Conference trucks::football;1

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Note 82.0                   Luton Town - Down In '92                  No replies
CURRNT::PAGED "John McCarthy - get a haircut"          1 line  12-AUG-1991 16:57
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    Hello boys !! Guess who's back ??

    Sorry Garry... I just got carried away, being back on the net 'n all.
    
    So come on Mr Walker..... Lets hear the latest baraage of excuses
    as to why you are staying up.
    
    But before that folks... A multiple choice question.
    
    Why can't they sell Kingsley Black ?
    
    A. He costs too much
    B. He's crap.
    C. He's crap.
    D. He's crap.
    
    
    And the answer of course is....
    
    

    
    
    
    
    	And a warm welcome back Mr Page.

    Dave,
       Indeed welcome back where on earth are you now.
    
    Indeed re Kingsley Black. I think 1 mill is about right. I am being
    realistic. However if Wimbledon can get 2.5 mill for Keith Curle, yes
    you've all seen him and heard of him, such is his skill level then I
    think Luton should be asking 3 mill for Black. It's stupid I know but
    that has been the case with alot of silly money changing hands this
    year. 
    
    Which is basically why I am against the Super League. Do you really
    believe all the extra dosh that that idiot Kelly is promising will be used
    to lower admission charges of course not. It will be used to line the
    already inflated pockets of agents and players. Thats my opinion
    anyway. Leave the league alone and let everyone compete on an equal
    basis and by that I mean end the Big 5 cartel.
    
    Regards,
    
    Barry.
    

    Hello Baz.... I've just started a new contract in Newbury. My
    Deutschland days are over....
    
    And I was wondering how long it would take for you to start moaning
    about how unfair the super-league will be 8-) Let me try and guess
    the real reason Luton fans are against it 8-) Its because...
    
    You ain't gonna be in it !!! And why not ?
    
    Because yer crap !!! 
    

    -1... well said that man!
    Luton are crap, and must go down for the sake of decent football in the
    1st division.
    Who is this Kingsley bloke anyway? Cant be worth much surely?
    Mn.

    Pagie,
        Life has been dull without you. Yes Luton maybe crap but under the
    FA guidelines if we can get our hands on a 20000 seater stadium were
    in.
    
    Did you or anyone out there see a TV programme on BBC2 about 6 weeks
    ago about the super league. Graham Kelly looked as interested in the
    fans views as a Margaret Thatcher was about the members cards. Totally
    apathetic he was.
    
    Anyway things don't change do they Luton are once again the favoutites
    to go down. Does it worry - NO - they've got it in the past and I hope
    they will again. Mind you the thought of facing our forward line of
    Brian Stein -excelent in his younger days-, Mark North - who-, and
    Kigsley Black must have the first division defences quaking.
    
    Did you know we were ripped off by Lars Elstrup. Contract ran out he
    wanted to go back home. Only his old club could not afford the 600,000
    he would cost so he threatened to retire for 6 months  and go back part
    time. Thereby saving themselves 600000. We eventually settled for
    250000. 
    We wos robbed and I guess it wont be the only time you hear say that
    this year.
    
    Best regards,
    
    Barry.   

Must admit Baz, life without this conference has been somewhat dull as well.

Anyway, to move straight into todays tirade of abuse at the expense of everyones
fave club !!

. To enjoy fully respectable membership of the super league please add
  the following to the 20,000 seater stadium:

	- Eleven decent players.
	- One manager bereft of a criminal record.
	- A merger with John O'Groats Albion.
	- One Partridge in a pear tree.

. As for Elstrup.... Well I'm a contractor and sometimes it is necessary
  to move on when a contract ends for the benefit of ones sanity.
  I hope all conference readers will join me in congratulating Lars
  for a very wise career move.

Cheers

Dave

PS When are we going to a game then Baz ?

    An away fan turns up at Luton station looking for the ground.
    Not knowing the area at all he asks a man wearing a Luton scarf
    how to get to the stadium.
    
    "Just follow the crowds" the man said helpfully.
    
 
    Following this advice he soon arrived at the Sainsburys megastore !

    Dave,
       I do believe your sense of humour has got even better now you've
    regained a little more sanity ala Lars.
    
    When am I going to a game then. Well being a glutton for punishment I
    only went and renewed my season ticket and this after telling everyone
    that I would only watch the odd match next year. There should be plenty
    of those next year. We could suprise a few though we have signed a new
    striker. A 6"5', 16 stone, 19 year old, blond german goalie. Can't
    remember his name but no doubt will be christened Hans by the crowd.
    Anyway story has it that his throws are as long as most keepers kicks
    and his kicks will pepper the opposition goal. I reckon he has as good
    a chance as the Luton strike force of hitting the old onion bag, with
    Kingsley tapping in any that hit the woodwork. 
    
    Thats my theory anyway.
    
    Barry.

    
    Barty
    
    
     The goalie cum striker you are referring to is called Jurgen Somner
    or something similar. Now we just need to buy some strikers, as I
    believe that Steiney will struggle against mega expensive, so they
    must be good mustn't they, tall defenders (except those who will
    score for us Mr Parker) cos he is a little on the not so tall side.
    
    See we eventually entered the transfer market and purchased, for a
    massive 275k, the one and only Phillip Gray, a reserve striker from the
    Gascoigneless ones.
    
    Well on the eve of the new season heres hoping that everyone behaves
    themselves, this Super League thingy is sorted out, one of the so
    called big five get relegated and someone says something nice about
    Luton Town.
    
    Well some of you lot think that your teams will win the League this
    season so I can dream as well.
    
    good luck to your teams tomorrow (except W ham)
    
    Gary
    

    I agree. Here's wishing Luton all the success they richly deserve
    in the coming season ! May their goal deficit prosper in the
    face of adversity !!

    re -1...
    'something nice about Luton Town'
   = You can fly to the Med from there.

    when the season is over I hope they are relegated !!!

    Hope in this context meaning certainty !! The facts of joy are
    as follows:
    
    . Its 3 down this year.
    . Luton have not added a great deal to their squad.
    . The quality of the newly promoted teams is impressive.
    . Even the kerb crawler said that his taking over was a decision
      made "more with the heart than the head."
    
    I propose a mass noters outing later in the season to watch the
    game most likely to put them out of Div 1. Even if we have to
    go to Leeds. 
    
    Any takers ??
    

    I don't suppose anyone wants to mention the West Ham game ? Well
    it was 0-0 and universally voted the lousiest game in England
    last weekend.

    
    I don't suppose you'd believe that there were two teams playing that
    day then, but of course the wonderfully skillful West Ham couldn't
    possibly be part of this.
    Mind you at least we are one point further away from relegation, and
    have reached the number of points you thought we'd have by Christmas.
    
    Coventry away tomorrow, another chance to learn how to play on the
    grassy stuff before the mighty 'pool' come to the hallowed TURF on
    Saturday.
    
    Over to you Barty. (Barry to you Mr Page)
    
    Gary

    
    
    Luton have signed former Kenilworth Road favourite Mick Harford from
    Derby for 325,000. He will go straight into the side to face Oldham at
    home tomorrow. Steve Thompson, a 180,000 buy from Bolton in midweek,
    will also make his debut.
    
    Now we need to sort out the defence.
    
    Gary

    Where is that Walker chappy? On vacation?
    
    Barry.  

    I always knew the kerb crawler was into livestock but I didn't think
    it extended to Donkeys. Ah well, no shame some people.

    
    
    Mr L.T.F.C., no way I'm going to renew my season ticket, is out and
    about, not too sure where though.
    
    Mick Harford is a good Centre Forward, must be cos Jimmy Greaves says
    so, and the Town fans are rejoicing at his return (both of them). He
    did a good job for the Town when he was here last time, hes 32 now so
    we spent a lot of money for that age, mind you we did get 1.5 mill for
    Kingsley Black.
    
    Heres hoping for 3 points tomorrow, now for the championship??!?!?!
    
    Gary

    
    
    Luton  2   Oldham  1   
    
    Well, what can we say, the 'donkey' scored two goals in the last five
    minutes to give the Town their second win of the season. Ian Marshall
    had given Oldham the lead after 52 minutes.
    I have had to work today, so over to you Barry for a match report.
    
    'theres only one Micky Harford........'
    
    Gary

    Mr Harford's winning goal could qualify for one of the year's best!
    
    Peter

    
    This must be a wind-up. Let's have a description then !!!!!!!
    
    Adam
    

    Killed a centre from the left on his chest, back to goal, let the ball
    drop, spun and volleyed over the goalie. 
    
    P

    Snore.... 
    
    Must admit I was gutted when I watched final score. But never mind,
    there's always next week 8-)

    
    The goal may have lokked spectacular but it certainly was more luck
    than judgement, talk about lucky! Harford was booked in the first ten
    minutes and was lucky not to have walked later in the half when the ref
    failed to spot a blatant elbow that would have pole-axed anyone else
    but Kilcline. Peake should definitely have walked when he chopped down
    Marshall when he was clean through. The FIFA directive is quite clear
    and the player should have been sent-off, a terrible decision by an
    incompetent referee, I certainly would like to read the report on him.
    
    The first half was fairly even with Luton shading it slightly with
    Preece playing particularly well. In the second half it was all Oldham
    until the last five minutes when three points vanished. After sloppy
    defending allowed Harford a free tap in and then his volley with his
    back to goal which he will be lucky to repeat again in his career never
    mind this season.
    
    One of my abiding memories of Luton will be the total lack of
    atmosphere when the Oldham fans got hoarse through singing. The only
    noise coming from the Luton end where the planes taking-off from the
    Airport and Pleat flicking through the latest copy of Kerb Awareness.
    
    I couldn't beleieve that the gate I entered the ground through was in
    the middle of a terrace of houses, with peoples bedrooms being above
    the turnstiles themselves. Are they planning to move? Or are they going
    to convert the bedrooms into hospitality suites? Also how do they
    acoount for the great discrepancy in prices between away fans (#13.50)
    and home fans(#8.50) especially as a 12-year-old would have been very
    uncomfortable in my seat.
    
    As for Luton if they continue to play like they did for the majority of
    the game they will be definitely looking the second division in the
    face at the end of the season, but there again so will Oldham if they
    continue to throw the game away in the last ten minutes as they have
    already at Anfield and Old Trafford. I am beginning to see now why
    everyone hates Luton Town in this conference, well I for one will be
    very pleased to see them go!
    
    Cheers,
    	   Gerry.
     

    
    As a Town supporter, you get used to everyone dipping into this note to
    slag us off every now and then. You get to be philosophical about it
    after a while. The great thing is, it's really SWEET when somebody does
    it just 'cos they got BEATEN for once !! An Oldham man, too - now don't
    get me wrong - I like Oldham, they try to play decent football and are
    most certainly in div 1 on merit - but didn't they have the 'help' of a
    plastic pitch for a coouple of seasons too ???
    
    People in glass houses.............

    
    Well said that man, talk about sour grapes, now if Oldham had won then
    maybe you could have had a go. Now I know that Luton haven't got a 
    wonderful super stadium like Oldham, or a wonderful skillfull team
    like what they have got, but the game lasts 90 minutes and 3 points is
    3 points.
    
    QPR at home tomorrow night, heres hoping we don't leave it so late.
    
    Gary

    Just thought I'd remind everyone in here:
    
    Luton are still shite !!!!
    
    Where is Baza ?

    
    O.K. You boys won I don't dispute that. 
    
    But you still havn't explained why the prices for the away fans are so
    high I didn't know that Stan Flashman was your chairman!
    
    Gerry.
     

