RUD ALERT!
Boss Edwards demanding MORE goals from Mpanzu Luton 3 Blackpool 2
ROB EDWARDS wants more goals from Pelly-Ruddock Mpanzu – after the midfielder scored two crackers to keep Luton’s promotion push on track.
Mpanzu, 29, has made more than 350 appearances for the Hatters and was there in the National League days – but these were just his second and third goals of this memorable season.
Carlton Morris got the other in a comeback win over relegation-haunted Blackpool – under interim boss Stephen Dobbie – after Andy Lyons had given the visitors the lead.
Edwards (right) said: “Pelly would probably say he could have had a couple more goals this season. We will keep demanding of him and getting him to chip in and get in those areas.
“But they were two really great finishes from him, really calm, composed and expertly taken – not like someone who only had one before today. We want goals from everywhere.”
He added: “Pelly is like a link to Luton’s past having been here since the National League days, and epitomises everything about the club.
“We had talked about the expectancy, and with us being third and them being bottom three – some people thought we just had to turn up to win.
“But it is never like that in the Championship. This was a dangerous match and after going behind the lads showed great character to come back.
“A pleasing day, we found a way to win.
“Dobbs and I go back a bit to when we played together at Blackpool. The interim job can be tricky, but now this is over I wish him all the best. I am sure he will be a good coach.”
Blackpool struck first just before the half-hour. Tom Lockyer fouled Morgan Rogers and Lyons headed home from Lewis Fiorini’s delivery.
Horvath then saved from Josh
Bowler with the away fans singing “Premier League, you’re having a laugh”. But Luton’s promotion bid is deadly serious.
And with virtually the last kick of the first half, Mpanzu levelled for the Hatters.
Cody Drameh’s free-kick was headed back by Morris, and Mpanzu shot inside the far post to calm some jitters.
The impressive Marvelous Nakamba’s chip into the area almost sneaked past everyone. But Luton got their noses in front after 72 minutes. Alfie Doughty’s cross from the left caused chaos at the back post, and when the ball fell to Morris the striker volleyed in. Four minutes later Mpanzu grabbed his second – smashing sub Cauley Woodrow’s cross into the top corner.
The only sour note for Luton was seeing a groggy Alfie Doughty helped off with what looked to be a head injury.
Dobbie said: “I was offered the job on Saturday night and said yes, I know the players. I am happy to help out. The players responded and showed some fight. “There are only a few games and we are down the bottom, but if you can’t take on these challenges then you’re in the wrong game.”