On Saturday, Luton Town completed one of the most remarkable rises in English football history.
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The game kicked off with a worrying start when Tom Lockyer was stretched off the pitch unconscious after he collapsed. The club later announced that he was fine and was in hospital for assessment.
A powerful finish at the near post by Jordan Clark at the 23 minutes had broken Coventry’s deadlock. However, in the second half, Coventry bounced back and equalized courtesy of Gustavo Hamer.
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With the scores level at stoppage time, the match went to extra time. The tension from both ends could be felt at Wembley Stadium. Few chances were created and the players appeared exhausted as it was a gruesome extra time.
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With five minutes remaining, Joe Taylor scored after Jonathan Panzo’s error. Their joy was short-lived after VAR ruled a handball. It was then obvious that the match was to be decided on penalties.
The first 11 penalties were good but Coventry’s Fankaty Dabo, the 12 man to step it sent his effort over the bar. Half of Wembley Stadium adorned in orange roared because this meant that Luton Town were to return to the top of English football after 31 years.
From non-league to Premier League
Ten years ago Luton Town was playing in the fifth tier of English football. A brutal 20 years where the club suffered five relegations and was penalized with 40 points deduction.
Luton stadium, Kenilworth Road has a capacity of just over 1000. The entry is built in a row of houses adjacent to the stadium. Luton reportedly needs to spend $14.8 million to upgrade one of their stands to meet Premier League requirements. According to Delloittes Sports Business Group, the club is set to receive $211 million for the next three seasons. With such money coming into the club, the adjustments will be swift.
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Luton’s midfielder Pelly Ruddock has been with the club since it lowest ebb. He is now the first player in England’s football history to go from non-league to Premier League with the same club.
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“I feel I completed football,” Ruddock told Sky Sports after the game. ” It has been a journey of highs and lows but you have to believe in yourself.” The Hatters fans are definitely going to have a good summer.