    
    Gerry
    
      Not sure where you got the 8.50 for home supporters from, but the
    seats for home supporters at the opposite end of the ground are 10.50.
    I must admit I wasn't too chuffed when they announced that away
    supporters were to be charged 13.50, as I think this is far too high.
    I don't think Luton are alone in charging away supporters higher
    entrance prices, but due to the Taylor report I believe that your
    average punter is being priced out of the game, including home
    supporters. When grounds are all seater then your average supporter
    will have to stump up around 12 quid for a seat, 1.50 for a programme,
    and a couple of quid for extras. We are being told that clubs want to
    encourage families back but at around 25 quid for a Dad and One kid
    thats no on.
    As Jb said in the Leeds note, they have seats for 17 pounds a go which
    they cannot shift, and at least they see some sort of good football.
    
    Anyway I'm still going tonight (6.50 to stand).
    cheers
    Gary

    
    Gary,
    
    I can tell you now that you will not have to shell out #13.50 at
    Boundary Park but there again you will have to stand. I was pleased to
    see that Millwall were sued for providing away fans with a bad view
    for which they had a refund and there travelling expenses refunded.
    
    Good luck tonight though I think you may have used up your share on 
    Saturday.
    
    	Cheers,
    		Gerry.
    

    
    
    Anyone care to post up info on last nights game ?
    
    Cheers, Adam.
    
    

    They lost 1-0

    
    
      The reason we lost (and we all need them ie. the ref was blind) was
    quite simply we woz crap. Despite the confidence of Saturdays 3 points,
    we just didn't play at all. I was pretty impressed with QPR, they
    played some good football and this Sinton geezer is pretty quick.
    With the arrival of Mick Harford Luton spent most of the second half
    hoofing the ball up for him to head it on, but Alan McDonald had a good
    game and had the best of the dual for the full 90 minutes.
    
    It is a real pity to see Brian Stein playing again, as I don't feel he
    has the pace now to compete at this level, most Town fans (alright both
    of us) remember him scoring the late winner against Arsenal at Wembley
    in 88 and feel that now we will remember him for some poor performances
    instead of that great day.
    
    In the four home games so far the crowd has not yet chanted David
    Pleats name, theres no 'were on the march with Davids Army' or 'David,
    David give us a wave', so I don't think that the supporters have yet
    forgotten Jim Ryan and are right behing the Kerb Crawler (have to be a
    pretty big kerb).....
    
    Man U. away on Saturday, now if they are really tired after Greece and
    we play sort of OK then maybe we won't lose by too many.
    
    Gary

    I'm here. I've been very busy the last few weeks hence my absence.
    
    Results have not gone our way. Away from home we appear to give up in
    the coach on the way to the ground. Mind you the ref did help them on
    Saturday.
    
    I tend to agree with the writer from Oldham regarding Trevor Peake,
    whom has escaped with a booking twice now for offences which under
    another Refs interrpretation could have been Red cards.
    
    We got the donkey back Pagie cos we sold the lawn mower and someones
    got to keep the grass cut.
    
    Barry.

    Looks like you have 11 donkeys there Barry !!

    Dave,
       Being honest the way they played against Q.P.R. and from what i saw
    on the telly of the Utd. game your not too far wrong. 
    
    That said I still reckon the Town will scrap through especially as they
    are now sponsored by a scrap merchants.
    
    Barry.
    

    I see they have also put ads in some of the Sunday papers trying
    to encourage the public to sponsor a player.
    
    You know the ads Baz...
    
    
    The ones for the Donkey sanctuarys.

    Come on then, what happened in Saturdays Donkey Derby ? I missed
    the whole weekend.

    Its very quiet in here these days !! So come on, whats the prediction
    for tommorrow ?

    Another defeat of course :-)
    
    Noel

    Did anyone see that other Kerb Crawler on the news last night ?
    Maybe Luton should sign him up as next seasons manager to avoid
    further decline into the pub leagues of Bedfordshire.

    
    C'mon lads. Heads up.

    Heads up what ?

    Was it a translation ? Didn't look like one.

    
      Well Barry is on two weeks hols at the moment so I'll have to do the
    prediction. I don't think we will win, especially as Micky has a
    hamstring injury and is rated doubtful, but if Liverpool can complain
    about their injury situation then so can we. Just wait till be get all
    our star players fit, then watch us climb up the league?????
    
    Villa 1  Luton 1    fingers crossed??
    
    Gary

    So, how many goals have you lot conceeded this season 8-)
    
    But in all seriousness Luton need a new keeper. I've only seen
    small clips of their games this year (the goals that is) and
    must admit that the keeper is usually at fault.

    
    
    I don't know how many goals we have conceded this season as I have lost
    my calculator????  I think we have let in 23 in 6 games, and one of
    those was a 0 - 0.
    
    I must admit that Chamberlain hasn't started too well, but he kept us
    up last year, he must be pretty shell shocked at the moment.
    
    Luton were without Harford and Preece on Saturday, so too many kids
    were playing to trouble Villa.
    
    Birmingham away in the Rumby Cup tomorrow, I can just see the headlines
    for Wednesday morning, 3rd beats 1st...
    
    Gary

    a few stats from the current football league standings :
    
    	Luton have scored 6 goals - Only Swansea have scored fewer (5)
    
    	Luton have let in 27 - Which is the highest in the whole of the
    football league (Sheff Utd have let in 26).
    
    Nige

    At least the Blades have scored one or two themseleves though 8-)

    Well, Luton are surely the crappiest team in all of crapsville.
    Even the Sunday Times have tipped them for relegation (see weekends
    match report), as well as all but 2 of the members of this conference.
    
    When, oh when, are they going to do us all a BIG favour and get
    down to where they belong?
    
    Billy Unbiased.
    

    
    Re. #49 :-  Are you sure ? I always understood it was about the same,
    there was no malice intended, honest guv! Maybe you say that just 'cos
    the Brits swear more in general, I don't know ... but I don't reckon
    there's any need to hide it. After all, this topic is THE whipping boy
    of the conference !!!
    
    Adam.

    Wot appened last night then??
    
    At least you scored a couple of goals , things must be improving.
    
    Nigeo
    

    The kerb crawler decided to "throw" the game in order to concentrate
    on winning the league title.

    
    
      Drat, you beat me to it.
    
    Gary

    Hello everyone I'm back off Hols. Which I did enjoy immensly. Whats
    been going on in this conference then- A hidden message in the Luton
    notes- so who was the naughty boy then.
    
    Onto footy. Well I was driving down to Dorset on the Saturday we played
    Villa, thinking there's always a first time if only they can avoid the
    early goal. I was amazed that I was still able to pick up the local
    Beds radio a good way down the M3. Come kick off. Why am I so paranoid
    about the early score news, sure enough I found out. The Town thought
    that to make a game of it we would give Villa a goal start. What a
    cronic away record. It can only get better can't it chaps. Chamberlain
    the goalie has been making a few errors this year but this is so out of
    character for him as he has kept us up last year. I do honestly and
    unbiasdly believe that we will be O.K. this year once the team is able
    to play a few games together and not altered due to injuries.
    
    The good thing is we are not bottom cos there's some team who must be
    even worse than us keeping us off it. Pagie do you think we've much
    chance of flogging the live TV rights of the Hatters V. Blades games
    this year. They should surely be crackers, the games that is not the
    people whom watch.
    
    Best regs,
    
    Barry.

    
    Another defeat, this time at the hands of League Leaders Leeds.
    
    The first half was pretty even, neither side created much in the way of
    chances, Lukic made a great save from a Harford lob and Sutton pushed
    over a McAlister piledriver. Luton had a penalty appeal turned down
    when Pembridge broke into the box and, in my opinion, was pushed over
    by Fairclough (well I would say that wouldn't I).
      At halftime I still believed that we could take the points,
    but Leeds came out a different side. They quickened
    the pace immediately and forced early corners. The inevitable
    breakthrough came after 68 minutes when a Batty throw in was knocked on
    by Chapman for Wallace to volley home from 8 yards. Leeds immediately
    came looking for a killer second, and got it when Speed got ahead of
    the defense and smacked home from an angle.
    Leeds were content from here on in to keep possesion and though Luton
    had a couple more half chances, they could'nt get through a tight Leeds
    defense. 
    
    I don't know where Strachan gets his energy from, but he would make a
    fortune if they bottled it, he was everywhere and is definately the
    key player in the side.
    
    Luton are starting to play much better now, but they must start picking
    up points as they are in danger of leaving too much of a gap to make
    up.
    
    We've drawn the Blades away in the 3rd round of the cup, a repeat of
    last season, lets hope the result is the same.
    
    cheers
    Gary

    Hey Baz... Your lot are so far adrift now I hear that the FA will
    soon be granting you permission to leave Div 1 before the end of
    the season.

    
    
      Baz is not around at the moment, he is celebrating the birth of his
    first child, a little boy arrived on Sunday and his name is...........
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    Lawrence Harford Walker.
    
    
    
    
    Congrats Barty to you and Lisa

    best wishes to Barry, his wife and baby Lawrence...
    begs the question...
    
    will we have a Aldo Barnes Rush Cunniffe, in years to come?!?!?
    

    He'll have to hit the net first !!
    
    	- Robin

    'Walker Reproductions' in alliance with 'Luton Town Promotions', would
    like to announce the arrival, late into extra time after climbing off
    of the subs bench, of one
    
    			Lawrence Harford Walker.
    
    First born of Lisa and Barry Walker. He arrived late into the tie,
    played on 15th December 1991 at Lister Hospital, Gloucester Ward,
    Stevenage, at 11:23 AM weighing in at 9lbs 1 oz. He played a blinder as
    well. Dad is over the moon but knackered, and very proud of mum who is
    feeling fine and son who is going to look magic in a Luton shirt.
    
    I'll be celebrating into the New Year with a trip into the 4th round of
    the FA cup. 
    
    Best regards,
    
    Barry.

    Congrats to the 3 of you Barry. Young Lawrence will make this and the
    Christmas's to come very special for you.

Good on yer Baz !!

Just got off the phone to the Kerb Crawler and he'll be  sending a scout around
to your place in the morning ! "Just keep 'em coming" he says !! 





Peronally I can't see what he means. He's already got 11 walkers.

Dave

Congrats Barry. Now start those sleepless nights, although you probably have
them already having nightmares about Luton avoiding the drop ;-)

Alistair

    Re 70.
    
    Pagie, 
        By eck you must have been very tempted to sub in a 'N' for the 'L'
    in Walkers.
    
    At least I can ponder the team selection options during the waking
    hours now. I might well get on the blower to Pleaty and give him a few
    tips, like its the space around the goalie you shoot for not the man
    himself or the steward standing by the corner flag. Speaking of which I
    wish they would get that steward off of the roof behind the goal.
    
    Can anyone enlighten me as to what you get nowadays if you win. 
    
    Best regs,
    
    Barry.

     Isn't Luton a little early with its current spurt of success? Don't
     they usually wait until May to make their frantic climb out of the 
     cellar and disappoint us all by not getting relegated to Division II
     8-)))? How about some details, what brought on this turn of events?,
     have they changed their keeper???? 

     Jerry

    You're so crap its unbelievable !!

  Re. -.1;

        Looks like Luton has quickly regained their form that we have
        all grown to love and admire :-). Looks like they forgot what
        month it was and made their spurt 4 months early :-). Back on 
        track for relegation in 92 - down you Hatters, down! 


       Jerry

    re.-3
    
    Luton now have Steve Sutton on loan from Forest guarding their nets..

    I predict the Luton xmas bonanza will officially end at Anfield
    tommorrow.

    My heart goes out to you Barry 8-)

    The slide is on 8-)

    Long time since I've been in here. How are you Dave.
    
