Luton fans could be set for a well-earned trip to Wembley

Luton/Brighton, 7.45pm, Sky Sports 1, Free Bets, Best Odds

Chelsea fans who complain about how hard done by they are because they are fourth in the Premier League should spare a thought for Luton’s loyal supporters. Three-and-a-half years ago they were top of the Championship but this season, despite effectively being relegated before a ball was kicked courtesy of a ridiculous thirty-point deduction, they have averaged the second highest crowd in League Two.

It’s fitting therefore that those who have sat through a season of suffering, being forced to wait until January for the privilege of reaching the zero point mark, all the while knowing that they’d be nine points clear of the drop if it wasn’t for the handicaps inflicted on Rotherham, Bournemouth and themselves, will get a day out at Wembley in the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy final if they beat Brighton at their Kenilworth Road home tonight.

Their opponents will feel they deserve some glory too. Micky Adams’ side are also embroiled in a relegation battle despite finishing seventh last season and they have averaged more fans than promotion-pushing teams like Oldham and Scunthorpe. The Seagulls find themselves in a difficult position after drawing the home leg 0-0, especially as they have won just one of their last fourteen away games in ninety minutes.

For all their toils, Luton’s home defeat against Bury last month was their first in seven and came against the form side in the division. They have lost successive games just once at Kenilworth Road all season. Mick Harford’s team were beaten there by Brighton in League One last season but that was their first defeat in sixteen home ties against them.

Paddy Power, Ladbrokes and Bet365 can’t separate the sides and offer 13/8 on both, while Brighton are a best-priced 17/10 with 888sport. The stats favour Luton but a Wembley day out for either of the strugglers’ supporters will prove that the much-maligned Johnstone’s Paint Trophy does serve a purpose.

Posted: February 17th, 2009 by Michael Lintorn |