Mansfield Town 0 - 2 Luton Town: Nathan Jones claims first win as Luton boss as they beat Mansfield

Posted Sunday, January 24, 2016 by PA

Struggling Luton ended their four-game goal drought with early strikes in each half to wrap up a first win for new manager Nathan Jones as they beat play-off chasing Mansfield 2-0.

Luton had never won a league game at Mansfield but were given a boost as the Stags went behind to an early goal for the fifth time in six home games.

Pelly Ruddock got to the right by-line from Alex Lawless' pass and pulled a low ball back for Paddy McCourt to side-foot home in the seventh minute - their first goal in 366 minutes.

It then took two good saves from the recalled Scott Shearer to prevent further home heartache as he tipped over an 18-yard shot from Cameron McGeehan after 13 minutes and blocked a closer shot from the same player from Paddy McCourt's pass after 19 minutes.

Just before the break, Craig Mackail-Smith went down under Ryan Tafazolli's challenge in the box but no penalty was awarded.

Matt Green and Krystian Pearce were too high and Reggie Lambe and Chris Clements shot straight at Elliot Justham as Luton defended solidly against a home side enjoying much of the first-half possession.

Within nine minutes of the restart it was 2-0. McCourt crossed from the left and Ruddock turned debut boy Sean Kavanagh to rifle in a rising shot from 12 yards to seal only a second win in 10 league outings.