    Well after the dibacal at Liverpool the local rags reporter has
    calculated that Luton have lost 9 points to injury time goals so far
    this season. I know a game lasts for 90 minutes but it is getting
    beyond a joke now. Still I'm confident were playing well despite the
    results but just arn't getting the breaks. I can see it now. Home to
    Norwich Saturday winning 1-0 with 2 mins of injury time played. A long
    range shot from Flecky is going to hit the corner flag. Then it happens
    the pigeon in the roof of the stand that craps on people all match
    decides to spread his wings and deflects the shot into the net. Still
    they all count.
    
    I only hope that we decide to play in all red. Then that may mean that
    we can trip people up in the box without penalty and elbow people and
    still stay on the pitch.
    
    Just like Liverpool.
    
    
    
    Best regards,
    
    
    
    Barry.

    
    No report in my paper. Did we give 'em a good pasting, or what ? Who
    scored, etc ...
    
    Ads.

    
    Norwich had the better of a scappy first half even though the Town came
    closest with a Harford lob hitting the cross-bar. 
    
    A much better second half with the Norwich standin keeper making a
    couple of great saves. Luton went in front when David Preece was put
    through by Scott Oakes. Bowen looked like he had managed to take the
    ball from Preece but somehow lost control and Preece did the rest. 
    
    Luton then looked dominant for 15 mins or so until about 5 mins before
    the end when they started to panic. Luckily for us a simple Harford
    tap-in after some excellent work from Pembridge allowed us to enjoy the
    final couple of minutes.
    
    Trevor Peake had a superb game. Fox for Norwich had a good game, he's
    very fast and put in a couple of teasing crosses.
    
    
    Man City next, reminds me of a Great May day about 10 years ago !
    
    Nigel  

    
    Anyone got a list of Luton's remaining fixtures ? I mean, if the great
    escape is going to be on, where's it gonna be ? 8-)
    
    Ads.

    Well you've got to play the Blades on Saturday.
    
    There will be no escape !!! You lot are doomed !

    
    as requested:
    
    Feb  Sat 22   SHEFFIELD UTD
         Tue 25   c palace
         Sat 29   leeds
    Mar  Sat  7   C PALACE
         Wed 11   SPURS
         Sat 14   everton
         Sat 21   southampton
         Sat 28   NOTTINGHAM FOREST
    Apr  Sat  4   WIMBLEDON
         Sat 11   oldham
         Sat 18   MANCHESTER UTD
         Mon 20   qpr
         Sat 25   ASTON VILLA
    May  Sat  9   notts county
    
    Gary

    
    What happened 'gainst the Blades, then ?
    
    Adam.

    What happened against the Blades.
    
    Well there I was standing on the only bit a terracing left at Luton. If
    it becomes seats then you wont be finding me there anymore. I happened
    to say to a mate "You know I reckon Steiny is going to get a goal
    today". 15 seconds later he did.
    
    The game this year was a far better footballing fixture than last year.
    When it must rank as one of the worst games I have ever seen. Sheffield
    had a good smattering of the early moment despite Luton scoring twice. The 
    first goal was a bad goal kick from the goalie, which was headed back 
    towards goal by Pembridge. Steiny whom had mailed the accelleration a
    week early was onto it like a granny who's dropped her pension book.
    The goalie to give him credit came out and looked to attempt to take
    the ball with his foot. When no doubt the likes of Burrows would have
    clattered him outside the box and recieved a telling off from the Ref.
    The ball ran loose and Rocket Stein zipped in to put it in the back of
    the net. Luton could have had another in those earlier moments but the
    finishing was not good. Utd equalised with what was from my point of
    view a stupid goal to conceded. Sutton went up for a lob from Hodges on
    his six yard line and only succeeded in palming it out to Bryson who
    slammed it back into the net. Oh dear I thought here we go. But it was
    not to be Scott Oakes who had a good first half but did not do much in
    the second put in a lovely cross from the left after the ball had been
    played out to him by Pembridge via Julian James. The cross was about
    head high bounced once and sat up very nicely indeed for Supper Mick to
    stoop and head in.
    
    The second half was a bit uneventful apart from the penalty miss. It
    was bound to happen eventually. I wonder who will take em now. I can't
    see us using that technique anymore. Bryson went off on a stretcher
    with a sore head after a clash of heads with Deane. Comic moment must
    be the contribution of Dane Whitehouse. Whom looks like a footballer,
    he wears the kit etc. But must have put his feet on back to front. He
    must have thought ball control was restricted to Y fronts. He had a
    stinker did not do one thing right.
    
    So once again my friends the Great Escape is on. Book your tickets now
    for Notts County away on May 2nd.
    
    Barry. 

Thanks for the report Barry, I didn't make the match in the end, and didn't even
see the goals on Telly.

Did you say the mistake by Treacy was from a goal kick?  Only he has this
habit of lobbing the ball out of the box when nobody is around to gain a few
extra yards for the punt upfield, occationally he gets challenged by an attacker
running in which always makes my nerves rattle, one day its bound to go wrong!

Have to agree about Whitehouse he is usually C**P although recently he has
scored a couple of goals.

    On reflection it was hardly a bad kick from Tracey. It just about
    reached the half way line and Mark Pembridge had a free header to place
    the ball in greyhound Steins lap.
    
    As for Whitehouse. Well I have heard his name mentioned a few times on
    the goal scoring charts. 
    
    How has he done it?
    
    
    Reg,
    
    Barry.
    

    
    
    
    	Barry, Pagey left last friday.

    
    I noticed that Chamberlain was back in goal on Sat (we actually saw the
    goals on French telly, whoopee). Is this because he's found a bit of
    form, or has Sutton just come to the end of his loan spell ?
    
    Ads.

    
    
       Stevie Sutton was in goal on Saturday, but his loan spell has ended
    now so he is back at Forest. Chamberlain will be back in goal on
    Saturday against Palace unless we suddenly find 300k to bring Sutton
    back permanently.
    
    Gary

               <<< Note 56.96 by YUPPY::KENTG "Gary Kent @JWH" >>>
                              -< goodbye Stevie >-

    
    
>                                    Chamberlain will be back in goal on
>    Saturday against Palace unless we suddenly find 300k to bring Sutton
    back permanently.
    
     I hope he has a strong back.

     Stuart

    Tim,
    
    
       We bought Darron from Oldham a few years ago, I believe he was a
    centre half then. He moved up to midfield as a ball winner, but he
    hasn't played much the last two seasons mainly due to injuries.
    
       
    Gary

    
    Thanks for the info Gary. We need a ball winner.
    
    re .101 this topic, Ads.
    
    While I thank you for your info in 52.369, if you notice, I made a
    statement in note 52.367 saying I didn't know very much about Darron.
    It wasn't a question, therefore I wasn't expecting a reply.
    Therefore, I "asked" a question in this topic about Darron (Luton
    player and all that) and did so before you replied to my note (52.367).
    
    Tim 

    So you did see it before I realised then !
    
    Ads.

    Can someone list Luton's remaining games in Div 1 so I can estimate
    when it will be mathematically impossible for them to stay up.
    
    I have a week off soon and don't miss the moment when this notesfile
    explodes with joy at seeing them back where they belong in Div 2!
    
    Regards,
    
    Andrew.D.Wicks

    Mr Wicks,
           Don't talk too soon. The Great Escape is still on. As long as we
    don't have a Ref and linesman like the idiots served up at Southampton.
    
    Fixtures.
    Apr 11.	A OLDHAM.
    APR 18.	H MAN U.
    APR 20.	A QPR
    APR 22.	H NOTTS FORR.
    APR 25.	H ASTON VILLA.
    MAY 2.	A NOTTS COUNTY.
    
    Recently went to Soton. Playing well desrvedly in front. Ref and
    linesman decide to bugger it up. This sort of thing is supposed to even
    it self out over the year. When is it Lutons turn I wonder. I was more
    offended by the fact that Luton had five booked and Southampton 1. The
    most laughable booking was Mick Harfords. He had his back to the goalie
    and was running up th efield to the half way line. Flowers takes the
    drop kick it hits Mick Harford square in the back loops over Flowers'
    head and into touch. A corner we shout, no way not with this ref, but a
    booking for Mick Harford. What for is anyones guess. The rumor doing
    the rounds of the press room was that Mick Harford was booked for
    merely being on the pitch.
    
    Regards,
    
    Barry.

    Can anyone post all the scores this season.  
    
    
    Cheers
    Gaz

			<<56.107 SUBURB::WAITEG>>

> Can anyone post all the scores this season.  
    
    
>    Cheers
>    Gaz



Why.....?????????

    I need proof that their not goin' down

    
    We've got Villa at home and Notts C. away, right ? Who do Coventry have
    to play ?
    
    Adam.

    
    
    Coventry are at home to West Ham this Saturday and away at Villa on
    the last day (May 2nd).
    
    So Villa will have a big say in who goes down, but the Coventry at
    home to the Hammers on Saturday doesn't look too good for us.
    
    heres hoping.
    Gary

    
    
    If I understand correctly, the situation now is that Coventry have to
    lose to Villa next week, and Luton have to beat Notts County to stay
    up.
    
    It couldn't happen again, could it ?
    
    Adam.

    Can Norwich City still go down, they play Leeds away on Saturday.

    
    Don't know. Did Norwich lose on Saturday ?

    Yes they did - they are 3 points ahead of Luton, but I don't 
    know what the goal difference situation is.
    
    - Kevin

    They drew 1-1 on Saturday with Wimbledon, but are three points clear of
    Luton.  Anyone with the goal differance.

    
    Luton cannot hope to escape on goal difference - as far as I am aware
    they have the worst in the division by a long way ( -30 odd). The
    Canaries are safe; it's just Coventry that could be caught, provided
    they lose, and Luton win - then Coventry would go down by one point.
    
    Adam.

    I really hope Luton do it, cos I hate Coventry that much.  And lets
    face it Luton play neat football.

    Does Coventry have some sort of record for being 2nd/3rd longest in 
    the first division, or something like that?
    
    - Kevin

    
    I'm glad to hear a non-Luton fan say something like that for once.
    Despite all the crap over the last few years at boardroom level, the
    team has always tried to play decent football, often against the odds.
    
    As a former season ticket holder (stop laughing out there!) I'd
    especially like to thank David "further my political ambitions by
    banning away fans" Evans, his successor (Nelkin ?), who promptly turfed
    out a fine manager in Ray Harford because he "didn't smile enough" -
    the fact that he led the side to their best ever league finish (7th)
    and several cup finals obviously meant nothing .... and his successor,
    for sacking a true Luton man in Jim Ryan only days after he'd managed
    to keep the side in Div 1. These are just a few examples.
    
    Barry, I read a while back your feelings about the fact that there
    aren't enough people in Luton who really give a stuff whether there's a
    first division football team there or not. You are probably right. And
    you are equally right in saying that you shouldn't expect the directors
    to prop the club up under these circumstances. Wouldn't it be nice
    though, just for once, if we had a man at the top who cared a little
    bit about the club, AND had half a football brain as well ?
    
    Anyway, whatever happens next week, I don't think that the team could
    do more. Another last minute escape is probably too much to hope for,
    and the chances are that even if they DO do it, next year'll be pretty
    much the same. We'll see, anyway ...
    
    Adam

    My brother supports The Hatters and he often puts his videos on.  I've
    got to admit i'm impressed with way they play.  It can't be easy when
    you have to sell your best player just to stay a float.
    
    My brother is seven and wants me to take him on Saturday as his only
    been a few times.  Anyone wanna meet for a drink if I take him.  
    
    He'll have to pay me a bit though:-))))) 

    
    	re a couple back..
    
    	Yes, Coventry do hold an unusual record as far as the 1st Div.
    	is concerned....
    
    	They're the only side never to have been relegated from Div.1
    
    	...at the moment!
    	After Saturday that may well change.
    
    	Andy.

The *only* side never to have been relegated from Division 1?

Apart from all the teams that have never been in Division 1,
How about Arsenal? Wimbledon?

