SHINNIE SHINES TO DOWN ALEX
LUTON boss Nathan Jones praised the impact of game-changing substitute Andrew Shinnie who helped the League Two leaders make it three wins in a week.
Danny Hylton and Luke Berry scored two quick-fire goals in the second half after Shinnie’s introduction which Jones felt proved the difference between the two sides.
“Shinnie was unlucky not to start,” said Jones. “I brought Olly (Lee) back because he’s in fine form. Shinnie’s arguably been our best player in the last two games but we introduced him early and he was the difference and he showed real class comes through in horrible conditions.
“We showed real quality and controlled the game. The own goal lifted their spirits and they threw everything at us but we should have been out of sight, we had plenty of chances but I’m pleased. It’s topped a wonderful week off and we remain top of the league.”
Luton thought they took the lead on 26 minutes when Ollie Lee’s cross found his brother Elliot, who headed in but the referee disallowed it for a push on the defender.
The Hatters put Crewe under pressure towards the end of the half. Elliot Lee was again involved as his cross fell to Luke Berry via Hylton’s head and his blocked shot almost bounced in, hitting the top of the net.
The Railwaymen improved in the second half but on 60 minutes, Luton full back Jack Stacey’s cross was spilled by Crewe keeper Dave Richards.
Two minutes later they took the lead when Elliot Lee drove to the by-line and cut the ball back to Hylton who smashed the ball into the top corner.
Luton doubled their advantage on 66 minutes when substitute Shinnie’s cut back found Berry on the edge of the area who rifled the ball home.
The Hatters should have put the result beyond doubt on 75 minutes when Elliot Lee turned well on the halfway line, drove forward and slipped in Shinnie whose shot was saved by Richards with Hylton firing the rebound wide.
Crewe threw themselves a lifeline with ten minutes to go when Eddie Nolan’s cross was turned into his own net by Luton defender Johnny Mullins. Despite late pressure, Luton held on for their third straight victory. Defeat for Crewe leaves them 19th, three points clear of danger and manager David Artell feels his side only have themselves to blame for the defeat.
“There was nothing in it, I thought it was a good game,” he said. “They’re top of the league because they don’t make mistakes and we’re where we are because we keep making them; our decision making must improve.
“We could have nicked another goal. When we did make the right decision in the final third, we looked like we could create chances but it didn’t quite work out for us, we shot ourselves in the foot out there.”