Nathan Jones thrilled with Accrington victory

Posted Wednesday, October 24, 2018 by PA

Luton boss Nathan Jones was understandably thrilled with his side’s 4-1 win over Accrington.

Danny Hylton netted a hat-trick and Andrew Shinnie was also on target as the Hatters moved into the play-off places.

Jones said: “I thought they were excellent. Apart from the first half where they put two crosses in and that’s where we came unstuck, I thought we were brilliant.

“I thought we started really, really well, got the goal and I was just a bit disappointed we didn’t go on from there as having started so well and scoring so early, a great counter-attacking goal, we just seemed to take our foot off the gas.

“That’s my only disappointment, but it was an outstanding performance. It should have been more, they had a right go, we should have killed them off on the counter, but 4-1, I’m delighted.”

Meanwhile, Stanley chief John Coleman said: “It was a cracking game of football, I think 4-1 didn’t do the game justice, I don’t think that reflected the chances created.

“Probably their keeper has made four really good saves, our keeper has made one good save and it was a great game, two great sides having a go, making chances, passing the ball.

“Fortunately for Luton tonight they took their chances, they were clinical, more clinical than us, as attempts on target, we probably had more tonight.

“A couple of key incidents that we were found wanting, we gifted them the second and third by giving away possession in dangerous areas, but they’ve got to take advantage and they did, as they’ve got good players.”

Town went ahead in the fifth minute when a superb counter-attacking move saw James Collins and Jorge Grant combine to send James Justin away and he crossed for Hylton to volley home from close range.

Offrande Zanzala was close to an equaliser, his header drawing a fine save from James Shea, but the striker levelled after 27 minutes when once more he was left unmarked to beat Shea.

Luton looked to retake the lead, Justin shooting at Jonny Maxted and Shinnie off target, while the visiting keeper saved from James Collins on the stroke of half-time.

After the break, Town took control as Shinnie found the bottom corner from 20 yards in the 53rd minute, while just 60 seconds later he crossed for Hylton to sweep home and make it 3-1.

Stanley were not out of it, with Sean McConville forcing a fine save from Shea while Justin blocked Zanzala’s follow-up. McConville was also denied by the Luton goalkeeper again.

However, Hylton had his treble in the 71st minute, nodding home from close range after Sonny Bradley’s towering header across and they almost had a fifth, Collins drawing a brilliant save from Maxted.