Dave

    
    	Er...dunno - I'm not an Arsenal supporter. Look at 1890s, 1900s..?
    
    	..still pretty sure about the Coventry thing...
    
    	Andy.

Coventry City have been in the 1st Div since 1967

Arsenal have been since 1919...

                        <<< Note 56.125 by OPG::TONY >>>


>Arsenal have been since 1919...


But maintained their status by very dubious means and at the expense of the
Totts.


Stuart

    
    Re :    <<< Note 56.122 by TRUCKS::SANT "I owe,I owe,so off to work I go" >>>
              -< Something like 27 years unbroken in Div.1 too.. >-
  
    	Yes, Coventry do hold an unusual record as far as the 1st Div.
    	is concerned....
    
    	They're the only side never to have been relegated from Div.1

        ...and may yet be one of only three sides RELEGATED TO Division 1
    
        But somehow, I don't think so - a friendly 0-0 draw at Villa Park,
    and Luton to fail on Goal Difference when they win 24-0 at Meadow Lane.
    
    Rob  

Well I've been "resting" for a couple of months so I thought I'd get things
rolling again with a bit of pointless invective !!

So, here we go again. The kerb crawler and his band of point stealing bandits
end up surviving until the last day of the season, for the 4th year running !
Who cares about the mighty Leeds (leeds leeds), or Gazza leaving, or  Lineker
retiring unbooked ? Or the facts that England will win the European Championship
and Sheffield United are now the best team English football has ever seen ??

Nothing else matters but the relegation of Luton Town !! Nothing, not even life
itself !! If I could make a list of things to rid the world of then Luton Town
would be up there at the top in bold capital letters; far ahead of trivia like
plague, famine, AIDS and Bob Monkhouse !!

No other team in the history of the football league has ever deserved to be
relegated more than Luton Town and if they stay up this time I'll scream and
scream and scream until I'm sick !!

Dave

    Thats a little bit harsh ain't it.

    Perhaps... But I have already apologised to Bob Monkhouse

    	
    	Like it 8-)

    Cor blimey things do change. 
    A sudden explosion of activity in the Luton note, a non Luton supporter
    saying nice things about em, Jimmy Hill even said something good about
    em and Pagies back.
    
    If Luton stay up then they will have deserved it, if they go down then
    they will have deserved it. Over 42 games you can have no complaints
    and it will ultimately be the away form which will have been
    responsible.
    
    Adam,
       Yep would'nt it be nice if for once we found a board of directord
    whom had plenty of dosh like the Blackburn chap. I would bet any money
    that a). David Pleat would not need to spend as much as moaning Kenny
    and B). would land up with a better team as well.
    
    As regards Saturday a little bit of trivia, David Pleat has never been
    relegated as a manager. Lets hope that is an omen. It looks very likely
    that Pembridge will be off no matter what the outcome. I don't really
    mind I'm used to it, as long as we get a decent fee for him, like 2
    million. He is going to be better than the fat boy one day. And as a
    bonus the lad has got a brain as well and does not fall head over heels
    in nightclubs.
    
    I'm going Saturday should be a good day. I don't know of any pubs near
    the ground. It was ages ago that I last went to Notts County, I think
    we won then 4-2. If anyone wants to meet up and knows of a booser post
    it and I meet up. I'll get hold of a copy of the Fanzine and see if any
    pubs are reccommended.
    
    Pagie,
        I see the blades have pulled their finger out for half a season
    again. It must be meeting Luton in the FA Cup each year that does it.
    
    
    Regards,
    
    
    Barry.
    

    Re .128,
    
    It is encouraging to see that IOSG have hired someone with such a
    balanced view of football (:==:)
    
    Dave - which bit do you work in? Sounds like I should buy you a beer
    or two when I come back.
    
    Regards,
    
    Andrew.D.Wicks 
    (aka IOSG::WICKS but on loan til end of season 92/93 to AIMTEC::WICKS_A)

    
    I've got my ticket so I'm off to the match as well. Can anybody suggest
    a boozer to meet in, and preferably a few directions !
    
    Nigel

    I shan't be going to Notts Co on Saturday but if your looking for a
    boozer the "Larwood and Voce" aint bad.  It's about a ten minute walk
    from the ground on the Forest side of the river - it's part of the
    cricket ground and is around the back off the main road.  Or there is
    the Trent Bridge (Hotel?) which is the big pub, on the road junction
    and again on the Forest side of the river.
    
    Mike M

    The pub on the Forest side is the World Renowned(?) Trent Bridge Inn,
    but I seem to remember that this was shut when there was a footbal game
    on. One on the County side of the river is the Aviary. I think that
    this is open on footie days though I'm not sure.
    
    geraint..

    
    I'll go to the Aviary ( as long as I can find it ! ) - Anybody else going ?
    
    It should be a good day and Luton first away win of the season.
    
    Nigel

    Nigel
    
    If I take my brother, i'll meet you, is it all-ticket.
    
    
    Cheers
    Gary 

    
    
    Gary,
    
    It's all ticket for Luton, not for Notts County. There are still 400
    tickets left which can be obtained from Keniworth Rd.
    
    I'll be wearing a red/blue/white quartered rugby shirt.
    
    Cheers
    
    Nigel

    Cor blimey its a bit quiet in here today 8-)

    My brother was in tears.  I'm told him though instead of going to
    grounds like Goodison and Old Trafford, you can go to The Den and
    Twerton Park.  That cheered him up:-))))))

    
    
     re .140
    
     Its just that we are pretty busy at the moment trying to find places
    like Barnsley on the map, and trying to buy buckets and spades for
    the trip to Southend, now if only I could find my old RN uniform I'd
    be all set for Pompey.
    
    Down but still supporting...
    Gary

    We're on a roll here...
    
    Last Sat - Mancs fail to win league at 25th attempt
    
    This Sat - Luton get relegated at 5th (I think) attempt.
    
    Next Sat - Liverpool win F.A Cup.
    
    Wonder what the odds were on that as a bet?
    
    Poor old Luton eh having to go all the way to Newcastle next season.
    
    Regards,
    
    Andrew.D.Wicks

Always being one to think ahead I just called Kennilworth road and gave the
person who took the call directions to Merthyr. Information that will probably
be handy more quickly than they think 8-)

    Dave,
    
    Merthyr's quite a nice ground albeit the last time I was there Cardiff
    City lost 3-1, it rained, my car broke down but luckily there was a pub
    nearby... Welsh Brewers but I can't remember the name.
    
    Was it perchance "the Jolly Crawler"....
    
    I hope you told the person that there are roadworks on the A470 and
    that they have to use a detour.
    
    Nice of you to think of them though.
    
    Regards,
    
    Andrew.D.Wicks
                                   

    
    Don't you just love the way the scousers revel in the misfortunes of
    others to hide their own inadequacies ? ;-)
    
    How we'll laugh when Sunderland lift the cup on Saturday ...
    
    Adam.

    Well,
       What more could the team have asked for. Coventry virtually cutting
    their own throats after a mere 20 secs and then Luton go 1-0 up. If we
    could not beat County on Saturday, after that sort of start then with
    all due respect to County we desrve to go down.
    
    I could not believe the apparent lack of urgency in the players at the
    start of the second half, it must have taken them 20 minutes to get in
    the County penalty area. There just did not appear to be the will to
    win.
    
    So it's good by to the boring old FA Premier League, you know what you
    can do with that Graham Kelly, and I bet it makes you smile, for a
    change.
    
    Hello Southend, Blackburn (hopefully), Keegan (Whinger MkII) and
    Grimsby amongst others.
    
    I think well do alright next year, we should win one away? surely.
    
    Regards,
    
    
    Barry.

    
    
    Bazzer,
    
       Good report matey, I hope the other grounds in the 1st Division 
    next year are better than Countys???
    
    
    The Relegation clear out has started
    
    Assistant Manager Colin Murphy has just been appointed Manager of
    Southend, and Alec Chamberlain (Goalkeeper), John Dreyer (Defender) and
    David Preece (Midfielder and part time Snow White helper) have all
    been transfer listed.
    
    Gary 

    Things are so bad at Luton that I hear they are even in dispute over
    police bills 8-)
    
    No worries, won't be as many punters to look after next year.

    Gary,
       The transfer listing of Chamberlain and Dreyer do not suprise me.
    But transfer listing David Preece does. I guess we have cover for him
    anyway, but what a way to reward the Supporters Player of the Year.
    When I heard that Barry Fry was leaving Barnet, I was rather hoping to
    hear that Pleaty had signed him as assistant. He tried to get him on
    board before the season commenced due to his knowledge of non-league
    players. For future players Pagie, not as feedback on teams we may be
    meeting shortly.
    
    Are these transfer listings an attempt to get some dosh in to prevent
    Pembo leaving or is it even more dosh to stave off the League sponsors
    Barclays.
    
    Regards,
    
    Barry.
    

    
    Bazzer,
    
      Pleaty is stating this is so they get some dosh to bring in some
    younger players, I think that he is already banking on the
    money from the sale of Pembridge, we have to pay the police bills
    somehow???, as well as pay for the upkeep of Mr Koellers nice car..
    
    Got your season ticket yet then??
    Gary

    Clark,
        I think I will for go the season ticket this year, did I say that
    last year also.
    
    There is more news to come on Friday when they annouce whom is stsying
    and whom is leaving. I reckon that they have only scratched the surface
    so far. Still if we can get 90 grand for McDonough I can't blame them
    for putting more in the shop window whilst Keegan is still at Newcastle
    and moanin Kenny still has a pile of dosh burning a hole in his pocket.  
    I'm expecting a bid of 1.5 million from him for Chamberlain and 2.5 for
    Dreyer. Preecey in my opinion is priceless and should'nt be going.
    
    Regards,
    
    Bart.
    

    You jest Barry ? Chamberlain is about as much use as a one-legged man
    in an arse kicking contest !! 1.5 million... I assume the kerb crawler
    has received lots of calls from Jock managers 8-)

    Dave I do indeed jest the blokes not worth 50 grand. But I wonder if
    that will stop the likes of keegan and Moaner coffing up a rediculous
    amount.
    
    Mind you Dreyer had to go. He did have a problem with Kerb Crawling
    also and i reckon Pleaty caught him on his patch. If he did I bet it
    was the only time he shot straight.
    
    Regards,
    
    
    Barry.

    I thought you were joking somehow Baz 8-)
    
    Hey, I hear Stein has been signed by "Age Concern Wanderers"

    
    Barty,
    
      The only new info to come out on Friday was that Brian (Bruno) Stein
    has been given a free. Pleaty is holding off announcing a replacement
    for Colin Murphy until the latest in a long line of takeover bids
    comes to the usual conclusion.
    
    The local and Sunday rags reckon that Pembridge will sign for Derby
    later on this week, I can't see the point of joining another 2nd/1st
    division club, except we need the money so will take it from anyone.
    Pembo is with the Welsh squad for this weeks World Cup qualifier so
    expect concrete moves towards the week-end.
    
    The latest rumour around is that Mick 'god' Harford will be given a
    free this summer, I bloody well hope not.
    
    Clarkie

    Many a love affair has ended in tears Baz 8-) May I venture to suggest
    that Pleat resigned for one of the following reasons:
    
    1. His team is shite.
    2. He's been caught down at Kings Cross again.
    3. His team for next year was going to be worse than last years
       (is this possible ?)
    4. All of the above.

    Well Dave,
            It does appear that I may have to shoot my man in the know. He
    assured me that he had heard it on the radio and usually being a good
    source of info i believed him.
    
    It does then appear that he is staying for the time being, as I guess
    it easier to get to Kings Cross from Luton than Norwich.
    
    
    Regards,
    
    
    Barry.

    
    
      Mark Pembridge has signed for Derby County for 1.25 million. Strange
    decision unless Spurs have cooled their interest. 
    
