This lack of an ability to change things round at the last minute seems to be Steve Burrs Achilles heel and could be a defining reason for the rumoured unhappiness within the squad. There is also the strange substitutions being made when we're under the cosh, as seen at Grimsby and again yesterday, with midfielders coming on when a striker is needed and a defender left on the bench when it's obvious that a midfielder is struggling in a position that is un-natural to him.
As fans we just have to put these things to one side and follow the team to the best of our ability and get behind the lads, whoever they may be. Three's no where that's needed more than at Kenilworth Road tomorrow.
In recent weeks Luton have finally shown their true potential with a string of positive results under John Still. In previous seasons they have lacked a convincing consistency and with their fickle fans on the players and managements backs the exit door had been revolving continually with quality players coming in then being discarded a few months later a shell of their former selves. We have one here at Aggborough.
Now, at second place in the table and on the back of a fine win at Barnet yesterday, it's our turn to face them.
We should have Josh Gowling back alongside Chey Dunkley in defence after he missed the Hereford game due to suspension so that means that Mickey Demetriou should move back into his natural position an left back. Mickey seemed to cope pretty well as a temporary centre half yesterday so he may stay there and Josh will sit the game out on the bench. We have no other suspensions this week so that'll make a change although Amari Morgan-Smith has been on four for a while and a booking at Luton will see him miss our return game at Hereford on New Years Day.
Joe Lolley went off with a bit of cramp yesterday but should be ok to play but there didn't seem to be any other injury problems from the game. The only other news from the Harriers camp is the loaning of forgotten striker Nathan Blissett to local side Hednesford Town on a one month deal.
Lutons victory at Barnet kept them up in second place but it came at a massive cost with a broken leg for midfielder Jonathan Smith. He was tackled by Jon Nurse in a late challenge for which the Barnet man received a straight red card.
This morning they also released Arnaud Mendy from his contract after he failed to gain a starting place this season following his transfer from Macclesfield last season. He looks to be off to another club now.
As mentioned earlier Lutons season is all coming together now and they have been on a wonderful unbeaten run. Their last defeat in the League came at Wrexham back on a Friday the thirteenth in September but that didn't seem to have been a bad omen at the end of the day.
I fully expect Luton to be promoted this season but not at our expense tomorrow. I'm hoping against hope for a draw but I'm not very hopeful.
Teams:
Harriers from:
Lewis, N Vaughan, L Vaughan, Grimes, Dunkley, Demetriou, Brown, Gowling, Tolley, Storer, Fowler, Jackman, Lolley, Angus, Dance, Byrne, Johnson, Malbon, Morgan-Smith, Gittings, Gash.
Luton Town from:
Tyler, Justham, Fitzsimons, McNulty, Charles, Lawless, Taiwo, Shaw, Wall, Howells, Griffiths, Cullen, Parry, Ruddock, Davis, Viana, Guttridge, Whalley, Robinson, Mawson, Henry, Benson, Gray, Lacey, Longden, Banton, C Smith, Rees, Chabata.
Talk about the game here
Links to Luton Town websites here
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