Ryan on the road to success at last
RYAN TUNNICLIFFE’S first goal of the season ensured Luton avoided an unwanted record going back 92 years.
The Hatters had lost their previous 12 away games and another defeat would have earned them a place in the record books for all the wrong reasons, matching their 1927-28 predecessors.
But Tunnicliffe’s 17th-minute winner provided the perfect antidote to any travel sickness.
It is now three wins out of five for Graeme Jones’ side and suddenly survival doesn’t look a lost cause.
“That result has been coming,” he said. “I’ve sounded like an idiot at times when I’ve praised our performance in defeat but it all came together.
“We’ve learnt some valuable lessons at times this season.
“I’m delighted for Tunny. At times he has taken a lot of unfair stick but he has the talent, the experience and the mentality we need at this level.”
Boro are now looking nervously over their shoulder with the gap between themselves and the relegation zone narrowing to six points.
Manager Jonathan Woodgate said: “I’m not happy at all.
“Our final ball was terrible and we just weren’t good enough.
“I don’t blame the fans for booing us.”
Boro’s Paddy McNair tested Simon Sluga early on but the Hatters keeper had little else to do in a scrappy clash.
Tunnicliffe’s first goal in 33 matches this term was worth the wait.
Dan Potts’ left-wing cross skimmed off the head of George Friend for the midfielder to meet the ball first time, sweeping home a left-foot volley.