    David Pleat will not get any of this money as it is to be used to
    pay off debts, strange really thats what they said about the
    other 2million plus we got this season, I suppose it boils down
    to what you mean by 'debts', all suggestions to David Kohler C/O 
    LTFC.
    
    Gary

    Luton Town has been bought by Mr and Mrs Fred Dibnah (no relation) of
    42 Montague close,Leagrave,Luton,Beds. 
    
    It is undestood that they will attempt to turn their new joint venture
    into a football club.

    Dave,
       Would that be the Dibnahs of Steam Engine and Steeplejack fame. 
    
    Barry

    Like I said Baz, no relation. So what exactly is going up there on
    planet-talentless ? I think we have a right to know 8-)

    Noters all,
             Today I leave Digital after 14 short years. The brown one has
    got me.
    
    I have enjoyed all the discourse with you all. I hope I have not
    offended anyone in the past. So it appears only 2 Luton supporters are
    left, Andy Rowland and Gary Kent, best of luck chaps. Watch Dave Page's
    sharp wit and the Premier League bias. Oh I'm so sad about Monday night
    games chaps I could cry.
    
    Seriously I have enjoyed so much the humour within this conference,
    please don't restrict it moderators, I was'nt offended by the Royal
    Family jokes.
    
    Dave, We have had some good laughs in this and the cars conference,
    keep up the good work. I really do believe Luton will be back. What as
    I don't yet know but we'll be back.
    
    Best of luck to all your teams next year. Stop whinging Alex, Kenny and
    Kevin. Get your team playing 9 months of the season Dave Bassett. Enjoy
    and do England proud in Europe Leeds.
    
    Thanks and regards,
    
    Barry. 

    Best of luck to you, Barry
    
    Tom

    All the best Barry,
    
    Tim

    Barry,
    
    Good luck. I hope you got 23 months' salary out of them !
    
    jb.

    
    Barry,
    
    all the best for the future,
    
    Ian.

    
    Barry,
    
    you'll be missed mate,
    
    Loz.

    
    And then there were two ... by the way though, it's Adam, not Andy !
    And only for another month or so, until my contract finishes. After
    that, you're on your own Gary !
    
    Not Andy.

    
    
    Thanks Adam, it will be just like standing at the Kenilworth Rd end I
    expect......
    
    Gary

    Belated regards to Barry as I've just returned from the hols.
    I enjoyed working with the guy a few years back and the company 
    and this notes-file will miss his wit sorely. One of the better
    noters in here methinks. Such a shame.
    
    barry.                                

    ...and sadly, my last, in all probability. I'm out of here on Friday,
    and I thought it would be a pleasant change from all this transfer
    speculation surrounding Kenilworth Road to put in my "goodbye" note.
    Good luck Gary as regards the thankless task of holding the fort here,
    although perhaps now that we're out of the big boys' league it'll be
    less of a problem (some hope !).
    
    And on the brighter side of things, here's to the best chance we'll
    ever have of winning the 1st Division Championship !! ;-)
    
    Adam.

    
    
    First note in 2 years ???.....
    
    
    
    Latest score - 81 mins  
    
    Luton 3 West Ham 2
    
    
    
    Gazzer

    
    
    Final score -  
    
    Luton 3   West Ham 2
   (Oakes 3)  (M Allen Morley)
    
    
    Good hatrick from Oakes, highlights gave the impression that it was a 
    win against the run of play. West Ham should have had a penalty when
    Morley was felled 10 mins from time. But according to Des Lynam and
    Alan Hansen Luton deserved the win....
    
    
    
    Gazzer
    
    

    
    Good game really... the first 20 mins of the first half was a bit dull
    but after West Ham scored the first goal then it really turned into a
    cup tie... :->
    
    	West Ham left large gaps in their midfield which is what let Luton
    control the ball and play descent passes to feet. There was lots of
    good one touch football between the Luton players & this is what foxed
    West Ham.
    
    	Lee Chapman look like he could do with moving to another Club... it
    just doesn't seem like he can blend in with the West Ham way of
    playing.. 
    
    	Rick.

    
    Maybe the one Luton supporter in this conference will finally come out
    of his shell, wakey wakey Paul Cornish, you've made it to Wembley.

    Here we go .. Here we go ....
    
    Absolutely Brill .. game, we were all over them ..... they had no
    chance...
    
    Paul
    

    
    Great to hear from you Paul. Looking forward to your next entry in a
    couple of years or so!! 8-)
    
    JBG

    Make me so happy might have to go out and get pissed .. 
    
    Paul
    

    
    might???

    
    
    Dave,
    
    
    your having a real pissy season aren't you !.
    Times must be hard when your having to discuss old news. 
    Watch the box this week. Let the Gooners show you how.
    
    Gazzer.

    
    Wolves 1-0 Luton
    
    Another disaster for the Hatters at Molineaux.  A goal late on in the
    first half by Guy Whittingham ensured another fruitless away day.  6
    games now without a goal.  Our forwards are either brilliant (-v- West
    Ham, Replay) or brutal (-v- West Ham, 0-0); there is no in-between. 
    I just don't understand how Kerry Dixon is still in the side- we can do
    without dead wood like him.  Oakesy is brilliant on his day but is
    unbelievably inconsistent; Ceri Hughes the same but to a lesser degree. 
    The team could do with a good kick up the arse.  With Birmingham
    winning on Saturday, we are now just 3 points from relegation.  We have
    2 games in hand but we have to start picking up points very soon.  Must
    beat either Millwall tomorrow or Southend on Saturday- these are the
    games that could decide whether we play Swindon or Swansea next season. 
    Extended cup hangover?  Even my hangovers don't last as long as that!!
    At least these games are at home.  Pleaty's proud away record of 5 away
    wins in 3 seasons (about 65 games!) will remain unharmed.
    
    Come on you Hatters- don't let us down.
    
    Yours in tension
    
    Billy                                          

    
    Hatters       1-1      Millwall
    (Preece 66)            (Someone or other 71)
    
    After a scoreless first half against the play-off hopefuls, Davie
    Preece opens the scoring after a mix-up in the Lions defence.  6 fans
    are taken away in ambulance suffering from shock - first goal in 7
    games.  The lead is shortlived however as Millwall strike back 5
    minutes later (6 fans make sudden recovery).  Clive Allen misses great
    chance for Millwall a minute later and shortly before the end Ceri
    Hughes is put clean through but is denied by the keeper.  A draw was a
    fair result according to the man on the radio.
    
    News of this bright performance is soured by Oxford scoring a shock
    late winner at Sunderland to move out of the relegation zone.  West
    Brom take their place instead.  The Hatters actually moved up a place
    on the strength of this point gained, going ahead of the auld' enemy
    Watford on goal difference.  One further bright part of last night'
    action is that Barnsley are back in the relegation picture after being
    hammered 5-0 at Middlesborough.  This is roughly the position now at
    the bottom of Division 1
    
    			Pl  Po
    	Barnsley	42  49
    	Luton		42  48
    	Watford		44  48
    	Oxford		44  46
    -----------------------------
    	West Brom	42  45
    	Birmingham	43  44
    	Peterborough	44  37	(Relegated)
    
    Fancy Oxford Utd to go down along with Watford/West Brom.  I reckon
    Birmingham City could just about stay up.  Saturday's results will be
    crucial.  The only ones I know are:
    
    		Luton v Southend
    		Bolton v Birmingham
    
    Will update other fixtures tomorrow.
    
    So there ye have it.  Not a great night for Luton because of Oxford's
    win but then again, not a bad one either.  Should beat Southend on
    Saturday and can then start rebuilding for next season.  If we can hang
    on to our team this year we will be one of the strongest teams in the
    league next year and should be looking for promotion.
    
    We are the Town! We are the Town!
    
    Cheers,
    
    Billy
    

>    on the strength of this point gained, going ahead of the auld' enemy
>    Watford on goal difference.  
    
    I think you'll find the 1st division works on goals scored not goal
    difference. You're still below us.
    
    Dave.

    
    No, it doesn't.  The Premier league operates on goals scored but the
    rest of the English League goes on goal difference.
    
    You just can't keep a great team down!!!
    
    Billy

    Billy,
    
    Wasn't last year's promotion from 1st division decided on goals scored?
    I go for -2.
    
    peter

    Every newspaper I've seen this season has had the teams ranked by goals
    scored. Handy for the Hornets, as we've let in more goals than any
    other team.
    
    You'll need an extra point to finish above us.
    
    Dave.

    Yes, goals *scored* in Div 1, goal *difference* in Premier. At least
    that's what it was last year. Goals scored is a pretty stupid way of
    seperating teams in my opinion. Hhmmmmm, on second thoughts Arsenal don't
    score that many goals.....
    
    Paul

                      <<< Note 56.188 by ESSB::BMCMAHON >>>
                               -< No way Jose!! >-

>   No, it doesn't.  The Premier league operates on goals scored but the
>   rest of the English League goes on goal difference.
    

    I think you'll find that Dave Yeomans is correct... its goals scored.

    Stuart

     <<< Note 56.192 by YUPPY::PANES "Its national cake awareness week" >>>
                           -< I could be wrong.... >-
    
    ....but you aren't. Ask any Portsmouth fan. They failed to get promoted
    to the Premier last year because West Ham had scored one more goal than
    them.
    
    Rob
    
    

    I think it was Clive Allen who got the goal that put West Ham up??
    
    Rick.

    Okay, sorry folks.  I guess I'm forced to back down by public demand. 
    I thought that was one thing we had in our favour this year!!
    
    Sorry Hornets (and others)
    
    Yours in tears
    
    Billy

    
    Saturday fixtures
    --------------------
    
    Barnsley  v Wolves
    Bolton    v Birmingham
    Derby     v Oxford
    Luton     v Southend
    Watford   v Portsmouth
    West Brom v Grimsby
    
    
    Important day for all.  Can anyone give me the fixtures involving these
    teams for the final day of the season?
    
    Good win for Birmingham last night.  Looks like they'll stay up.
    
    Billy

    Well, Watford have an easy away match at Palace.
    
    Dave.

    Don't fancy your chances there, Dave.
    
    Billy

    Last Day Fixtures
    -----------------
    
    Bolton     v Barnsley
    Palace     v Watford
    Oxford     v Notts Co
    Portsmouth v West Brom
    Stoke      v Luton
    Tranmere   v Birmingham
    
    Rob

    Cheers, Rob
    
    Billy

    
    Luton     1-1     Southend
    Hartson 80	      Otto 58
    
    A crucial late equaliser by John Hartson prevents Luton dropping into the
    bottom 3.  Southend missed a good few chances before Otto eventually
    put them in front.  After that it was all Luton and the point gained
    was well deserved in the end, although the equaliser was a
    controversial one with Southend claiming that Hartson's header had not
    crossed the line.
    
    With West Brom winning and Birmingham drawing, a home defeat would have
    been a disaster.  Well done to Watford (1-0 v Portsmouth) and Barnsley
    (2-0 v Wolves) for securing their First Division futures.  Oxford look
    doomed at this stage after losing 2-1 at Derby (well done Mark
    Pembridge!)
    
    The rosary beads will be broken out tonight (this occurs around this
    time every year!) as we face West Brom at home.  This is a game we dare
    not lose.  One win is all we need to be sure and I think it should come
    tonight.  We also play Bolton away on Thursday night and then Stoke
    away on Saturday.  Hopefully we'll do the business tonight.  Here's how
    the table stands.
    
    				Pl	Po
    		Luton   	43	49
    		West Brom	44	48
    		-------------------------------
    		Birmingham	45	48
    		Oxford		45	46
    		Peterborough	45	37	(Relegated)
    
    
    Come on you 'atters!
    
