George toasts win with a double and a Locke-in!
Oxford were brought back to earth after their surprise Worthington Cup victory at Everton. Manager
Malcolm Shotton said, "It was a case of 'after the Lord Mayor's Show'." He had watched with growing
anger as Oxford's defence stood around and Luton produced quick, incisive passing and snapped up
three first-half goals. Liam George helped himself to two, and the other was a clever 18-yard header by
Stuart Fraser courtesy of a blunder by Oxford's goalkeeper, Andre Arendse.

Shotton admitted he had a go at his players during the interval, and in the second half they defended
much further up the field, and almot produced a remarkable turnaround. Paul Powell scored a freak goal
with a long-range diagonal cross which looped over Luton goalkeeper Nathan Abbey after a deflection,
and bounced into the net off the inside of the post.

Six minutes later Luton bega to look nervous after they left Derek Lilley unmarked to head in a cross by
Jamie Cook. But Luton weathered the storm and in the closing minutes took charge again with Adam
Locke marking his home league debut for the Hatters with their decisive fourth goal, and Oxford had no
reply after that.

TEAMTALK

  Late fightback not enough
  Second-half goals from Paul Powell and substitute Derek Lilley in a second-half fightback were
  not enough in a 4-2 defeat at Luton Town.
  The U's went into the game buoyed by the superb Worthington Cup victory over Everton in
  midweek. But the Hatters were always going to provide difficult opposition for Malcolm Shotton's
  men.
  Liam George put the home side into the lead after 13 minutes. The 20-year-old hit a superb left
  foot effort which curled it's way past Arendse in the Oxford goal.
  Stuart Fraser put the home side further ahead after 21 minutes. Arendse attempted to punch clear
  a hopeful ball into the penalty area from Luton. But the ball fell to right-back Stuart Fraser who
  headed into the Oxford goal from 18 yards out.
  Malcolm Shotton faced an even more difficult half-time team talk when the Hatters went further
  ahead on the stroke of half-time. Although there was a suspicion of off-side, the referee waved
  play on and Liam George grapped his second goal of the match.
  It appeared there was no way back for United, but Malcolm Shotton reverted to a more
  conventional flat back four formation. This decision proved dividends as early as the 59th minute
  when Paul Powell grapped a goal back. Although the goal was a fortuitous effort, this would not
  have worried the Oxford travelling support.
  Substitute Derek Lilley, who had been on the field for only six minutes scored Oxford's second
  after 65 minutes. For the rest of the second period, the Oxford faithful were hoping for the
  astonishing comeback to be completed with a third goal.
  But unfortunately, a Locke effort after 88 minutes settled the home side's nerves and secured the
  points for Luton.

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