BIGNOT’S GLAD HE KEPT JAMES
SHOT-STOPPER James McKeown was hailed by Grimsby boss Marcus Bignot for rescuing a point with a brilliant injury-time penalty save – days after he almost left the club on transfer deadline day.
Luton’s top goalscorer Danny Hylton saw his 94th-minute spot-kick saved by the Blundell Park favourite, who had been recalled to the Mariners’ lineup following Dean Henderson’s return to Manchester United.
For the Hatters, it was a golden opportunity squandered to snatch what would have been a vital victory in their quest for promotion.
“It was a vital save by Macca and more than that, incredible character,” said Bignot. “To save a point in injury time like that is so pleasing. He deserves it after the week he had.
“The fans love him here and that typifies this club. They cheered him before and during the game and he deserves that feeling he has right now.
“My aim every week is to make the supporters go home with a smile and I think they will be after this. They saw their team work hard and show real desire in abundance.
“For me again, Jamey Osborne was also on a different level out there at times. The lad spots things none of us can see.”
The Hatters exploded out of the blocks after the break with Hylton seeing a low effort cleared off the line, while McKeown produced a fine save to deny a clean-through Isaac Vassell soon after.
But against the run of play the hosts took the lead after 56 minutes. Ben Davies’ cross was superbly met with a diving header by January signing Chris Clements.
Despite a decent spell from the hosts, the promotion-chasers drew level after 77 minutes. Pelly-Ruddock Mpanzu did brilliantly on the left, and fired in a cross for Vassell to head home.
Luton poured forward in search of the winner, but even a late penalty for a handball by Gavin Gunning could not defeat Grimsby, who somehow clung on for a share of the spoils.
Luton manager Nathan Jones said: “I am really disappointed we didn't get all three points because we created so many chances in that second half.
“Obviously the penalty is the best chance of the lot and their goalkeeper has pulled off the save. But I'm not going to criticise Danny because he has been great for me all season.
“It is a huge opportunity missed and we must stop wasting chances if we want to be where we want to be.
“We finally got going in the second half and there was only one side who was going to win the match from there.
“We can't keep going a goal down and giving ourselves too much to do. Other teams around us in the league are not doing that. We must be better in that respect.”