    Billy   

    
    Luton	3-2	West Brom 
    Preece  36 		Taylor  46
    James   59          Someone 72
    Hartson 71
                        
    Safe at last after an amazing game at Kenilworth Road.  2 sendings off,
    both 'keepers taken off with head injuries and 5 goals.  David Preece
    put us in front with a 20 yarder near the end of a half we dominated.  
    Just after the restart however Bob Taylor dribbled around our whole
    team to make it 1-1.  Julian James put us back in front on the hour
    with a fine header from yet another corner.  Hartson extended our
    advantage soon after, but West Brom pulled one back a minute later. 
    This set up a tense finish with the ref playing 9 minutes of injury
    time.  The occasion got to Mitchell Thomas and Gary Strodder who ended
    up having an oul' dig-up on the field and both were sent off 8 minutes
    into injury time.  God bless West Brom's chairman who is to lodge an
    official protest to the FA claiming our pitch was over-watered.  I
    dunno, clutching at straws like that won't keep Albion up.
    
    So a great night for the Hatters who now move above our "close friends"
    Watford (on points not goal difference, Dave!).  Still fancy Birmingham
    to nick a point off Tranmere to stay up, West Brom to go down with
    Oxford Utd.  Well done lads, we can now have a leisurely kick-about on
    the last day of the season for the first time since 1987!
    
    Hats off to the lads
    
    Billy
    
       

    Well, looks like we'll have to cancel our 'Luton going down' party for
    the 5th time in 6 years. Still, if Luton don't win their game in hand,
    it'll give us something to play for against Palace.
    
    Dave.

       
Billy,

     I didnt get any results last night but on arrival at work this

     morning i knew that the Hatters had done the biz last night

     because Billy was sporting his Luton Town jersey, which we hadnt

     seen for a while actually not since the F.A cup semi final..

                               Well done Luton.........

                                                        Tony.

    
    You mean.......gasp ......you actually wanted us to go down, Dave??
    
    Billy 
    
    Cheers, Tony

    What, and miss the good natured rivalry when we play each other next
    season? I should say so.
    
    Dave.

    
    2 away games completed a poor league season for the Hatters.  The first
    came at Bolton where having led thanks to a Ceri Hughes goal, the 10
    men finally succumbed to 2 goals in the final 7 minutes.  Lots of
    scouts present to watch John Hartson who duly obliged by elbowing a lad
    in the gob to get sent off.  Nice one Johnny, maybe this means you'll
    remain a Hatter and pick up a 1st division winners medal next May!
    
    On the last day of the season, Stoke City led 2-0 at half time but
    Oakes pulled one back soon after.  Paul Telfer gave us a share of the
    spoils with a penalty late on.  Stoke had a man sent off, "Don't know
    how, Don't know when".
    
    So we finish 20th in Division 1, only 40 teams between us and Man Utd.  
    Thoughts for next season?  I reckon we will have one of the strongest
    teams in the Division.  Of the relegated clubs, only Swindon will pose
    a threat as the other two are used to struggling and will continue to
    do just that in their new home (exactly as happened us for the last 2
    seasons).  Don't know whether Pleat will remain as boss.  His hands are
    tied anyway and maybe it's time for a change.
    
    Whoever is in charge will be left with a very promising group of young
    players.  PLEASE, PLEASE DON'T SELL THEM!  We will go up next year, no
    doubt if we can hang on to the boys.  
    
    Look out Man.Utd in 95/96!!
    
    Cheers
    
    Billy 
    
     

    
    Things are looking up, my friends.  We bought a player!!  The first
    since Noah was but a nipper!!  His name is John Naylor and we paid
    200,000 pds to Crewe for him.  According to The Sun, his goals gained
    Crewe promotion and The Sun never lies.  An inspired purchase by
    Pleaty.  Hope this means that good ol'Kerry "Crap" Dixon is finally 
    on his way to Accrington Stanley.
    
    Premier League, here we come.
    
    Rgds
    
    Billy

    I have only just found this conference so thought I'd put in an 
    appearance.
    
    I'm a long suffering Hatters fan (since 1971) and seeing as I work in 
    Warrington these days I don't get to see them too often!
    
    I'm next seeing them at Burnley on 21 March.
    
    Anyone seen them play in the last 3 months, if so what were they like?
    
    Looks like our first season without a relegation battle in 7 years, 
    don't think I can stand the lack of suspense!
    
    How come Kerry Dixon is still playing?
    
    Guy

    > Well a whole topic just to myself!
    
    Be careful, Malc will probably being popping in soon to give us the
    Bristol City view shortly....
    
    Stuart

212

...sorry, this *is* the Bristol City topic, isn't it?

    	Good grief, what have I done to deserve this notoriety ?
    
    > Malc will probably being popping in soon to give us the Bristol City view

    	Well I wasn't going to, but as you can see I'm very easily provoked.
    To be honest I have no opinion on Luton Town whatsoever but as I said
    somewere else that's never stopped me in the past. Err, they've never
    been the same since that Eric Morecambe chappie stopped giving them a
    mention every week on the telly ...

    Matt
    
    	Keep taking the tablets.
    
    Stuart

    	Get back to 46 and bore us all rigid with a blow by blow account of
    all the Arsenal goals on Saturday. I believe there was a brand new song
    at Highbury (altogether now) :

    	"5 - 1 to the Arsenal,
    	 5 - 1 to the Arsenal,
    	 5 - 1 to the Arsenal,
    	 5 - 1 to the Arsenal.... " etc

    Good words eh ? Will it catch on as much as "1 - 0 to the Arsenal" or
    "We're shxt and we're going down" ?

    Malc$with_smiley_things.

Doesn't "TV's Nick Owen" support Luton Town?


Matt$Enforced_Good_Morning_viewer_for_the_last_2_years.

    Malc, 
    
    I would love to bore you to tears with a description of the goals from
    Arsenal on saturday but I didn't go - I visited Elm Park and watched a
    reasonably unexciting "Local Derby". 
    
    > Good grief, what have I done to deserve this notoriety ?
    
    That, with all due respect, (smiley things abound) is a daft question.
    One could suggest the Bristol City note as a prime example,
    particularly in the run up to Xmas. 
    
    Stuart

    Stuart

    > One could suggest the Bristol City note as a prime example
    > particularly in the run up to Xmas
    
    	Now hang on, isn't this a pot/kettle/blackness/hue type situation ?
    I am familiar with the situation to which you refer, and I can recall
    not being the only one involved in the aforementioned incident.

    	Be fair Stuart. Bristol City may well be a frivolous subject as
    far as I am concerned but I don't drag them into other subjects just for
    the hell of it (except Southend Utd and there's a very good reason for
    that). However I will admit to being the instigator of the momentous
    Wacky Races debate, chronicler of the Highland League, gossiper of the
    Celtic and Aberdeen notes, and all round chipper inner. And disher out
    of gratuitous abuse.

    	See that Glenn Helder.

    	He's got your favourite haircut he has.

    Malc$I_must_work_out_how_to_do_these_smileys_some_day.

    Malc,
    
    The only way I'm jealous of Glenn Helders haircut is the amount of hair
    8^(
    
    Anyway, are you seriously insinuating that I would enter frivolous
    notes? 
    
    Stuart

    So I don't have this all to myself; however, I'm certainly the only
    person in here interested in Luton Town!
    
    What's the crack with Bristol City?
    
    Who is "TVs Nick Owen"?
    
    Perhaps someone might let me know, until then I shall continue to
    rejoice in our dreadful end of season form (we only sing when we're
    losing, which is every week!) and the miracle of us not having to win
    on the final day of the season to stay up!
    
    Can't wait to see us at St.Andrews next season!
    
    
    Guy

    answer me this...did a player called gerry dignam play for luton town
    in the sixties?   A childhood story I need clarification on
    
    thanks
    barry

    Well, back in the office and time to clebrate our first win under
    Lennie Lawrence; a 3-1 stuffing of the mighty (!) Southend United. This
    hot on the heels of our stunning display at Grimsby Town, how we held
    them to 1-7 will become the stuff of legends (good job we didn't draw
    Gravesend and Northfleet, :)).
    
    Now to follow thgis up with an away point. I can dream!
    

    Will it ever end!
    
    Eight league games unbeaten! First time since 85-86 season, if memory
    serves me correctly!
    
    Lennie Lawrence is footballing genius, see my previous notes.
    
    Am I the saddest noter in this conference? Probably, but I don't care,
    even the high flying Derby struggled to hold as 1-1 at the Baseball
    Ground. Premiership here we come!
    
    Well I've got my ticket for the Watford show down on 20 April.
    Prediction, we win 11-0, gain promotion by comming second with 71
    points (lowest ever total for team going up with 3 points for a win),
    Watford are relegated, with Graham Taylor and Elton John driven from
    public life, for ever (Hurrah!). Sorry for this petty piece of locally
    rivalry, but, I'm sure Watford feel the same way!
    
    Onwards and Upwards

    
    RE: Will it ever end! (sic)
    
    
    Yes.
    
    
    

    Guy,
    Ref -  Will it ever end! - Yes it will, as my learned Reading colleague
    predicted yesterday. Thanks for the three points from all the Reading
    fans. (well me and Jeff anyway)
    
    			Stretch.

    Stretch,
    
    Nice that we could have been of service! I must admit that if I could
    choose Reading wouldn't go down unless it was the only way we could
    stay up! It does seem a bit cruel that Reading who should be in the
    Premier (I hate the playoffs, Reading should have been promoted), have
    been penalised by securing too many draws this season and find
    themselves in the relegation area!
    
    Well, haven't things changed since my last entry!?! From storming up
    the table (5 wins and 3 draws), we went for a suicidal collapse to
    Watford's level (2 draws and 5 losses). However, my leaving the country
    to do some work in Ireland had the desired effect and we bounced back
    with a startling 2-0 win at the Baggies! 
    
    Grant looks like a really good buy (2 goals in 2 games from midfield),
    he could be our top scorer by the end of the season (34 goals from 38
    games - its pathetic!), especially as Dwight Marshall will not return
    until next year!
    
    Seeing as my last lot of predictions were so wrong, I can only hope
    that what I now expect to happen proves as equally badly judged. I
    certainly expect to be watching 2 (3rd really) Division football next
    season. At least that mean a few more away games I can make!
    
    Guy
    

    So Easter has come and gone and we have conspired to virtually ensure
    3rd Division football next season.
    
    I was at Charlton on Good Friday and despite Charlton having more
    possession and chances we threw away a win. First 20 minutes of the
    second half we should have built up a sizeable advantage, but it wasn't
    to be.
    
    Last night the real killer, I wasn't there, but the details are far to
    familiar. 1-0 up with 4 minutes to play, lose 2-1! What I find
    difficult to take is that over the last ten years this has happened to
    us so often, this season alone we've lost eleven games with goals
    conceeded in the last 15 minutes! Apparently we should have won by
    miles, missed loads of chances and then (surprise, surprise!) froze for
    the last 5 minutes. No points and certain relegation.
    
    At least we should still beat Watford :)
    
    

    Luton 0 Watford 0
    
    Well both teams seem certain for relegation if this dire match was
    anything to go on.
    
    Luton as usual played neat passing football up to the last third of the
    field where they began to look completely lost. The defense was stable
    and untroubled apart from a couple of dire self-inflicted moments of
    panic by Marvin Johnson (still passing to Devon White when he's 6 yards
    out doesn't really count as dangerous!). Watford were really dreadful,
    not a single decent move all game and their only two shots on target
    were hit after the referee had blown for a fowl.
    
    Kim Grant missed two open goals, one a 40 yard chip after the Watford
    goalie had made an awful mess of a back pass (unfortunately it sailed a
    foot over!), and another into the side netting having rounded the
    goalkeeper. Guenchev also went close with a free kick!
    
