DUEL OF PROMOTION CONTENDERS

ALTHOUGH nothing is ever won in August, both Luton and Oxford showed just why they are likely to be challenging for promotion this season with an enthralling encounter at Kenilworth Road. The two sides came into the game on the back of stunning Capital One Cup wins over Championship opposition during midweek to produce a high-class encounter, with plenty of thrills and spills. For just over an hour, it looked like Luton would be the ones celebrating at the end, leading 2-0. But United are a new and improved animal after Michael Appleton’s summer transfer dealings and they showed they are no longer an easy touch, scoring twice in the last seven minutes to ensure they left with a point, which will feel like a win.