fran Garcia's 20th-minute strike...
- 1 Liverpool willing to make swap proposal to Palace for Guehi
- 2 Inside jet-setting England star Dominic Solanke's honeymoon with wife Erica
- 3 Five players ask to leave Man Utd including Rashford, Antony, Garnacho and Sancho
- 4 Sporting CP president Varandas: Gyokeres knows price he can leave for
- 5 Diogo Jota's wife arrives at chapel where tragic star's coffin is taken
- 6 Frustrated Arsenal turn to Eintracht Frankfurt striker Ekitike
- 7 Transfer news & rumours LIVE
- 8 Coleen Rooney eclipses husband Wayne as main breadwinner
- 9 Diogo Jota's family life with beautiful wife, cheeky sons, baby girl and dogs
- 10 Ex-Chelsea wonderkid RETIRES at age of 28 just three years after Stamford Bridge exit as injuries put end to playing career