    The bottom line is that Watford were so bad (really, really bad) that
    if we couldn't beat them, we'll struggle to beat anyone. Relegation for
    both these sides next season as well!
    
    

    Guy,
    >>were hit after the referee had blown for a fowl.
                                                 ^^^^^
    "Ain't nobody here but us chickens"
    
    
    Watford have scored nine goals in two games so perhaps your defence
    was better than their attacking!
    
    
    			Stretch.

    Well another season of disappointment beckons.
    
    Starting off with top performance at St.Albans City, where we were
    stuffed 2-3!?! Expect relegation to be confirmed by Christmas.
    
    I expect to get a game for the Hatters each time I turn up this season
    as I don't think we've got a playing staff left!
    
    At least we seem to be rid of Scott Oakes (his dad was in Showaddywaddy
    ya know) to the Kerb Crawler, after last seasons display this is a
    bonus.
    
    Oh well, South Bedfordshire Amateur Alliance here we come.
    
    Guy :-(

    
    But we beat West Ham 4-1 last night in the Julian James Testimonial, so
    things are looking up. Goals from Guentchez, Taylor, James & Grant.
    
    Gary
    

    Four goals in one match! This is more than we'll probably score all
    season :-(, but still what a result :-)
    
    Julian even getting on the score sheet! Like to see that happen a few
    other times this year!
    
    Roll on the Burnley game!
    
    Guy

    2 bloody 1!
    
    We really are the Barstoneworth United of the Football League :-(
    
    Relegation again beckons.
    
    I despair 
    
    Guy
    

    Amazing. 10 man Luton crush hapless Pirates!
    
    Luckily the bribe to the referee worked and Ginger Waddock was off
    after 35 minutes. 3 goals in 10 minutes after half time put the huge
    home crowd (2,600 at least 10 of whom support the Hatters) into
    raptures!
    
    Pity this is a game that doesn't matter and we'll get annihilated in
    the second leg, oh well an improvement from Saturday.
    
    Guy

    Brentford 3 Hatters 2 
    
    Bristol City 5 Hatters 0
    
    Words fail me.
    
    I hate football.

    Luton 1 Rotherham U 0
    
    Thomas 58 mins
    
    Now for the Pirates in the return leg of the League Cup!

    Notts County 1 Luton Town 2
    
    Richardson 62  Hughes 66
                   Alexander 88
    
    My first ever visit to Meadow Lane will be memorable for a lot of
    reasons, although few relate to high quality football!
    
    It was a cold, overcast afternoon with a constant threat of rain;
    however, the playing conditions were good and the pitch retained its
    surface well throughout the match.
    
    Both sides went into the game needing points, County in their
    relegation battle and ourselves trying to put behind us the post winter
    freeze layoff dissapointments. 
    
    Turning up at a quarter to three, I was amazed to see queues of Luton
    fans going into the Visitors end, where you could pay on the door! So
    for the first time in many seasons I actually got in to the "right" end
    at an away match. I think there were about 1,750 travelling supporters,
    an excellent turnout, and we totally dominated the atmosphere in the
    ground (total attendance 5,025). The only dissapointment here was the
    lack of programmes, a shame, as County have a very reasonable setup
    with good views from the stands (even the away end !) and a welcomming
    atmosphere (police presence was restrained).
    
    The game kicked off and we immediately started pressurising the home
    side. 4 corners followed the last of which resulted in Ceri Hughes
    blasting the ball at goal only to have a defender block the shot with
    both hands. Although at the far end from where I was seated, this
    looked one of the most blantant penalties I have ever seen. Bizarely,
    the referee waved our appeals away. This was the start of the most
    consistantly awful refereeing display I have ever seen. The man could
    have been wearing a Watford rosette, he certainly seemed to be hell
    bent on descriminating against the Hatters at every possible juncture.
    
    After the penalty decision, Luton continued to press without creating a
    clear chances and eventually the game started to flow into our half. It
    became abundantly clear that the long break since Boxing Day has
    undermined any confidence and communication in our defence. Throughout
    the game the Luton back four, despite Steve Davis' efforts were
    constantly unable to pick up the Notts County forwards (especially
    their number 10 who must have thought it was his birthday, not picked
    up once in 90 minutes!) and any wide ball seemed to throw us into
    confusion.
    
    Julian James was constantly exposed at right back, spending the game
    giving acres of space to the Notts Co no.3 moving up the left wing.
    However, the situation wasnt helped on about 25 minutes when Julian got
    to a ball first and kicked  it out for a corner their No.3 proceeded to
    dive theatrically and writhe around in agony, despite the fact Julian
    hadn't touched him. Needless to say the sainted official some 50 yards
    to the rear of the incident booked Julian!
    
    As the half went on we looked more and more out of sorts and Notts
    County were given a lot of possesion; however, they failed to make much
    of it, a couple of long range shots and a header just over the bar. 
    
    Eventually we got on the attack again, Ceri Hughes forcing a good save
    from their keeper with a free-kick some 25 yards out going for the top
    right hand corner. Then Des Linton, with what looked like an attempted
    cross, hit the cross bar and things began to look more hopeful.
    However, an horrendous mix up in defence presented the easiest scoring
    chance I've ever seen to the Notts Co No.9, an attempted clearance from
    Marvin Johnson rebounded to him on the edge of the penalty area, centre
    of the goal. Not a Luton player within 10 yards of him. Thankfully the
    lad seemed so shocked by the proximity of the strange white round thing
    that he delicatedly rolled it into the arms of the approaching Ian
    Freur.
    
    The end of the half saw us walk off to a chorus of boos, we had been
    dreadful. Graham Alexander, stupidly booked before half time for
    desent, after another diabolical decision, generally summed things up.
    
    The second half started with Luton once again exercising some pressure,
    forcing corners and pinning County back, but we created very little.
    Des Linton was booked for an innoculous challenge on the half way line,
    another bizare decision greeted with disbelief. Eventually the
    inevitable happened a huge punt out of defence was headed backed across
    the penalty are by Mitchell Thomas and Richardson the Notts Co No.11
    got to it first. He rounded Ian Freur, but had been pushed well wide;
    however, he kept his composure and sloted the ball home form a very
    narrow angle. It was no more than we deserved.
    
    Conceeding the goal resulted in two strange things, one the referee
    actually stopped being completely biased and two Luton actually started
    to show some passion! Within 5 minutes we were level. Once again a
    directionless attack had been beaten out and the ball came to Ceri
    Hughes who attempted to lash the ball in from 25 yards. Although he got
    the direction right, the speed and power were lacking. However, the
    ball evaded all the defenders and bounced gently a couple of times
    infront of the County goalkeeper, who courageously threw himself under
    the third bounce and saw the ball trickle over the line (I can only
    assume that a cheque is in the post!). This was a save even I'd have
    made!
    
    With that County's resolve seemed to go and despite the fact that we
    still played like 11 strangers, we were in charge from now on. Lennie
    Lawrence took Des Linton off and introduced to Dwight Marshall, who as
    usual made an impact, finally giving Tony Thorpe some support up front.
    Tony had had a very frustrating game, no service and no support and not
    a single chance comming his way. However, with Dwight on the defence
    cracking a good lob from David Oldfield allowed Tony to break away
    from the defenders and bear down on the goalkeeper, the shot beat him
    on his right hand side but flashed just wide of the post. Lennie
    Lawrence's response was to immediately replace him with Kim Grant!
    
    After numerous more bouts of huffing and puffing in a packed County
    area, nothing more seemed likely to come from the match. However, the
    ball eventually flew out to Graham Alexander on the edge of the box and
    he drilled a superb volley into the bottom right hand corner of the
    net. The Luton end erupted, a moment of pure class from a player whose
    comittment for the club more than compensates for anything he lacks in
    the class. The look on his face when he scored was worth the entrance
    money alone!
    
    Time for a restart a bit of a flurry from Notts County, then the four
    minutes of injury time played out in the Notts County half as we
    searched for the killer third.
    
    The final whistle was very welcome and three points were gratefully
    rceived; however, this performance was as poor as anyhting I've seen in
    the last two years and we will not even make the play-offs on this sort
    of form. We weren't just lucky, we got away with daylight robbery.
    Any team with any confidence or ability would have beaten us badly
    today (Bolton would have probably got double figures this time round!).
    We were lucky that Notts County are a very poor team, on this form
    they're already relegated, and were completely unable to take advantage
    of our limitations.
    
    As for Luton. Well, we seem to have 3 class players, Steve Davis, Tony
    Thorpe and Dwight Marshall. I'd like to know why Dwight was a
    substitute and Tony was taken off near the end! The defence had a
    terrible game (apart from Steve Davis) and our mid-field, apart from
    Graham Alexander's tenacity was non-existant. Buncho Guenchev, played
    the whole game on the left wing and looked completely estranged from
    the rest of the team, I cannot believe this man has played in World Cup
    semi-finals, he had a stinker! Earlier this season I wrote how I
    couldn't understand why he wasn't being played, now I know!
    
    All in all an interesting and unforgettable day out. Look forward to
    seeing Graham Alexanders shot on Granda Goals Extra.
    
    Guy

    Well another entry into the vacuum that is the Luton Town note!
    
    Last night we recorded yet another drawn, this time in incredibly heavy
    fog at Chesterfield. Tony Thorpe again scoring (once again from the
    penalty spot). Compaired to Saturday's result at York this wasn't too
    bad, but imagine Chesterfield are more concerned with the FA Cup
    quarter final and their fracas against Plymouth last week, so it was
    really 2 points dropped!
    
    Somehow we remain in second place (automatic promotion); however,
    current form doesn't suggest that we'll maintain this. I've got my
    tickets for Saturday's 6 pointer against Millwall and I've got to say
    that I feel less than confident that we'll get a result. At least
    Peterborough did the football world a huge favour and turned over
    Hertfordshire's finest last night (Yippee!).
    
    We've been so lucky all season I really can't see it lasting. We've had
    more peanalties this year than I think we've had in the previous 10
    seasons (and magic Tony Thorpe's scored the lot of them!), but our play
    has been poor and it amazes me that we've still only lost 7 times in
    the league this season.
    
    Well here's hoping for a repeat of the Crewe performance on Saturday.
    
    Guy

    Well back in the office at last!
    
    The Millwall game was a farce, the referee (Franklin from Cleveland)
    was the worst I've ever seen. Interestingly he is the same official
    that has been involved in the fracas at the Stoke vs Bradford game.
    Seems Lou Macari has the same opinion of this cretin as everyone
    watching the Luton/Millwall match would have done.
    
    Basically referee sends off Julian James for two non-fouls after 20
    minutes and then proceeds to "play" for Millwall for the rest of the
    game. Both Millwall's goals were a disgrace, the first a free kick
    which was legitimately charged down was then retaken (Gary Waddock was
    booked for heading the first one away!) the second after Dwight
    Marshall had been felled from behind in the Millwall half, an obvious
    foul, Franklin allowed them to play on they go on to score, enough
    said.
    
    We hit the woodwork 5 times, they cleared off their line 4 times and
    their keeper made 2 excellent saves. We played them off the park even
    with 10 men against 12. Following the match I didn't feel down about
    our team, but I'd have happily lynched the referee.
    
    Needless to say our follow up performances haven't been to this
    standard.
    
    At Wrexham we were lucky to get away with a 1-2 defeat. Then a dull
    goaless draw at Crewe. Then back to winning ways (at last) with a 1-0
    win over then top placed Brentford, followed by our best win of the
    season, 2-0 at an inform Burnley. We were back on top of the table!
    
    It was too good to last! Last night we struggle against managerless
    Bristol City (at home :-(), and cam back from 2 down to secure a point,
    not promotion form, but with Stockport, Walsall and Chesterfield
    drawing and Burnley losing, it wasn't as bad a night as it could have
    been.
    
