A monumental game between two Premier League relegation scrappers saw Luton Town strike late to draw Nottingham Forest 1-1 at Kenilworth Road on Saturday.
The Hatters went down on a Chris Wood goal but had a proper response to that through Luke Berry’s 90th-minute equalizer, grabbing a point on the heels of a blown 3-0 lead away to Bournemouth in a Wednesday.
WATCH LUTON TOWN vs NOTTINGHAM FOREST FULL MATCH REPLAY
Forest’s point keeps it three points ahead of 18th-place Luton, but the Tricky Trees are still awaiting a decision on a possible points deduction that may sink their points total into the bottom three.
Rob Edwards’ Hatters will be content with the response to going behind but ultimately wonder what could’ve been at home to their nearest rival.
Hatters not going away, but chances are
Luton Town is a feel-good story, fighting through a wild amount injuries for a first-year squad to stay within sight of safety.
But their scrappy points here and there — 4-4 at Newcastle, 1-1 at Palace, and now 1-1 versus Forest — need to be scrappy wins considering the schedule ahead of the Hatters.
It’s impossible not to admire the way the club has functioned since promotion, building up their ground and never conceding their Premier League status under Rob Edwards, but the remaining fixtures are troubling even with Nottingham Forest and Everton potentially losing points.
Trips to North London rivals Arsenal and Spurs are next, and Man City, Wolves, and West Ham away also remain on the docket. Visits from Bournemouth, Brentford, and Everton offer chances for points, but those will likely need to hold at least two wins to have the Hatters open for safety during a final day visit from Fulham.
Is it too late? Let’s hope not, cause the story’s been a good one so far.
What’s next?
The international break, then Luton go to Spurs a 11am ET Saturday, March 30. That’s the same time Forest host Crystal Palace.
How to watch Luton Town vs Nottingham Forest live, stream link and start time
Kick off: 11am ET Saturday
TV Channel: USA Network
Stream: Online via NBC.com
Luton vs Nottingham Forest live updates — By Nick Mendola
Luton vs Nottingham Forest final score: 1-1
Goals: Wood (34'), Berry (90')
Luton vs Nottingham Forest player ratings (fotmob.com)
Luton vs Nottingham Forest player ratings (fotmob.com)
Luton vs Nottingham Forest player ratings (fotmob.com)
Luke Berry ties it up!
Wow.
Luton subs
Cauley Woodrow came on at the break and now Andros Townsend has joined him at the hour mark.
Luton removed Pelly-Ruddock Mpanzu and assist leader Alfie Doughty. Formation switch, it seems.
Halftime — Luton 0-1 Nottingham Forest
Forest deserve to be in front, if just.
Luton’s had most of the ball but have only produced 0.12 xG off four shots.
Forest have their pretty goal and is out-attempting the Hatters 6-4 while compiling 1.01 xG.
Teden Mengi goal ruled out
Luton are level but no!
Teden Mengi is whistled for a handball before he taps home.
Forest let off.
Chris Wood puts Forest on top!
Morgan Gibbs-White gets a cut pass from Neco Williams and chops a cross to the back post.
Chris Wood doesn’t need the invitation and snaps the outside of his foot into the ball to defy Kaminski and open the scoring at Kenilworth Road.
Forest come within feet of goal
Divock Origi has Luton keeper Thomas Kaminski beaten but a desperate lunge by right center back Reece Burke keeps it scoreless!
By far the best chance of the game, but Forest cannot get the goal.
Lively start as three huge points can be won
Ross Barkley looks a man on fire and so does Ryan Yates, as these two fierce rivals are being fed by the Kenilworth Road crowd.
Lots on offer here.
Luton Town lineup
Kaminski, Kabore, Mpanzu, Mengi, Burke, Doughty, Barkley, Clark, Chong, Ogbene, Morris.
Nottingham Forest lineup
Sels, Williams, Sangare, Toffolo, Boly, Murrilo, Yates, Gibbs-White, Elanga, Origi, Wood.
Luton Town focus, team news
OUT: Jacob Brown (knee), Tom Lockyer (heart), Dan Potts (thigh), Marvelous Nakamba (knee), Mads Andersen (calf), Amari’i Bell (thigh), Joseph Johnson (illness) | QUESTIONABLE: Albert Sambi Lokonga (thigh), Gabriel Osho (knee), Elijah Adebayo (thigh), Tahith Chong (ribs)
Nottingham Forest focus, team news
OUT: Gonzalo Montiel (undisclosed), Nuno Tavares (undisclosed) | QUESTIONABLE: Gio Reyna (knock), Ola Aina (undisclosed)