    We've still got Bury and Stockport at home, so we could still make it;
    however, the play-offs are looking increasingly likely and our form
    this year suggests we wouldn't get through these. Another season in
    Division 3 (sorry, 2) beckons.
    
    Guy

    Looks like we've blown it!
    
    Bury		40 73
    Hatters             40 69
    -------------------------
    Brentford           40 68
    Stockport           38 66
    Crewe               40 65
    Burnley             40 63
    -------------------------
    W*tf*rd             39 62
    lots of others...
    
    Still, at least we didn't lose!

    
    Luton and Bury drew, Stockport won and Brentford lost. Bury and
    Stockport look good for the automatic places; Brentford have cocked it
    up a treat.
    
    
    j.                      

    Well not just Brentford, we have too!
    
    Those depressing scores in full.
    
    Blackpool 1 Brentford 0
    Luton Town 0 Bury 0
    Stockport Co 2 York C 1
    Wrexham 1 Crewe 1
    
    So the table looks like...
    
    Bury		44 80
    Stockport Co        43 75
    -------------------------
    Luton Town		44 74
    Brentford		44 74
    Crewe Alex		44 72
    Bristol City	43 67
    -------------------------
    Watford		43 66
    Wrexham		44 67
    
    The end result is that barring a miracle Bury and Stockport are up.
    Congratulations to both sides, Stockport in particular have deserved
    this success, with league performances worthy of higher division for at
    least the past 5 seasons. Bury, well home form is exceptional; however,
    all the reports I've seen doesn't suggest a particularly able side.
    We'll see how they do next year.
    
    As for the play-offs, its looking like the two chokers (ourselves and
    Brentford) then two of Crewe, Bristol City, Chesterfield, Wrexham,
    Blackpool, Walsall and the curse of W*tf*rd. I'll have Crewe and
    Walsall personally, but I fear it'll be Chesterfield and W*tf*rd.
    Whatever, I'd imagine the team who comes 6th will get the third
    promotion spot. Ban the play-offs, if we come 4th, 5th or 6th we don't
    deserve to get promoted. However, failing to beat Bury and Wycombe at
    home, losing after being in front at Walsall and consistantly playing
    Kim Grant and Buncho Guenchev probably means we don't deserve to go up
    as well!
    
    Tickets have been brought for May 3 show-down with the pride of
    Stockport, hopefully things won't be academic by then.
    
    Come on you hatters.
    
    Guy

    
    I saw Bury beat Brentford earlier this month, they won. Defensively
    they were solid, they had a midfield that could pass the ball and
    they had a decent attack. As I normally watch Premiership football,
    assessing their relative quality against other Div 2 teams is 
    difficult. However they certainly looked a better outfit than in previous
    seasons and they did beat the then league leaders without much drama.
    
    How they will get on next season is anyone's guess. Much depends on
    the gap between divisions 1 and 2.
    
    Richard.

    re -1
    
    >I saw Bury beat Brentford earlier this month, they won.
    
    erm....I've never seen a team beat another team....and lose !
    
    TeePee

> never seen a team beat another team....and lose !

well, Liverpool beat PSG 2-0 last night and still lost ;)



Ian.

    Well, Bury might well loose in the long term after their victories this
    season. I've seen numerous reports of the 0-0 at Kennilworth Road and
    remembering that this Luton team currently challenging for promotion is
    virtually the same one tailed off in Division 1 the year before, then
    Bury being described as physical and long-ball against our powder-puff
    midfield and defence does not auger well for their first season in
    Division1. Expect instant and igdominius relegation. The same for us
    if we do get promoted!
    
    Well the weekend kept things just about alive. We managed an excellent
    win at Peterborough, young Fontiadis getting the winner. I'm glad he's
    made it to the first teams as he adds some much needed height and
    muscle to the front. Should hopefully combine well with Super Dwight
    and Tony Thorpe next season (if Tony is still around). Stockport kept
    up their advantage by easing past a Wycombe team who had nothing to
    play for. Chesterfield, thankfully for us, kept their play-off hopes
    alive by beating Crewe at Gresty Road. W*tf*rd, predictably, failed to
    do better against Bury than we had, another dour 0-0, with
    Hertfordshire's finest even conspiring to miss an 87th minute penalty!
    
    So Bury are up.
    
    If Stockport win at Chesterfield tonight, they will join them. A draw
    or defeat means everything goes down to nextSaturday's game at
    Kennilworth Road. Let's hope Chesterfield can produce some magic
    tonight. A thumping defeat might just put Stockport into the wrong
    frame of mind, well I can hope.
    
    Bury		45 81
    Stockport		44 78
    -------------------------
    Luton Town		45 77
    Brentford		45 74
    Crewe Alex		45 72
    Bristol City	44 70
    -------------------------
    Blackpool		45 69
    Watford		45 67
    Wrexham		45 66
    Walsall		44 66
    Chesterfield        43 65
    
    One last thing. I think that Stockport and Chesterfield have both
    proved how good football can be at this level this season, I'm proud
    that we looked better than Stockport at Edgely Park earlier this
    season. I think Stockport will do well in Division1 and even if we by a
    miracle get the automatic promotion slot, I hope they get through the
    play-offs.
    
    Guy

    Following Stockport's victory at Chesterfield on Monday evening,
    Saturday's match at Kennilworth Road had been reduced to a meaningless
    statistic. Thanks to the ludicrous play-off system, instead of a joint
    promotion celebration, we had to watch joyous County fans turn out to
    celebrate whereas we knew the only thing for us was to wait and see who
    we got in the end of season lottery.
    
    So expectations were low and a sense of total anti-climax seemed to
    have decended on both the Luton team and fans. A dull, lifeless and
    tedious game played out to Stockport's benefit was expected, how could
    I have been so wrong?
    
    A full Kennilworth Rd playing host to excellent travelling support from
    Stockport basked in warm May sunshine. All the noise was comming from
    the Stockport end as the game kicked off.
    
    For the first 20 minutes, my worst fears were confirmed. Luton played
    like 11 just defeated Tory election candidates, still dazed from the
    previous Thursday night. Stockport were rampant and looking to give
    their travelling support something more to cheer. Alan Armstrong
    repeatedly sprang our off-side trap and was several yards quicker than
    the UK's slowest defenders (yep, Mitchell Thomas and Marvin Johnson).
    The inevitable happened. In on Ian Freur in a one-to-one, Armstrong
    knocked the ball past Ian's right hand and then dived over the
    sprawling goalkeepers body, penalty. I was in the Oaks Stand, so
    couldn't see if any contact had been made. The referee (best I've seen
    all season and he barely qaulified as adequate) had no doubts and
    pointed to the spot. Ihave to say it looked like a dive, but I wasn't
    in the right place to see. One point here is that if it was a penalty
    in a one-on-one situation surely Ian Freur should have been sent off?
    
    The penalty was taken by Stockport's number 11 who lashed it into the
    bottom right habd corner just beating the diving Freur. Hatters 0
    Stockport 1. Then we started to play really badly!
    
    Twice Ian Freur made brilliant one-on-one saves from Armstrong (how
    many times this season has he done this!) and Brett Angel headed over a
    good chance from a corner, all of this without us even stringing a move
    together. 20 minutes gone and Stockport deserved to be 3 or 4 up, their
    fans were making loads of noise and we seemed completely shell shocked!
    
    Suddenly we seemed to come to life (probably Freur's second stunning
    save prompted the rest of the team to start playing) and Waddock and
    Alexander started to make some passes tell. McLarren playing in the
    role usually taken by ceri Hughes started to take charge of midfield
    and suddenly we were producing quality football. A wonderful move
    stretching from our own 18 yard area up to McLarren who pushed it left
    to Waddock who played a crossfield ball to the right wing for Richard
    Harvey (returning from very long term injury) to run on to. Harvey beat
    two players fot to the byline and pull back a stinging cross flying
    into the area about 2 foot off the ground. David Oldfield, flying into
    the 6 yard area beat the Goalkeeper and last defender to it. The ball
    missed the net by inches, would have been the best goal I've ever seen!
    Suddenly it wall all Luton. 
    
    Hitting the wood work from a corner and causing some rather niggardly
    tackling to creep into the Stockport play it was certain we'd get
    something soon. Eventually the cracks started to appear and after a
    good penalty appeal was turned down (their goalkeeper crushing McLarren
    after he'd tried to lob the ball in, no way should it have been a
    penalty but there were some worried faces at the Stockport end), Tony
    Fontiadis beat the offside trap from a through ball by Alexander and
    lashed the ball past the Stockport goalie from about 15 yards. 1-1.
    
    The rest of the first half was made up with Luton trying to get total
    control of the game, 3 bookings ensued (Waddock and Alexander for us
    and Stockport's no.7), but overall an excellent match was set for an
    exciting second half.
    
    At the restart we had made an inexplicable change, Harvey had been
    replaced by Kim Grant (groan), the lack of width in the seconf half was
    probably to be the real difference between a win and the eventual draw.
    Still Luton powered on. Steve Davis rising majestically above the
    Stockport defence clipped their crossbar with a header from a corner
    that would have been a mirror image of the goal he scored at Stockport
    earlier in the season. Young Fontiadis missed the only howler of the
    game when from another corner the ball ran lose to him unmarked and he
    lashed his shot well over from about 8 yards. Lennie's response was to
    substitute him with Dwight Marshall (another strange move, as Dwight,
    all 5'3'' of him, now had to be target man?!?). Stockport produced one
    good move and their only shot of the second half with a stinging volley
    hit straight a Freur who tipped it over for a corner. Stockport brought
    Ian Mutch on, but to no effect.
    
    From then on it was all Luton, with the Stockport goalkeeper giving a
    virtuoso performance. Graham Alexander, Dwight Marshall, McLarren and
    Kim Grant (yes, he had a shot on target!) all produces shots of great
    quality and accuracy, all were saved superbly. Time and again the
    Stockport defence kept the shots to outside the penalty area and
    although accurate and well directed finishes to moves, they were never
    able to better a goalkeeper at the top of his game. Stockport have only
    conceeded 3 goals from outside the penalty area in the league this
    season and I can see why.
    
    Well we threw everything at them but to no avail, Tony Thorpe might
    have made the difference along with some extra width. However, I'm not
    complaining the team played a blinder and I'm convinced that Stockport
    are a quality side, which means oyr second half performance looks
    good for the play-off fiasco. The other great thing was the noise of
    the crowd as both sets of supporters good naturedly goaded each other,
    the best being our "You all support Man Utd" which shut them up for a
    bit (well it would).
    
    So its Crewe next! Play like this and we'll get to Wembly. However,
    I've seen us play very well this season and not win to often to be
    truly hopeful, I think that Bristol City will go up, which yet again
    proves what a travesty this arrangement is.

    The TV clearly showed that Mr Armstrong dived over the great one.
    
    I've got my ticket for the home game against Crewe, but was too late
    for the game on Sunday.
    
    Wembley here we come (hopefully).
    
    Gary

What's this another Hatters fan willing to come forward!

Yes, it certainly looked like a dive to me and Armstrong's reaction to the 
Stockport crowd certainly came across as a "Yipee, I've conned the referee".

Oh well, I suppose we've had our share of luck this season.

Can't get into Crewe on Sunday and I'm hopping to win tickets for the home leg 
curteousy of Ceefax! If we get through I'll be on holiday when the play-off 
final happens :-(

Come on you Hatters

Guy

    Well what a surprise.
    
    Didn't think we'd ever get through the play-offs, but throwing away
    leads in both legs is particularly galling.
    
    I've always hated the play-offs and the injustice of being robbed in a
    lottery like this is pretty hard to take. Lets hope we keep the team
    together for next season and secure an automatic promotion place then.
    
    Somehow I can't see it happening, but we can live in hope!
    
    Guy